McMahon Services engaged Regional Project Consulting to troubleshoot in situ Acid Sulfate Soil and Contaminated Land deposits. They were identified and discovered during sewer main installation works at an industrial development site in Williamstown, Victoria in 2021.
McMahon Services is an award-winning civil construction and civil engineering contractor with over 25 years experience in delivering civil projects across a wide variety of sectors. Their work spans large-scale inner city civil development projects through to remote work, with the ability to mobilise resources to any location across Australia.
The head contractor had recently commenced installation of the sewer main, but the works abruptly ceased due to workers becoming ill. The project manager engaged Regional Project Consulting services for guidance on how to navigate through, and safely manage the discovered material.
After attending and assessing the site, Regional Project Consulting identified the extent of the Acid Sulfate Soil and contaminated land deposits. Our strategy for remediation included training staff on safe handling of the material, developing an earthworks strategy to track movement of the material, and we arranged for lawful offsite disposal of the contaminated deposits.
After Regional Project Consulting’s intervention, the installation of the sewer main was completed on time and within budget, and without any further environmental or safety incidents.
Moving through challenges
After only just starting the industrial subdivision in Williamstown, Victoria, the contractor had to put an immediate halt on works. When workers installing the sewer mains had become unwell while working in recently excavated trenches, the contractor suspected this was due to contaminated material in and around the worksite.
The head contractor appointed Regional Project Consulting to the management and resolution of the suspected contaminated material. As experts in the field, we were engaged to assist in navigating the sensitive environmental and safety issues associated with the contaminated land.
After an extensive review of the site and site documentation, Regional Project Consulting quickly identified Acid Sulfate Soil as the likely contaminant. Subsequently, we developed and delivered a toolbox training package to all workers on the site. This included details on the nature of acid sulfate soil, how to identify it, and how to safely handle it in an environmentally responsible manner.
Regional Project Consulting developed an earthworks strategy and soil sampling regime to ensure the material could be excavated, tested, and tracked across the site. We designed an Acid Sulfate Soil Treatment Pad as part of the scope to comply with best practice. The pad was used as a staging area, where excavated material was transported while awaiting laboratory test results. The pad was designed to fully contain the material to avoid it causing environmental harm to adjacent areas.
Once tests results were obtained, the material was moved offsite in accordance with the soil categorisation by a licensed waste transport contractor. Regional Project Consulting supervised the remainder of the sewer main installation works to ensure all Safe Work Method Statements were complied with. Workers were supervised to ensure the mandatory wearing of Personal Protective Equipment and compliance with the training toolbox.
Solving for success
Under the supervision of Regional Project Consulting, sewer main installation works were able to continue. Constant engagement of the workforce was fundamental to restore confidence that they could safely complete the works. The sewer main was installed on time, within budget, and most importantly, without any further safety or environmental incidents.
Working closely with our client, we were able to swiftly identify the issue and provide a tailored service and approach. While solving for the environmental threat at hand, we were also considerate of time and budget, showing that we can solve for the success of all aspects of a project.
Please contact Regional Project Consulting on 0439 637 227 or 0487 902 555 to enquire about how we can assist with Acid Sulfate Soils or other Contaminated Land projects at your job site.
