Case Study: On-Site Testing.
Location: Imperial Dock, Leith.
Download: on-site-testing.pdf

Brief

IKM Consulting Ltd was appointed to conduct an environmental investigation at a former major fuel storage depot in Leith, Edinburgh. 

It was necessary to ascertain the extent of contamination, risks posed to the future residential development of the site, and the level of remediation required.

Solution

IKM made extensive use of on-site laboratory testing both during the site investigation and subsequent remediation.  The increased number of samples that were tested on-site reduced uncertainty across the site in comparison to laboratory based testing alone.

On-site testing provided analysis results quickly and incurred relatively low costs.  It can be used in conjunction with a traditional laboratory approach to augment a risk-based remediation strategy. Soils were accurately assessed as being suitable for on-site bioremediation or off site disposal.

Outcome

The on-site tests confirmed the source and extent of contamination, where laboratory tests had proved inconclusive, in particular, with respect to volatile organic compounds.  Flux boxes provided an accurate assessment of actual benzene levels at the surface.

These state-of-the-art techniques informed the risk assessment and enhanced the design of the remediation strategy, thereby allowing safe commercial redevelopment of the site as a pipe storage yard, and in the future as a residential area.

On-site testing contributed to this project being completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Only a very small percentage of the soils treated required off site disposal.