Our brief was to provide a 2500m² new hardstanding area within an existing chemical mixing and distribution depot. The proposed location spanned across an existing mill reservoir and a filled area of disused wasteland. A scheme was required to cut the wasteland and fill the pond areas, then construct the new concrete hardstanding area.

Challenges included

• Potential ecological implications, including water testing and bat/pond life protection
• Heavy siltation of the existing reservoir required proper drainage and disposal
• Suitability of the existing made ground allowed usage as a fill material to the pond area

These issues were overcome and a new concrete hardstanding was constructed over the prepared area. Associated drainage was installed, which provided a facility to ‘lock down’ the hardstanding in the event of a spillage using a penstock. Bunds to the hardstanding perimeter will hold the spillage until it can be removed and Gabion baskets were constructed as a cost-effective means of maximising the size of the hardstanding.