Site Area: Brownfield Site (Former shipbuilding site)
Scope of Works: Environmental Watching Brief, Site Investigation & Contaminated Land Assessment and Remediation
Background
The Kings Works site, historically associated with shipbuilding and heavy industry, was selected for the development of a regional Amazon distribution centre. As a large brownfield site with extensive industrial use, significant environmental risks were anticipated, including contaminated soils and unknown legacy underground infrastructure.
To ensure the site was safe for redevelopment, PWS was appointed to provide an environmental watching brief, undertaking investigations and overseeing the safe management of contaminated materials. Our role included monitoring groundwater behaviour during the construction phase and ensuring compliance throughout the term of the project.
Our Approach
PWS implemented a structured programme of site investigation, remediation, and environmental monitoring over the entire project period.
Key activities included:
- Site Investigation & Classification: Detailed testing assessment and classification of soils and materials to identify contamination types and inform remediation strategies.
- Contaminated Material Management: Safe excavation and handling of approximately 6,700m³ of contaminated material, including:
- Bitumen
- Tarmac
- Hydrocarbon-impacted soils
- Underground Storage Tanks: Supervised decommissioning and removal of several underground storage tanks (USTs), preventing long-term pollution risks.
- Groundwater Protection: Ongoing groundwater monitoring to ensure that contamination did not migrate or impact construction or operational safety.
- Environmental Oversight: Full-time environmental supervision to ensure compliance with regulations and minimise risk during construction.
Outcomes
- Successful Risk Management: All contaminated materials were safely managed, classified, and treated or disposed of in line with regulatory requirements.
- Controlled Costs: Careful segregation and classification minimised unnecessary disposal, ensuring cost-effective solutions for our client.
- Groundwater Integrity Maintained: Continuous monitoring confirmed that contamination was contained, ensuring no impact on sensitive receptors.
- Safe Development Platform: The site was handed over in a safe condition for the development of a major logistics hub, supporting local employment and economic growth.
Conclusion
The Kings Works Development is a strong example of PWS’s ability to manage complex brownfield remediation projects. By combining expert environmental oversight, careful management of contaminated materials, and robust groundwater protection, PWS ensured the successful transformation of a historically industrial site into a key asset for modern logistics.
