A leading construction company specialising in regeneration, contacted Ebsford in with a possible Japanese knotweed infestation on one of their sites due for development, based in Leeds.
The site was best described as a small parcel of land, utilised as a paddock for animal grazing. The land had been earmarked for the creation of a site compound, including site cabins, materials, and offices ready for an imminent project.
After undertaking an invasive species walkover survey in late November, Ebsford found multiple Japanese knotweed infestations within the body of the site and within close proximity to the site boundary. This meant the client would need the on-site infestations removing in their entirety, as well as the risk of re-encroachment from the off-site infestations mitigated.
The infestations showed several indicators of maturity, including dense thickets, multiple canes in close proximity and canes extremely large in diameter, these characteristics show the infestation had been present for a number of growing seasons and had become well-established. Ebsford also had historical knowledge of widespread Japanese knotweed since the early 2000’s and satellite imagery confirmed the land had been at a high risk of disturbance.
The clients’ start date was fast-approaching and they required a speedy solution to remediate the site. Ebsford proposed an off-site disposal, the most robust and immediate system, removing the infestation in its entirety and allowing re-development of the area in the future. Underground services meant that methodology had to be tweaked, in line with safe excavation practices.
Works commenced in early January, whereby 460T of Japanese knotweed contaminated material was successfully excavated and disposed of at a licensed landfill. A root barrier membrane was then installed to both sides of the northern and western boundaries, in order to protect the site compound from re-encroachment.
Ebsford were also able to assist the client in the creation of their site compound, which involved a 300mm strip of the site, followed by the installation of a membrane and importation of clean material.
