Site Background & History
The former JCB Heavy Products Manufacturing Site was located at the southern end of Uttoxeter town centre and covers an area approximately 700m long east to west by 200m north to south. The main manufacturing area of the site was located to the west of Pinfold Street. This area of the site was previously occupied by the ‘Leighton Iron Works’ and a tannery. The eastern areas of the site were previously occupied by depots and railway sidings – the railway line runs along the southern boundary of the site.
The Picknal Brook flows through the site in an easterly direction.
The site is being redeveloped for a mixture of residential housing and open space following completion of the remediation and enabling works.
West of Pinfold Street
Elevated concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals were identified within both the soil and groundwater. The prime contaminants of concern were TPH and PAH – the maximum identified soil concentrations were 24,800 mg/kg and 575mg/kg respectively. The maximum identified groundwater concentrations were 1,200ug/l and 80ug/l respectively.
East of Pinfold Street
Elevated concentrations of TPH, PAH and heavy metals were identified within both the soil and groundwater. The prime contaminants of concern were TPH and PAH – the maximum identified soil concentrations were 1,500 mg/kg and 150mg/kg respectively. The maximum identified groundwater concentrations were 1,200ug/l and 0.5ug/l respectively.
Asbestos Contamination
Asbestos contamination was also identified on-site at certain locations. Two former machine pits had been infilled with asbestos containing materials – the ACM comprised of chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite forms of asbestos.
These works were considered Licenced / Notifiable following an assessment in accordance with CAR-SOL
Remediation Strategy
Following the completion of a remediation options appraisal and taking into account the project size, timeframes, affordability and remediation objectives (essentially to protect human health and groundwater / controlled water receptors i.e. the Picknal Brook) it was agreed with the client and the local authority to implement an integrated treatment approach comprising of combined source and pathway treatment, designed to provide a synergistic remediation solution for the site as whole. The source treatment was designed to protect both human health and groundwater and the pathway treatment was essentially designed to protect the Picknal Brook.
The source treatment involved the use of E-Clay Stabilisation and the pathway treatment involved the installation of a E-Clay Permeable Reactive Barrier System.
Conclusions
Envirotreat demonstrated that the remediation objectives for the site had been achieved through the submission and approval of a comprehensive Validation / Verification Report for the Site. The Environment Agency confirmed that the works had been undertaken satisfactorily through the formal planning process.
The remediation works enabled the relevant planning condition on land contamination to be discharged and the site can now be progressed in terms of the development objectives.
