Land Remediation Services
A brownfield is an expansion, redevelopment, or reuse made complicated by the potential or actual presence of a hazardous contaminant, pollutant, or substance.
Starting a project with an identified contaminant requires extensive planning and remediation works before beginning any construction project. At D Hughes Demolition, we have specialists with decades of experience delivering land remediation services on brownfield sites and demolition projects throughout Manchester and nearby regions.
Our land remediation solutions are a standalone service that we can include in a full-service demolition package.
Excavation and Disposal
Disposing of contaminated soil can be a costly process – but at D Hughes Demolition, we work hard to keep those costs down for our clients by:
- Getting the classification right from the start :
Our team has a solid grasp of current legislation and guidelines, along with a detailed understanding of different types of waste and strong expertise in environmental chemistry. This means we can accurately classify materials in line with all legal requirements, avoiding unnecessary complications or expenses. - Carrying out extra testing when needed: Whether it’s during remediation or beforehand, additional analysis can make a big difference. On-site testing for things like metals and hydrocarbons lets us separate waste in real time – improving efficiency and cutting down on disposal costs. In some cases, we can apply specific treatments that reduce or transform harmful contaminants. This helps to downgrade the waste classification over time, which not only cuts costs but also reduces the environmental impact.
From asbestos and heavy metals to oil spills, we offer expert soil remediation across Manchester and the surrounding areas. Whatever the issue, we’re here to help you deal with it in the most cost-effective way possible.
Chemical Remediation
- Chemical Oxidation: This is a fast and cost-effective way to break down high levels of organic pollutants, such as fuels and solvents. It’s a low-disruption method, meaning work can often continue on site with minimal impact on staff or the local community – ideal for busy or sensitive locations.
- Chemical Reduction: In this approach, we introduce a reducing agent to change the behaviour of contaminants, making them less mobile, less toxic, or less soluble. It’s particularly effective for treating heavy metals like chromium and usually delivers results quickly, often after just one treatment.
We also have the knowledge and tools to combine chemical remediation with stabilisation – locking contaminants into a solid matrix that can be reused in construction. This approach helps cut down on waste, reduces the need for new materials, and keeps disposal costs to a minimum.
Pump and Treat
Contaminated groundwater is a common challenge on many brownfield sites. On top of that, vapours from spilled fuels and solvents can seep into the soil, posing serious risks. At D Hughes Demolition, we use a range of proven, process-based techniques to extract and treat both vapours and polluted groundwater – helping you manage risk safely and effectively.
- Pump and Treat: We install wells at carefully chosen locations to extract contaminated groundwater. Once collected, the water is sent through a treatment system. Depending on the site’s needs, the cleaned water can be reused, re-injected into the ground, or safely disposed of.
- Soil Vapour Extraction: Using a vacuum system, we remove harmful vapours – like hydrocarbons – from the vadose zone (the part of the soil above the water table). These vapours are then treated to meet environmental standards before being released safely into the atmosphere.
- Dual/Multi-Phase Extraction: This technique combines vapour extraction and groundwater pumping, allowing us to remove both liquid and gas-phase contaminants at the same time. It’s especially useful on complex sites where multiple types of pollution are present.
- Air Sparging / Bio Venting: We inject pressurised air or oxygen into the saturated zone beneath the surface, which helps to release trapped contaminants and drive them upwards, where they’re captured through vapour extraction. At the same time, the extra oxygen boosts natural microbial activity, speeding up the breakdown of pollutants into harmless by-products.
Each system we design is tailored to the specific conditions of the site – from the type of contamination to your remediation goals. Our experienced team handles every part of the design and setup process. And once everything is running, our systems operate 24/7 with minimal need for supervision.
Get in Touch with D Hughes Demolition
If you’re looking for an experienced team that truly understands the challenges of contaminated land, speak to one of our specialists today. At D Hughes Demolition, we work closely with you to create practical, solutions-focused plans – whether you’re dealing with contaminated soil, derelict buildings, or complex brownfield sites.