Blog
Posted 4 years ago
As you may already be aware, we are working together to develop the three Lea Bridge Station sites into a new neighbourhood centre that includes:
Waltham Forest’s Planning Committee approved planning permission in March 2022 and the next stage for the project is to investigate the land to prepare for construction.
Where are the works taking place?
These investigative works will be taking place at locations 1, 2, and 3 as shown on the map below.
What are we doing as part of the works?
We need to do two types of investigations:
Why are we doing this?
We need to investigate what is below the ground so we can plan in detail for construction.
On all three sites we need to understand the soil and groundwater levels underground, and whether there is any unexpected contamination or obstacles to construction.
Site 2 was part of the gasworks throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries. We need to confirm:
What will happen?
The sites will stay open to the public throughout the works, with small areas being closed off whilst boreholes are dug. These will be filled back in, turf replaced and the land left largely as it was before. There are no plans to disturb trees.
Work will take place between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. The programme will run from w/c 12 September for around nine weeks, with five weeks of drilling. This could change slightly depending on external factors such as weather and ground conditions.
The workers will move across the sites, digging and refilling boreholes as they go. Each borehole site will be temporarily fenced off, with acoustic barriers on the fencing. Emergency contact details will be provided on the fencing. Boreholes will be dug mechanically using either a percussive drill or a tracked rig – these machines can be easily moved around the sites. A total of 18 boreholes are planned on the publicly accessible parts of the sites, with a further three boreholes in the private part of Site 2.
Most works access will take place directly from the main roads. Works access for the private, fenced off part of Site 2 will need to take place from Elm Park Road. This is to avoid disturbing the existing fence and affecting the security of the private part of Site 2. The work taking place is investigative, not construction work.
The contractor will provide weekly email updates about the work to anyone interested. These will help residents track where work is taking place and when more disruptive work is likely. To sign up to these emails please email mail@apgeotechnics.co.uk
Who will do the work?
AP Geotechnics has been in business for well over 25 years. It was founded by Andrew Parr and Adrian Smith, with Adrian becoming Managing Director upon Andrew’s Retirement. He has over 25 years’ experience in civil engineering and ground investigation, including challenging sites in residential areas. The health and safety of employees, neighbours and contractors is the top priority for AP Geotechnics.
All works will be undertaken in accordance with HSG47 (a publication by the Health & Safety Executive) and all other relevant procedures.
Should you require any further information at this time, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at lbss@kandaconsulting.co.uk or by calling 0800 368 7363. Alternatively, should you which to speak directly with our engineers please email: mail@apgeotechnics.co.uk
Q&A
Noise
1. How noisy will the works be?
The percussive rig is 74 decibels at a 10-metre distance (approximately equivalent to a vacuum cleaner). The tracked rig is quieter.
2. What will be the noisiest part?
The percussive rig is the noisiest machine. If concrete is encountered, then breaking through this will be noisy.
3. Will the noise be continuous?
The engine for the rig will run all day.
4. Will the machines run continuously?
Yes, apart from for lunch and break times.
5. What will you do to mitigate noise?
Acoustic barriers will be fixed to the fencing, which help to absorb and reduce noise.
Logistics
1. Can you tell us your programme of which areas you will do when?
Our programme is anticipated to run between 12 September 2022 and 4 November 2022. The detailed programme can be provided which will be subject to change as drilling holes is not an exact science and can vary if the ground encountered is very difficult/ or very easy. Neighbours will be able to sign up for a regular email update which will enable you to track when the most disruptive work is likely to take place.
2. Will you need to use Elm Park Road to access the private part of Site 2?
Works access for the private, fenced off part of Site 2 will need to take place from Elm Park Road. This is to avoid disturbing the existing fence and affecting the security of the private part of Site 2. The work taking place is investigative, not construction work.
3. How will you communicate with us during the works?
Neighbours will be able to sign up for a regular email update which will enable you to track when the most disruptive work is likely to take place. Emergency contact details for the contractor will be advertised on the fencing.
4. How will you safely access the sites from the main roads?
The percussive rig will be supervised by the second worker when it is moving. The tracked rig is small and slow.
5. Where will vehicles be parked?
The truck will be parked adjacent to the borehole being dug, as the workers work from the truck.
6. Will there be a portaloo and any other facilities for the staff?
A portaloo will be provided in the private fenced area of Site 2 along with the work materials area, away from the public area.
7. Will the grass get damaged by the machines/ vehicles?
There is some potential for damage depending on how soft the ground is.
8. Will any tree roots be damaged?
No major tree roots will be affected. Some fine tree roots may be encountered but this is very unlikely to harm the trees.
Odours and safety
1. Can we expect odours?
At this stage we don’t know. There is a potential for odours, depending on what we find.
2. Are odours a sign that there is dangerous contamination in the air?
The health and safety of employees, neighbours and contractors is the top priority for AP Geotechnics. Odours do not automatically indicate any dangerous contamination.
3. Will I have to keep my windows shut?
If odours occur, then you may want to close your windows at some times. We don’t expect that you will need to.
4. Will it be safe to be outdoors on my balcony/ in my garden?
We expect that the situation will be safe, but there is a chance that odours could be unpleasant.
5. Is there any risk of a dangerous leak of materials into the air? If so, how will people be alerted?
It is very unlikely that there will be any danger as we are only drilling very small holes in the site which will be sealed on completion.
6. Will the machines generate pollution and generator smells?
The rigs are diesel engine powered so they will generate a limited amount of pollution.
7. What will you do to mitigate odours and pollution?
It is not possible to prevent odours. The holes will be refilled and sealed, preventing any prolonged release of odour.