Posted By JasonGould I have a query that I am hoping someone can help me with. If ground has been previously contaminated with Asbestos broken sheeting from garages, what are the limit values before this ground is then officially contaminated and cannot be re-used back into the ground works. I really cannot see how anyone can be expected to shift 120 tonnes of soil cos of a few garages being knocked down in earlier years. Someone begs to differ and thinks this soils has to be removed. I just do not know where the official document is that will enable me to either confirm or dispute his claims and win a drink. Up to now EA and HSE are not much help regarding this and have fobbed me off.

Posted By Smiff Digging it up and shifting it is the best way to release it into the atmoshphere, surely. Can you stabilise it in-situ?

Posted By Dave Wilson HSE have produced a safety book on this but it is out of print if you email me your fax number I can fax but its about 50 pages. basically wet any large pieces you can see when excavating and dispose off as Asi waste the smaller bits can stay in the load if the limits are not exceeded as Adrian says. You will have to be aware that there may be some fibrous materials 9AIB) could be in this so when excavating do it with care and if you have any suspicions then stop and deal with it.

Posted By Ron Hunter You mention soil as the substrate material. This suggests that the garage material was removed from site, and not crushed/rolled into made-up ground.If the only concern here is with historic short-term ground contact with broken pieces of Asbestos Cement and the possibility of encountering the odd small piece of debris in the soil, then I suggest you have nothing to worry about?

Posted By Hugh Jason A ground investigation study would answer the question. That's a technical evaluation of all the contaminants in the topsoil and subsoil and it should allow 'someone' to decide what is required. (there may be more than just asbestos below the surface). This info together with the intended land use allows a risk assessment to be performed. If the site is to be used to build a large retail warehouse - then it could be capped with a concrete foundation and tarmac parking covering the full extent of the affected site. If a childrens playground...then it would have to be all removed and consigned to a hazardous landfill site. So it depends on the use. You need to discuss with a specialist land remediation company and the planning dept to check the requirements for the site. Cheers Hugh