ATG Group has helped protect the environment after a large amount of fuel oil was uncovered during a major road infrastructure project.
Initially, the waste was identified by Sunderland City Council during the planning of phase 3 of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor.
Esh Construction contacted us about the issue as they started the £41m scheme. Further investigations at the site in Pallion revealed the amount of waste oil was larger than originally anticipated. We then implemented a rigorous 18-month recovery strategy.
Oil removal helps protect the environment
Our strategy has helped protect the River Wear and a nearby aquifer from further contamination throughout the construction of the scheme.
Duncan Sanders, ATG Group’s Project Director, said: “Esh Construction, who are constructing the road, put a plan in place. Further investigations by their team discovered the amount of hydrocarbon waste was much larger than expected.
“Using our extensive expertise and experience we were able to create a remediation strategy. We were supported by Esh Construction and Sunderland City Council, ”
Remediation system
An innovative semi-automated remediation system was installed by ATG Group. More than 5,000 litres of oil were recovered from depths of 15-metres via a network of boreholes.
Mr Sanders added: “The recovery of the maximum amount of oil was made possible by a thorough understanding of the local hydrogeology, detailed design and optimisation of the remediation system.”
Steven Garrigan, Esh Construction’s Project Director, said the waste oil recovery was challenging due to its depth and location.
He added: “ATG Group was employed to investigate, delineate and recover the fuel oil as part of our contracted scope. The early engagement of ATG on the project to develop the remediation strategy has helped keep the programme delivery on track.”
Mr Sanders added: “It has been a privilege to work with Esh Construction and Sunderland City Council to help protect both the river and aquifer.”
The 2.4km dual carriageway scheme, which will be completed in autumn 2021, links the Northern Spire to Sunderland city centre. The scheme is a catalyst to redevelop the former industrial land on the south bank of the River Wear and improve connectivity and transport to the upcoming £500m Riverside Sunderland development.
For details about our oil recovery services, please contact us.
