Discipline:
Site Investigation
Location:
Swansea
Client:
Andrew Scott Limited
Sector:
Commercial Redevelopment
Phase:
Single Phase
Size:
10,000m2
Background
The former Hafod Copperworks in Swansea is a derelict industrial site containing two former engine houses, a chimney structure and a locomotive shed. The proposed development involves restoring the two engine houses for commercial use and constructing a contemporary link building between them. Due to the site’s history and known contamination from metals and asbestos, T&P Regeneration was appointed to carry out a detailed ground investigation to support the proposed regeneration.
Objectives
The team were appointed to assess the ground, groundwater and ground gas conditions across the former copperworks site. Soil and groundwater samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory to identify the nature and extent of the contamination present and its likely implications with respect to redevelopment.
Scope of Works
T&P Regeneration carried out a comprehensive ground investigation comprising cable percussive drilling, trial pitting and dynamic windowless sampling drilling to assess the ground conditions across the site. Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in the three deep cable percussive boreholes to enable groundwater sampling from within the natural superficial geology. This was followed by six ground gas monitoring visits and three groundwater sampling visits using the low-flow sampling method.
Due to the presence of metals and asbestos, the investigation was undertaken using enhanced health and safety procedures, including specialist personal protective equipment. Our report included a review of the extensive historical ground investigation data to compile a conceptual site model, a summary of the ground conditions beneath the site, an environmental risk assessment and piling risk assessment.
Outcome
The investigation identified significant groundwater contamination which requires further investigation before the development can safely progress. Due to the requirement for piled foundations, a piling risk assessment was also carried out before the development could progress.
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