PROJECT EXAMPLE: ENABLING CONSTRUCTION TO PROCEED AFTER HB REMOVAL
When the presence of an invasive species puts a delay on your construction project starting, getting the issue resolved quickly and efficiently is what you expect. Himalayan balsam is highly invasive, it will rapidly overtake large swathes of land. On this contract we oversaw works to clear the balsam so the planned works could proceed on a site cleared of invasive threat.
Project overview
We were contracted to provide a Site Supervision (Watching Brief) service to oversee the removal of Himalayan balsam (Hb) from a site where construction was planned. The construction would disturb land that was infested with Hb, which as it is a legislated invasive plants species means any works involving the handling and movement of materials contain Hb needs to be done in accordance to law and corrects code of practice.
The plan
By devising a remedial strategy we save our clients considerable time and money and can result in up to 80% less waste being produced compared to not having a specialist on board to accurately identify invasive weed propagule material in the ground and arising spoils. All works undertaken were recorded and reported to the client after completion of the works.
Excavation and Relocation
The ground to the construction area was stripped to remove all known and potential Hb seed bearing soils from the works area. This allowed the client to construct without the risk of Hb disturbance and spread. The excavated Hb soils were relocated to another part of the field to be managed long term via herbicide applications or by hand pulling. Soils were stripped to 250mm depth, and we had to excavate some small trees that were in the area.
The resulting site was left clear of Hb and ready for our client’s construction project to commence.
If you’d like to speak to us about Himalayan balsam or our Watching brief service get in touch with the team: