Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a variety of services to meet your needs, including environmental waste management consultancy, site investigations, assessments and remediation, soil stabilisation, groundwater engineering, invasive species removal, ground engineering, and bespoke construction services

With over 35 years of experience, we bring practical solutions that are designed just for you. We’re all about making sure your project stays safe, compliant, and on track from start to finish.

We work across the UK and Ireland, supporting businesses and projects in different industries.

Yes! We offer WAMITAB-accredited training to help your business stay up to date with waste regulations and environmental standards.

You can contact us at +44 (0)28 9086 0738 or email info@practicalwastesolutions.com, and we’ll discuss your project and next steps.

Our consultancy services cover a wide range of support, including planning permissions, waste management licensing, land contamination investigations, environmental impact studies, and renewable energy advice. We’re here to provide practical solutions tailored to your needs.

Yes, we assist with preparing and submitting planning applications and ensuring your project meets all local regulations. We also help address any challenges during the approval process.

Absolutely. We manage all phases of land investigation, from initial checks (Phase I) to detailed soil testing (Phase II) and full cleanup plans (Phase III). We ensure the land is safe and meets legal requirements.

We’ll review your project to see if it qualifies for an exemption. If it does, we handle the application process and guide you to stay compliant with regulations.

We work with a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and healthcare, providing tailored solutions for each sector’s unique needs.

Yes, we offer advice on renewable energy options like solar, wind, or waste-to-energy systems. We can help you make your projects eco-friendly and cost-effective.

The timeline depends on the scope of the project. Simple licensing tasks may take a few weeks, while larger investigations or studies could take longer. We’ll provide a clear timeline after reviewing your needs.

A contaminated or brownfield site is land that may have harmful substances in the soil or water due to past industrial, commercial, or waste activities. These sites need to be investigated and cleaned before they can be used again.

Site investigations identify potential risks such as soil contamination, groundwater pollution, or hazardous materials. They ensure the land is safe, meets legal requirements, and can be developed or reused.

Our investigation includes:

• Plans for cleanup and remediation if needed.
• Soil and groundwater testing.
• Risk assessments to measure contamination levels.
• Detailed reports on hazards and solutions.

We test for harmful substances like:

• Heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium).
• Oils, tars, and fuels.
• Asbestos.
• Chemicals and hazardous waste.

Yes. Contamination isn’t always visible. A site may appear clean but still have harmful substances underground or in groundwater that require testing.

The time depends on the size of the site and the level of contamination. Small investigations can take a few weeks, while larger or more complex sites may take longer.

If contamination is found, we’ll create a detailed remediation plan to clean and fix the site. We also provide all necessary reports to meet regulatory requirements.

Yes, we ensure your site meets all local and national environmental regulations. We also liaise with regulatory bodies on your behalf.

We provide site investigation services for a wide range of projects, including industrial redevelopment, urban projects, agricultural land, and environmental restoration.

Site assessment is the process of identifying environmental risks, such as soil contamination, groundwater pollution, or hazardous materials, on a property. This step helps determine the extent of any issues and the actions needed to resolve them.

Remediation is necessary to remove harmful substances from the land, ensuring it is safe for people, animals, and the environment. It also ensures the site complies with legal and environmental regulations.

Our assessment process includes:

• Soil and groundwater testing.
• Borehole surveys to check underground contamination.
• Evaluating contamination levels and risks.
• Providing detailed reports with recommended actions.

Remediation involves cleaning up contaminated land using proven methods. This may include:

• Removing hazardous materials from soil and water.
• Treating pollution to meet environmental standards.
• Restoring the site for safe and compliant use.

We handle a wide range of contaminants, including:

• Heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, arsenic).
• Oils, tars, and fuels.
• Asbestos.
• Hazardous chemicals and waste.

The timeline depends on the size of the site and the level of contamination. Some projects take a few weeks, while larger or more complex sites may require months.

Yes, we offer post-remediation compliance support. This includes monitoring soil and water quality, ensuring the site remains safe, and certifying it meets all legal requirements.

Anyone planning to use, sell, or develop land may need these services. This includes:

• Property developers.
• Industrial facility managers.
• Business owners.
• Residential property buyers.

Yes, we have extensive experience managing industrial contamination, including chemical spills, hazardous waste, and polluted groundwater.

Soil stabilisation is the process of improving the strength, stability, and load-bearing capacity of soil to make it suitable for construction, farming, or other uses. It often involves using chemical or mechanical methods to treat the soil.

Stabilising soil ensures a safe and strong foundation for construction projects, reduces soil erosion, and improves the overall quality of the ground. It also helps prevent structural problems caused by weak or shifting soil.

We use both:

Chemical stabilisation: Adding materials like lime or cement to strengthen the soil and reduce moisture.

Mechanical stabilisation: Compacting or reinforcing the soil to increase its stability and load-bearing capacity.

Yes, we conduct thorough soil testing and analysis to identify contamination, weak spots, or other issues before beginning stabilisation work. This ensures our solutions are tailored to your site’s specific needs.

Soil stabilisation is essential for:

• Construction sites (buildings and structures).
• Infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, railways).
• Agricultural land (improving soil quality for farming or restoration).

Yes, we provide ground improvement solutions for contaminated soil. Our techniques help stabilise inert soils and remediate contamination to make the site safe and usable.

The timeline depends on the size of the site and the level of work required. Small projects may take a few days, while larger or more complex sites may take weeks. We provide a clear schedule once we assess your site.

Hydrogeology is the study of underground water. It looks at how water moves through soil and rocks, how clean it is, and how it affects the environment.

Groundwater engineering is all about managing and protecting underground water. This includes fixing pollution problems, making water safe to use, and planning how to use water wisely.

It depends on the problem. Small issues might take a few weeks to fix, but bigger problems could take months.

• We test groundwater by:
• Using boreholes to collect water samples.
• Checking for harmful substances like oil, metals, and chemicals.
• Analysing the water to identify risks and problem areas.

Invasive species are plants that grow aggressively and spread quickly, often harming native plants, animals, and the environment. Examples include Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, and Giant Hogweed.

Invasive plants can:

• Damage buildings, walls, and drainage systems.
• Harm local ecosystems by outcompeting native plants.
• Lower the value of property or land.
• Lead to legal penalties if not properly managed.

We conduct a thorough inspection of your property to:

• Identify the types of invasive plants present.
• Map the extent of the infestation.
• Assess potential risks to your land or buildings.

Yes, but it requires expert methods. Our team creates custom plans to:

• Safely and effectively remove invasive plants.
• Prevent regrowth using proven techniques.
• Ensure the site remains invasive-free through monitoring.

The time depends on the type of plant and the size of the infestation. Some species, like Japanese Knotweed, may require several treatments over months or years to fully eradicate.

Yes, we ensure compliance with all environmental laws, including:

• The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
• Rules for soil removal and transport.
• Regulations for invasive species disposal, including Transfrontier Shipping (TFS).

DIY removal is not recommended for many invasive species because:

• Improper methods can make the problem worse by spreading seeds or roots.
• Some plants, like Giant Hogweed, can cause skin irritation or burns if handled incorrectly.
• Professional removal ensures compliance with legal requirements.

We provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up assessments to:

• Check for any regrowth.
• Ensure the site remains clear of invasive species.
• Help restore the area with native plants, if needed.

Ground engineering involves improving soil and ground conditions to ensure stability and safety for construction, infrastructure, or restoration projects.

We address issues like weak soil, contamination, erosion, and unstable slopes. Our solutions ensure your project is safe and compliant.

We test soil to understand its strength, composition, and any contamination risks, ensuring accurate solutions for your project.

We use techniques like retaining walls, soil compaction, and chemical treatments to strengthen slopes and prevent erosion.

Yes, we treat contaminated soil by removing hazardous materials and stabilising the ground to restore its health and usability.

The time depends on the project size and complexity. Simple assessments take a few days, while larger stabilisation projects may take weeks.

These are customised solutions designed to address specific challenges in construction projects, such as managing contaminated soil, stabilising ground, or ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

They ensure your project is safe, efficient, and compliant with industry standards, reducing risks like delays, legal issues, or environmental damage.

Yes, we handle contaminated soil and hazardous materials by assessing the site, creating treatment plans, and ensuring safe removal or stabilisation.

We ensure your project meets all relevant industry and environmental standards. This includes handling permits, waste disposal, and legal documentation.

We work closely with clients to understand their site’s unique challenges, conduct detailed assessments, and create tailored plans that meet specific needs and goals.

Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. Simple assessments may take days, while larger-scale projects can take weeks or months.

You can contact us at +44 (0)28 9086 0738 or email info@practicalwastesolutions.com, and we’ll discuss your project and next steps.

You can contact us directly at +44 (0)28 9086 0738 or email info@practicalwastesolutions.com. Our team will guide you through the process.

You can contact us at +44 (0)28 9086 0738 or email info@practicalwastesolutions.com, We’ll discuss your needs and guide you through the next steps.

You can contact us at +44 (0)28 9086 0738 or email info@practicalwastesolutions.com, We’ll discuss your needs and schedule a soil assessment.

You can contact us at +44 (0)28 9086 0738 or email info@practicalwastesolutions.com. We’ll discuss your needs and provide the best solution for your project.

You can contact us at +44 (0)28 9086 0738 or email info@practicalwastesolutions.com, We’ll assess your needs and recommend the best solution for your property.

You can contact us at +44 (0)28 9086 0738 or email info@practicalwastesolutions.com to discuss your project and schedule an assessment.

You can contact us at +44 (0)28 9086 0738 or email info@practicalwastesolutions.com to discuss your project and learn how we can help.