Asbestos-contaminated soil could derail development projects, experts warn
Environment Controls said asbestos exposure remains a serious risk in construction, especially where previously developed land is disturbed without proper checks.
Soils contaminated with asbestos on redevelopment sites can lead to major delays, higher costs and long-term liability, Environment Controls has warned.
The warning followed a remediation project at a former commercial site where teams removing Japanese knotweed found asbestos-contaminated soil, buried infrastructure and plant roots going down three metres.
Works stopped temporarily when suspected asbestos-containing materials were found during knotweed excavation.
Industry specialists said asbestos exposure remains a serious risk in construction, especially where previously developed land is disturbed without proper checks.
The Health and Safety Executive has reported that asbestos-containing materials are dangerous when damaged or disturbed, as fibres released into the air can cause diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis years after exposure.
Specialists said sites with multiple contaminants are now common on old commercial and industrial land, especially where demolition materials or imported made ground are present.
Jennifer Holmes, from Environment Controls, said: “This was initially a straightforward knotweed removal contract, but as our excavation teams are trained to spot other contaminants it was no surprise to find asbestos, as is common on these types of sites.
“It’s all part of our comprehensive multi-contaminant removal service that clients appreciate as they don’t need to source another contractor to remove the asbestos – we did that as part of our contract.
“This is not a service all knotweed contractors can provide. We would urge developers to factor in a full site survey before commencing projects so that you know exactly what’s in the ground – and what you’re dealing with.”
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