Contaminated soil following a hydraulic oil leak
They recently provided consulting services for a client’s new construction project in Elephant & Castle, London, and Normec DETS provided essential analytical testing services for soil suspected of being contaminated.
During the project, a mobile aerial work platform caused a hydraulic hose to rupture. This incident resulted in a significant spill of hydraulic fluid onto a prominent path made of expensive gravel. The path was a key feature of the new development. Albert Cole Consultants’ client was understandably concerned about the extent of the contamination. Therefore, it was necessary to confirm that the responsible third party had cleaned up the spill to an acceptable level. They also wanted to avoid costly delays and replacements that could affect the project’s completion deadline.
"Normec DETS is always ready to advise on the best and most cost-effective analyses for the project in question.
Albert Cole
Owner, Albert Cole Consultants
Thorough Testing for Contaminants
Normec DETS advised on the most appropriate test to help confirm that the spill had been cleaned up to a high standard. Following an evaluation, all parties agreed to conduct a full air-dried contamination suite, with an emphasis on hydrocarbon banding in the C16+ range. This rigorous testing approach was chosen to confirm that the gravel path was free of contamination. This “belt-and-braces” strategy ensured that no residual effects of the leak remained. It also ruled out any potential secondary contamination.
Robust Reports for Contaminated Soil
The contaminated soil analysis conducted by Normec DETS provided conclusive evidence that the hydraulic fluid leak had been cleaned up to a high standard. The results showed that the gravel path did not need to be replaced, as no residual contamination was detected. Furthermore, the tests confirmed the absence of other types of contamination, ensuring that the path was completely safe for future use. This result not only alleviated the client’s concerns but also prevented unnecessary additional costs and delays in the project’s completion.
Normec DETS’s expertise in geotechnical and contaminated soil analysis played a crucial role in resolving a potentially costly issue for the new residential development in Elephant & Castle. By providing thorough and reliable testing, we helped Albert Cole Consultants and their client maintain the project’s timelines and the quality of the development, ensuring a successful handover without further complications.
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