We were contracted to provide multi-disciplinary and multi-site environmental support for the Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway (CR2SM) Bruce Highway Upgrade, Australia’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange and a major road construction project in its own right.

With a focus on contaminated land, asbestos, occupational hygiene and associated environmental approvals we also addressed wider environmental issues associated with fauna and flora. If you are after further information, we have summarised below the types of services we provided from 2017 to 2021.

REMEDIATION WORKS – LANDFILL

Approximately 15,000m3 of unexpected landfilled waste materials was intercepted during road construction works at Wilson Road. We provided a rapid response to gauge environmental risk and interim control measures, leading to a detailed assessment and supporting a staged remediation and validation over several months. There was a high degree of stakeholder interest, with our involvement being instrumental in quickly aligning concerns with the actual (lower) risk profile, through application of solid science and our experience with previous landfills and remediation projects.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONTAMINATED LAND ASSESSMENT

For three sites we performed a review of existing environmental assessment reports and then provided further assessment, sampling and analysis to facilitate the preferred least cost spoil disposal options for the Southbound Onramp and the Mooloolah Flood Plain (North and South).

We reviewed background environmental Reports associated with flora, fauna, contaminated land and other environmental factors, as well as the proposed local receiving facility background reports and Environmental Authorities (quarry nearing the rehabilitation stage of operations) to provide an opinion on risk to project and environmental values along with acceptability of the material to be disposed.

For a fourth site located at the Cooroy to Curra (C2C) Bruce Highway Upgrade Site we evaluated suitability and the required further assessment and operational controls to import some 500,000m3 of stockpiled soil to the CR2SM Project.

ASBESTOS DUMPING AND REHABILITATION

For two sites located at Tanawha and Palmview we provided a rapid assessment of asbestos risk associated with encountered minor dumping of asbestos, both surficial and within backfill materials. We provided a review of legislative requirements under the WHS Act 2011 and EP Act 1994 and provided a way forward that utilised site resources and minimised time and cost delays.

During asbestos abatement we provided a Class A Licensed Asbestos Assessor and Suitably Qualified Person for contaminated land matters to assist, document works, provide air fibre monitoring support and a final clearance inspection/validation report.

For a third Site located on Pignata Road, Palmview, we assessed a significant asbestos and hydrocarbon risk within soils associated with a former rural residence and trailer fabrication business. We provided a combination of occupational hygiene and environmental support to offer the most efficient strategy to deal with the issues whilst maintaining the construction program.