Throughout Europe, almost 500 million tonnes of excavated soil is sent to landfill each year.  

You might think it isn’t a big problem with plentiful amounts of soil under our feet. But it is fragile and non-renewable, so the only sustainable solution is to protect it. That’s why the European Union released its soil strategy in 2022. And why the UK’s government is committed to ensuring all soil in England will require sustainable management by 2030. 

The importance of protecting soil is increasing, but there’s still some way to go. So, why is it vital to avoid throwing soil away when we have so much of it? 

The importance of soil 

Without soil human life would be difficult as it plays such an important role in the Earth’s ecosystem. As well as providing nutrients and a support system for plants to grow, it also filters rainwater and buffers against pollutants. As a result, groundwater quality is protected. 

According to the International Soil Reference and Information Centre, soil is essential for mitigating climate change. It highlights recent studies that show it holds around twice as much carbon as the atmosphere. As a result, it could be used to store excess carbon and rebalance the global carbon budget in the future.  

And that’s just the start. Soil is also important because: 

• It makes items such as bricks and mugs. 

• Essential living organisms and microscopic life use it as their home 

• It’s an archive that records past environmental conditions and stores historic artefacts, such as past ecosystems. 

• Without it, we couldn’t eat as it is essential in arable and livestock farming. 

•  And, of course, it serves as the base layer that supports the foundations of buildings.
   

Why we need to divert waste soil from landfill 

Much of the soil sent to landfills comes from construction sites that are difficult to use for building – unless the soil is removed or remediated. But how can soil be unsuitable? 

One reason is the land was once used for heavy industry and that led to the soil becoming contaminated. Most of these contaminants are the byproducts of the industries on the site; for example, coal tar from mining or metal from ironworks. These sites are known as brownfield sites. 

Some contaminates are visible, while others aren’t. Some are hazardous, and others non-hazardous. There are three classifications of soil in the UK. It can be either: 

• Inert 

• Non-hazardous 

• Hazardous 

Inert soil 

Inert soil is earth that is not contaminated with heavy metals or chemicals. You can class this as ‘clean’.  

Non-hazardous soil 

Soil that is contaminated with heavy metals or chemicals may sound dangerous. But these levels are considered small, and the concentration means they will not react with each other or other contaminants.  

Hazardous soil 

Any soil that contains high levels of chemicals, heavy metals or oil, and pesticides is considered hazardous. These are considered harmful to human health and must be treated and disposed of within government guidelines. 

How to divert soils from landfill 

Any soil can be diverted from landfills through remediation. This means reducing contamination to levels that are ‘suitable for use’. Of course, costs will vary depending on the time and processes involved in reducing contamination levels. But, considering hazardous soil landfill disposal rates can cost up to £150 per tonne in the UK, remediation can be financially beneficial. 

Add to that the haulage rates and any costs in replacing soil that has been removed, then keeping soil onsite begins to make a lot of sense.  

Soil remediation is also a sustainable practice. Sending soil to landfill means it becomes classed as waste. But it does not need to be dumped.  

And then there’s the CO2 produced by the lorries that carry soil to landfill.  

One of our projects reduced 324,000kg of CO2 emissions by remediating soil contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons. A total of 52,000 tonnes was diverted from landfill using our LockedIn® remediation process. 

As we head towards soil strategy deadlines throughout Europe, it’s clear that strategies are essential to divert soil from landfills.  

We can help 

Our LockedIn® process and two decades of experience remediating soil – both on and offsite – means we can help divert soil from landfills. If you would like to know more, contact our team today.

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Since our beginnings in 2006, we have been involved in small and large-scale projects to eradicate invasive plants such as Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam. Our traditional and innovative treatments effectively address these issues. The proof is completing almost 150 projects to decontaminate sites which had invasive plants in the last 5 years.

Our Innovations

Eraginate® is an innovative treatment that we have developed, and it is the most cost-effective and quickest option to eradicate Japanese Knotweed. Eraginate® revolutionises traditional methods by reducing the amount of material sent to landfills and accelerating the eradication process. All these result in cost reduction and, from our experience, our clients save at least 60% when we use Eraginate® compared to traditional methods, such as dig and dump. There is no greater commitment to sustainability than using our innovative methods, such as Eraginate®, to reduce pollution and CO₂ emissions, ultimately safeguarding the environment.

Being involved in developing sustainable methods and investing over £1,600,000/€1,850,000 in R&D emphasises our dedication to making a positive impact in our partners’ and clients’ activities as well as our shareholders’ and communities’ lives.

We are ready to help your company eradicate invasive plants and reduce its carbon emissions. We have already saved 12,445,000 Kg of CO₂e emissions in the last 5 years.

How Do We Work?

At ATG Group, we offer a detailed analysis and diagnosis of each invasive plant contamination followed by a bespoke remediation plan. We try to keep as much material possible on site by treating it there rather than removing it to a landfill. In situations where this cannot be done, we will transport the contaminated soil to our new treatment hub in Ballymena to treat it, ultimately reducing your costs and protecting the environment.

We are ready to help you eradicate Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and other invasive plants.

We can guarantee our work and support our clients with comprehensive insurance and warranties for invasive plant species eradication projects. Moreover, we can offer insurance backed guarantees of up to 10 years against of regrowth of Japanese Knotweed.

With our team on your site, you can be assured that the work is done effectively and on time.

Each team member is well-trained and has vast experience in eradicating invasive plants. Moreover, we have a project manager accredited as a site surveyor by the Property Care Association (PCA) and 10 colleagues who are accredited by the PCA in the management of Japanese Knotweed.

Do you want to find out how we can help you?

Look at our Invasive Plant Eradication services and find the best solution for your needs. Feel free to contact us for any information!

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A series of invasive species surveys had been conducted and their findings identified the presence of Himalayan Knotweed within the project footprint and environs.

Our Work

The proposed road development, extension and upgrade works could not progress until the identified Himalayan Knotweed was eradicated.

We worked on this project with Wills Bros. Ltd. to allow the works to build the bypass to continue.

We, at ATG Group, were tasked to work on a section of the road which contained 5 locations of Himalayan Knotweed ranging from 100m² to 400m².

We proposed a hybrid approach to the eradication of the Himalayan Knotweed in this project. This consisted of the Eraginate® Treatment process on all excavated material and a stem injection process on the material within the locations which did not require excavation.

Himalayan Knotweed impacted material could not be dealt with at each location, so we established a central treatment area and brought all the material to that point for treatment.

We excavated the material that required this and transported it to the treatment area to undergo the Eraginate® Treatment Process. This approach allowed us to remove all material quickly, which in turn allowed our client to progress with their work in the area without delay.

We successfully excavated and processed approx. 2,800m³ of soils containing Himalayan Knotweed. We removed the Himalayan Knotweed from the soils and managed to retain these soils on-site rather than dispose of them at a landfill.

The Himalayan Knotweed that did not require excavation was treated over a 3-year period whilst work in those areas was ongoing. We closely monitored these areas to ensure that the treatment was effective and that other development works were not delayed.

Our Savings

Through the implementation of the Eraginate® Treatment and stem injection processes, we were able to:

• Saved our client approx. €600,000/£515,000 as they did not have to dispose of this material in a landfill.
• Diverted approx. 5,100 tonnes from landfill.
• Saved 267,000 kg of CO_2.
• Did 91,580 (~56,900 miles) fewer lorry kilometres.

“As the project manager of the project, I was delighted with how this project was carried out. The team worked very closely with our client to ensure that all parties involved were on the same page and that the work was completed as quickly, effectively, and safely as possible. I am proud of our team who managed to complete the works ahead of schedule, allowing other works in the areas to commence sooner.” Stephen Donnelly – Senior Project Manager

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The client wanted to expand upon the water treatment infrastructure at the site and therefore the JKW needed to be eradicated to begin the infrastructure works.

Our Works

The Headquarters site is approx. 57,000m² and we carried out a complete site survey. We identified six areas on-site with mature JKW and noted additional growth at the site boundary from an off-site source.

The rapid spread and robust root system of this invasive plant posed a serious threat to both the project’s infrastructure and the surrounding ecosystem. Prior to proceeding with any other works, we successfully eliminated the invasive plant to proceed safely and effectively with the project.

We employed our innovative Eraginate® method to eradicate Japanese Knotweed on this site.

Once we identified the invasive plant, we removed the vegetation surrounding JKW by hand or riddle bucket to expose growth for eradication without disruption. We disposed of excavated JKW stalk material off-site. We removed the JKW from the soil and were able to retain the soil on-site once we completed the Eraginate® process. Our team installed a geotextile root barrier membrane along the site boundary to prevent JKW encroachment from neighbouring areas.

To protect the environment and to prevent the spread of JKW during transportation, we established designated haul routes and implemented stringent bio-security protocols for personnel and equipment.

The Savings

Through the implementation of our innovative Eraginate® Treatment Process and a stem injection process, we were able to:

• Save our client approximately £210,000/€243,000 as they did not have to dispose of this material to a landfill.
• Divert 5,800 tonnes of material from landfill.
• Save 5,638 Kg of CO₂
• Undertake 3,857 miles/6,207 km with lorries.

As the project manager of the project, I was delighted with how it was carried out. The team worked very closely with our client to ensure that all parties involved were on the same page and that the work was completed as quickly, effectively, and safely as possible. The site team managed to complete the works ahead of schedule, allowing other works in the areas to commence sooner. (Stephen Donnelly – Project Manager)

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The Works

During site inspections, a significant Japanese Knotweed infestation was discovered at the site. The proposed development, extension and upgrade works could not progress because of the Japanese Knotweed that needed to be eradicated.

The area impacted by the Japanese Knotweed was approximately 10,330m³.

Due to the scale of earthworks and the requirement to reduce site levels retention of the material on-site was not possible. ATG Group proposed the discreet excavation of the JKW impacted materials and disposal off-site at a licensed waste facility. Our trained staff carried out excavations in order to minimise the generation of excess waste materials.

We completed all the work within the programmed time allowing the construction to continue unobstructed. We removed a total of 6,054 tonnes of soils containing JKW from the site which was a reduction of 9,441 tonnes on initial estimates.

The Savings

By employing ATG Group’s solutions our experienced team managed to significantly reduce costs and create environmental benefits for the client.

1. We saved €1 million for the client.
2. We diverted 9,441 tonnes of material from landfills.
3. This volume represents 350 truck loads of 200km each way saved.

‘At ATG Group, we were delighted to work alongside John Paul Construction again and to deliver another successful job for all stakeholders. The works were completed efficiently and safely whilst not disrupting other essential site activities.’

Ciaran O’Neill – Environmental Director

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As one of the biggest public enemies, it also has some unusual characteristics.

10 facts about Japanese Knotweed:

1. Japanese Knotweed can grow by up to 10cm a day reaching towering heights of 3-9 feet/1-3 meters. It and its root can spread up to 7 meters in length and 3 meters in depth.
2. Japanese Knotweed can penetrate tarmac, cement and clay, causing cracks in the foundations of buildings and walls.
3. Japanese Knotweed can complicate property transactions making it difficult to secure a mortgage and diminishing property value.
4. It is illegal to cause or allow Japanese Knotweed to spread, leading to potential prosecution. All parts of the plant are controlled waste, and the law obliges secure disposal to prevent further spread.
5. Fly-tipping is a major cause of Japanese Knotweed spreading. In Asia, its growth is naturally controlled by predators, it finds no such natural enemies in Europe.
6. Japanese Knotweed is one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species.
7. Eradicating Japanese Knotweed can take several years due to its rapid growth.
8. Brought from Japan to Britain during the Victorian era, Japanese Knotweed was used to line railway tracks because of its rapid growth, and you can still see it around the railways.
9. Japanese Knotweed costs the British Economy £166 (€186) million per year.
10. It cost £70 (€82) million and took 4 years to eradicate the Japanese Knotweed from the London 2012 Olympics arenas.

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The Easter weekend is the perfect time to gather with your close ones and we could not have missed the occasion to celebrate together with the community. It was great to have so many kind people around us and to celebrate together the Resurrection of Jesus and the arrival of spring.

Ashes to Gold, our charity, organised some traditional Easter activities at Moorbrook. The charity’s café bistro was fully booked for our Easter Sunday special. The team hosted a lunch on Sunday and many games for the little ones.

The atmosphere was joyful, and people took the opportunity to greet each other and have a chat while eating some delicacies and watching their children having fun. The sun came out, and we were also enchanted by the visit of the Easter Bunny. Age does not matter as we all love the Bunny, and we will let the pictures speak for themselves.

There were activities during the whole weekend. On Friday, kids eagerly participated in the scavenger hunt. They searched for eggs and other treats around the beautiful lakes which we might have strategically placed in some hidden spots to let them enjoy the sunshine and keep them busy for a bit.

We can truly say that everybody made a day of it, and we are thankful for all the help and support which made these events possible.

P.S. Keep this secret! The team at the café is hard at work with plans for lots of exciting activities over the coming month!

Wishing you all the best! To the next time!

ATG Group and Ashes to Gold teams

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Easter is the time of reconnecting with your loved ones and gathering with your family and friends. Whether we are attending church services, sharing a lamb dish with buttery potatoes, or taking part in Easter egg hunts, this holiday offers us a great occasion to celebrate together.

We wish you a joyful and blessed spring! Happy Easter to you all from ATG Group!

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Farrans recognised ATG Group’s expertise in environmental solutions and contacted us to decontaminate the site.

Together, we developed a tailored solution to mitigate contamination. When designing the plan, we needed to optimise the project’s timeline and the environment.

The Project’s Challenge

To build the deep foundations of the bridge, the riverbed required dredging. It was planned to send the materials to a landfill, but the excavated material was too contaminated. As a result, the Environmental Agency considered this plan unacceptable. Farrans contacted ATG Group to develop a new solution that the Environment Agency would approve, allowing the project to start again.

ATG Group’s Solution

We came up with a tailored plan that met the Environment Agency’s requirements. Our approach allowed the managing of the dredged material while ensuring cost-effectiveness for Farrans.

When applying our method, the team:

1. Stockpiled the dredged materials to lower the water content and enable safe handling
2. Transported the material to a hazardous waste treatment facility for thorough processing
3. Re-used the treated materials on-site, providing a sustainable solution.

ATG Group plan:

• Saved £2,500,000/€2,925,000 for the client
• Met the requirements of the Environment Agency
• Allowed the construction work to continue
• Safeguarded the environment.

We are ready to help you save money and follow your commitment to protect the environment!

Don’t hesitate to contact us!

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With extensive expertise in invasive plant eradication, ATG Group was asked to provide a quick and cost-efficient solution for removing the Japanese Knotweed and all the other invasive plants from the site.

The Challenge

An area of over 10,000 m² contaminated with invasive plants of which 9,542m² was contaminated with Japanese Knotweed. This means a volume of around 18,000 tonnes of contaminated soil.

Our surveys showed the presence of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS): Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and Salmonberry. Removing these species posed a significant challenge, needing specialised and tailored strategies.

The Solution

The initial plan was to excavate the soil and send it to a landfill. By employing ATG Group’s innovative solution, we minimised the need for disposal and saved a staggering £620,000/€720,000 for our client.

We developed a tailored plan which implied using our innovative solution, Eraginate®. We excavated the rhizomes embedded within the soil matrix from infested areas. Afterwards, we transported the contaminated soil to a central treatment centre. This approach allowed us to target the root systems of the invasive plants. Furthermore, we conducted a screening process, hand-picking the larger rhizomes. We disposed of these plant materials and rhizomes at a licensed facility.

We treated any remaining rhizome with approved herbicides, ensuring targeted eradication of all the residual invasive plant elements. Furthermore, we installed a root barrier membrane along site boundaries to stop reinfestation from off-site and contribute to the long-term eradication process. The remaining decontaminated soil was reused on-site.

This eco-friendly approach reduced the volume of material sent to landfills, following our commitment to sustainable practices.

Contact us to find out how we can help you!

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