Knotweed Services was asked to provide a watch-and-brief for a dig-and-dump for the removal of Japanese Knotweed off-site. Before any work began, a toolbox talk was also given highlighting all relevant information regarding safety and appropriate handling of Japanese Knotweed plant and rhizome. Upon arrival, a visual survey was undertaken to locate the knotweed and determine the scale of the excavation site. Start and end points were marked, with the potential for the excavation radius to be increased should the rhizome be deeper or more widespread than initially observed.
The boot-wash station was set up just outside the excavation zone for all workers to clean their boots thoroughly with the brushes before exiting the excavation area. This ensures no rhizome fragments are transported off or around the site. It is imperative the boot wash station is used every time without fail as a measure of biosecurity.
The excavation was carried out by a 13-tonne excavator with a bucket attachment to dig and remove all located vegetation. The bucket was also used to break up any root balls pulled out from the surrounding vegetation to ensure there was no rhizome growing within the root systems. Any canes and rhizomes were removed prior to vegetation being removed from the site. Once the area was clear from vegetation, cane, and rhizome, the dig could begin.
A location was pre-determined on-site for ease of removal and clean-up, and for ease of access for the wagons to transport the contaminated spoil off-site. The bund was sealed by the excavator every night before leaving site to protect it from the elements, thus stopping the potential of rhizome spread. The area was tarmacked and therefore easy to clean, with no chance of the surrounding soils being contaminated.
An excavator with bucket attachments was used to remove soil from the excavation area and load it into the on-site dumper. A riddling bucket attachment was utilised when large concrete and debris were present within the area. These loads were then visually inspected to remove rhizome pieces by hand. All loads were riddled over the excavation area to prevent any contamination of surrounding soils. When the soil was clear of debris, the attachment was replaced with the grading bucket and the contaminated spoil then transferred into the dumper and then to the bunded spoil for removal off-site.
Upon completion of the excavation, all machines and attachments were cleaned over the bunded spoil. Spades were used to manually scrape contaminated soil from the machines and attachments. Additionally, a power washer was used to wash off any remaining contaminants. All removed material was taken off-site with the rest of the spoil. The removed spoil was taken to a licensed landfill containing Japanese Knotweed rhizome.
The client was pleased with the works that where completed within the timescale and budget. Great work team!
