This large brownfield redevelopment site in Glasgow’s East End had formerly contained a meat market. Other parts of the site had previously been used as a timber yard, a vehicle repair garage and a filling station. It was known to be contaminated with hydrocarbons, asbestos and heavy metals. In addition, historical records had indicated the presence of several underground storage tanks (UST) at the site.

In addition to testing for hydrocarbons, asbestos and heavy metal contaminants, due to the presence of animal remains in soils located in and around the former meat market area, samples also needed to be tested for Bacillus anthracis (anthrax). Microbiological analysis of the soil samples came back negative for the presence of B. anthracis. 

In a previous phase of works for a different client at the same site, ERS had carried out a site investigation to look for the USTs. A number of them were found during the investigation, some at locations indicated on the records and others which were previously unknown. The unknown USTs had clearly been used for hydrocarbon storage. Many of the tanks had leaked causing localised contamination.

This time, ERS had been instructed by the contractor undertaking the construction works to remove the USTs, remediate the contamination hotspots indicated in the site investigation report and provide verification of the work undertaken.

ERS exposed the USTs, pumped out any remaining contents (which were disposed of at a suitably licenced facility) and removed the tanks from the ground. The tanks were then cleaned inside and out and checked for potential explosive environments. A de-gas certificate was then provided to allow them to be removed off-site for recycling.

Hydrocarbon hotspots from around the tanks and at other locations indicated in the site investigation report, were excavated until appropriately clean materials were encountered. Verification samples were then collected and checked against site assessment criteria.

However, during later works, an unexpected UST was discovered – historical site records had indicated that this tank was located in a different part of the site, which is why it hadn’t been located during the site investigation. The tank was filled with oily water, which we pumped out into one of our oil/water separators. It was then cleaned, certified as gas-free and removed for recycling along with the other tanks.

All the known and unexpected USTs were removed, and the contamination hotspots were successfully remediated, allowing the construction of new homes on this formerly derelict site to commence.