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Earthworks

Earthworks concern the management of potentially large amounts of earth material (on site) produced by a variety of processes (e.g. tunnelling, embankment or cutting construction). This section considers the management of large movements of spoil on a project. Minimise the amount of surplus materials arising from earthworks by considering methods of improving the spoil (eg in-situ stabilisation and vegetating).

Treating the earth in-situ (e.g. in-situ stabilisation to avoid the need for replacement by imported fill). Also consider re-use in vegetated bunds, etc for excess soil to reduce the amount that is sent to landfill.

Key environmental issues include:

• disposal of silty water (in accordance with regulations)
• interference/ destruction of habitats
• noise and dust generated during excavation and transfer within site
• reuse of material on site (e.g. soil for backfilling)
• segregation of soil types (e.g. that to be used as backfill)
• siting of spoil heaps (away from watercourses)
• water management (keep off unsurfaced areas).

Key references:

• CIRIA C650 Environmental good practice on site.
• CIRIA R179 Ground engineering spoil: good management practice.

Go to relevant Guidance.

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