Environmental Investigations

Gas and groundwater monitoring.

Dunelm also offer a wide variety of environmental services. Environmental assessments are often required by the Local Authority as part of obtaining planning permission. This process begins with a desk study where the site’s history is examined; many sites have had past industrial uses dating back to the 1850s or even earlier, and some of these uses may have contaminated the ground. The desk study also considers whether there are rivers or groundwater resources nearby that could be polluted by contamination in the ground.

Using the desk study information, an environmental investigation can be planned to determine the extent of any potential contamination using techniques such as trial pitting or drilling. Samples are recovered from the exploratory holes and submitted for chemical testing at an MCERTS-accredited laboratory.

Monitoring wells are often installed during the investigation to allow groundwater samples to be recovered. Current guidance also requires the monitoring of gases such as methane on many sites. Using gas data from the monitoring wells, details of suitable protection measures can be designed (such as gas membranes in the floor) for new developments.

Removal of former underground fuel tank.

All environmental investigations are carried out in accordance with current government guidance. Dunelm have investigated a wide variety of contaminated sites including coke works, gas works, colliery sites, landfills, petrol stations, timber treatment works, scrap yards, steel works and foundries.

Remediation & Validation

Dunelm also have staff available to supervise remediation projects where required and provide technical advice to the contractor undertaking the remediation works. As the work progresses, a Dunelm engineer would recover samples and produce records to ensure that the site can be validated on completion to the satisfaction of all parties.

With the ever-increasing costs of exporting material to landfill, and recent changes in waste regulation, it is more important than ever to minimise and separate wastes on site during remediation.  Dunelm can advise on the best way to keep costs to a minimum through planning and testing as the remediation works progress.