Problem

Our client Wales & West Utilities approached us with a problem.

They planned to carry out basic maintenance on a residential road in Barry when after the first inspection Asbestos was found just below the surface. There were multiple small excavations (typically digging a 1m2 hole or below) and this can create 0.6 cubic meters / 1.3 tonnes of spoil but more significantly, can be costly and a lengthy process to complete.

After collating a specialist team who were fully trained in handling asbestos and in the application of SMR binder, the team carried out the removal of large portions of contaminated material containing substantial amounts of asbestos from the ground, then correctly storing it before it was completely removed from site in a safe way.  The suitable material then needed to be backfilled and mixed with SMR Binder, as it may have been exposed to contaminates to ensure that any remaining contaminates present would be encapsulated.

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Solution

SMR has proven repeatedly that it can be used to encapsulate contaminants such as Heavy Metals, Asbestos, Coal Tar, Diesel, PAH and TPH in contaminated spoil. Wales & West Utilities decided to use SMR Binder as not only does it lock in any potential contaminates but it also can be mixed on location which results in a reduction of lorry movements and associated costs in addition to reducing carbon footprint. 

A single crew was used to complete all aspects of the project in a single day. Using Chapter 8 signage and guarding, they excavated and completed the repair; then added SMR and mixed into the existing spoil, then backfilled and compacted in layers transforming it into a structural material for reinstatement. They can also  reinstate the surface using a cold lay material before removing the barriers and departing.

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