Japanese knotweed was identified across multiple locations at the Former Standish hospital site located on the outskirts of Stonehouse Village. As part of the proposed sale of the HCA owned land to enable residential development, the knotweed was required to be removed in order to approve planning consent. The site involved sensitive ecology areas and careful planning was undertaken with the consultant RSK prior to works being undertaken. Working in close partnership with the clients’ consultant, a knotweed Management Plan was agreed and implemented with landfill disposal the preferred method due to the nature of the ground conditions. As well as the sensitive ecology, large stands of knotweed were situated beneath an overhead HV powerline, which involved working with extreme caution and maintaining a distance of several meters at all times for all plant and operatives. On completion of the works all excavations, dumper routes, slew paths, stockpiles and haulage loading area were decontaminated together with all plant, machinery, equipment and PPE. All works were undertaken in accordance with Environment Agency guidelines and to the client’s supervising engineers’ satisfaction. Strict housekeeping was adhered to at all times to prevent cross contamination. Cross boundary infestation not available for excavation is being subjected to on-going monitoring and spraying. Full records of works are retained and entered into the KMP document
