Geotechnical & Environmental

We can deliver supplementary characterisation and DQRA to further evaluate the potential existence of unacceptable risks to human health and controlled waters receptors to seek to reduce or dismiss remedial requirements.  

We have extensive experience in the use of UK-specific models (e.g. CLEA, RTM, ConSim) using site-specific data to minimise conservatism and develop pragmatic assessment criteria. 

Asbestos is ubiquitous in the environment impacting a high proportion of brownfield sites and continues to be a challenging contaminant. We offer specialist assessment services and advice to clients to inform appropriate and proportionate procedures during the handling of asbestos containing soils and demolition materials, in accordance with CAR 2012, and informed by relevant guidance including CARSOIL.   

Ground gas and vapour assessment is a highly complex area requiring specialist consideration of a site's ground conditions, groundwater regimes, gas sources and migration pathways to allow a proportionate assessment of risk.  

Our evidence based balanced approach to bulk gas assessment, vapour DQRAs and membrane permeation assessments provide proportionate outcomes, often dismissing the need for specific mitigation. 

Curtins can undertake sustainability assessments to evaluate whether the project's economic, social and environmental costs provide an overall net benefit for people and the environment. Where a net benefit is not apparent, consideration over whether the remediation should proceed can be discussed with the relevant regulator.  This may support a reduced scope of remediation or mitigate the need all together.   

We deliver specialist Ground Movement Assessments (GMA’s) for buildings, tunnels, utilities, and other sensitive assets, in full compliance with relevant industry standards and best practice guidance (e.g. CIRIA, National Highways and BRE requirements). Our assessments quantify potential ground displacements, allowing risks to be clearly identified at an early stage. Where potential impacts are identified, we can develop and implement practical, cost-effective engineering solutions to mitigate against ground movement risks.  

Curtins are at the forefront of sustainable geotechnical practice, incorporating carbon calculators to assess the impact of foundation depths and optimise design efficiency. Sustainable geotechnical design can provide significant benefits to a project, from optimised foundation solutions including ground improvement techniques and the re-use of existing foundations to the selection of materials with reduced embodied carbon and the re-use of soils on site.

We have extensive experience in designing, implementing, supervising and validating site remedial works to provide our clients with practical economic strategies whilst fulfilling regulatory requirements. Speak to us about:   

• Remediation strategies  

• Reclamation works method statements  

• Materials management plans  

• Reclamation works contract administration  

• Reclamation works implementation  

• Remediation validation and certification  

• Post reclamation monitoring  

Most development projects require management of ground arisings and wastes. Early consideration of waste regulations can allow such materials to be put to beneficial use, either on the site of origin or on other nearby schemes. Curtins can provide materials management advice at every development stage, including high level strategies, MMPs, exemptions and permits. 

Where waste disposal is unavoidable, Curtins can provide high resolution investigation and bespoke assessments to ensure that the volumes of hazardous waste are minimised.

View options for Waste Management Re-use here.