Quality is a full-time job that we like to pay attention to

In 2005, Enviro Quality Control (EQC) was accredited as a type A inspection body. This makes them the first company in the Netherlands to offer the ability to perform independent quality checks on site at sealing structures. "We have been doing quality checks for over 12 years and there is increasing demand for them. As a company you want to be sure that the sealing construction is tight upon completion and will stay tight. And we offer that assurance," says owner Andries Steerenberg. 

Sustainable business is high on society's agenda. The goal: products that last as long as possible. "Nowadays everything actually has to last 100 years. And we are responding to that. We are conducting research into this together with the renowned German laboratory SKZ."

A leak detection measurement provides assurance

Landfills must have a bottom and top seal that fully protects the soil from contaminants from waste materials. A leak detection measurement ensures that this actually happens. "The leak detection and localization system Geologger is one of our specialties. With Geologger, you can detect a leak in a foil seal and also determine the exact location of the leak. This way, that leak can be repaired immediately."

This is different with a standard seal. "With a standard combination seal, leaks are not discovered until contaminants are found in the immediate area. It can take years before it is discovered that there is a leak. Moreover, it is then not clear where the leak is, making repair impossible. Geologger does provide that certainty. This prevents preventive replacement of the top seal."

Quality costs money

EQC's quality controls are extremely reliable. "Quality is not something you do on the side. It is a full-time job that has to be paid for. If you want to have quality and guarantee it, you need independent inspections. Research is done into the lifespan of the sealing construction, materials and the quality used. Both of the foils and geotextiles. The internal quality procedure guarantees the quality of our work."

Whereas quality control on geo-plastics is a profession for most, for EQC it is an everyday job. "The plastic film has to be welded, and we monitor, control and inspect that welding process. We do welding tests for that. That's why we do quality control not only in the lab, but also during the work itself. Other companies send the inspection to the lab and then the results are only known after three days. We can move quickly: that's unique."  

Steerenberg has big plans for the future. "We are working on a sealing construction with multiple functions called: PowerCap TM. It is a construction that is quick to apply, permanently verifiable and on which a solar park can be installed. With the proceeds from the solar park, part of the sealing construction can be financed, which is sustainable."