Size covered: 52 m2
BACKGROUND
Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd were contacted by Dunedin Sales & Lettings to organise a site survey on a development site in Halesowen. Our client informed us that the site had JKW present in 4 different zones covering approximately 50m2. Over the next coming years, the plan is to build 54 houses across the whole development site. The developer is aiming to continue with their schedule but with a slightly revised time plan now that a section of the land will need to be excavated due to the JKW.
SITE SURVEY, PREPARATION DAY & EXCAVATION
Following the Japanese knotweed survey that was conducted in February, it was recommended that all viable Japanese Knotweed material covering 52m2 was to be excavated and disposed off-site at a licensed landfill due to the developer wanting to re-develop. We informed our client that this would involve undertaking careful excavation of all affected areas using appropriate plant and operators. Upon completion of the excavation stage the site will immediately be covered by an insurance backed guarantee for 10 years.
We explained that the option of a 5yr treatment plan was not vialable and that it’s also advised by the environment agency to excavate the infestation so that the entire rhizome can be removed from the soil. I informed our client that during the development, the ground is likely to be disturbed during the construction/development which will disturb the rhizomes beneath the ground causing the infestation to spread and grow.
Once we identified the above ground Knotweed and the client was happy to proceed, we arranged a ‘preparation day’ where we attended to fence off the infested areas so that other site works could continue. We installed signage, marked the route where machinery was to follow in linesman paint, cut back all brambles to give clear access for all machinery and gave a briefing to all contractors on Japanese Knotweed. Areas covered included how to prevent it spreading and a health and safety brief.
On the day of the excavation:
- We set up a safe area with membrane/sheeting
- Liaised with the main contractor to assist/ oversee & supervise plant machinery & operatives for the X4 days to carry out full clearance of area
- Undertook operative checks
- Took down metal railings
- Supplied a 8t differ machine and operative
- Supplied a large dumper and operative
- Arranged 10 wagons to remove controlled waste
- Supplied and installed liner
- Removed all present JKW beneath the ground
Once we had swept the areas, left everywhere secure and locked up, we handed it back to our client who then began the backfill.
Knotweed Services will return in 6 weeks time to observe the area for any regrowth. The area will now undergo 2 years/ growing seasons of monitoring to ensure no re-growth occurs.
MAPPING
