JKSL looked at a ‘remediated’ site in February 2011 where the client wanted us to warranty a third parties works. We were told that the ‘large volume’ of material was excavated and removed from site to a licenced landfill for a few thousand pounds by their ground worker! Mmm this doesn’t sound quite right, particularly when the ecology report and drawing was consulted and the infestation was of a significant size.
When asked about the removal methodology and what control measures were implemented we were met by blank faces – The machinery wasn’t cleaned off before it worked elsewhere on the site – oh dear rhizomes could have been distributed everywhere. A nearby topsoil mound made us wonder…what’s in there.
An on-going intensive monitoring programme was recommended along with a vertical root barrier system. The client collected a variety of quotations all around about the same figure but wasn’t happy about the costs involved. They continued to debate the best way forward collecting more quotes from less reputable contractors in order to find the cheapest way to deal with the situation.
Then as the growing season kicked in, aided by this fine spell of sunshine, new growth flew up in the ‘remediated area’, nearby topsoil stockpile, near the new road and in the adjacent gardens. It was at this point that the severity of the issue sunk in particularly as the development was over 50% complete thus meaning that on-site remediation such as burial would cause a major issue to their program and costs.
If it wasn’t for the poor workmanship highlighted above then these additional costs and stresses wouldn’t be happening…you just can’t cut corners with invasive weeds, it simply doesn’t work – the clues in the name – they are invasive – use the best, use Japanese Knotweed Solutions LTD.
Alex Dayes