Thorough environmental investigation in earthmoving

Every infrastructure project involves earth moving. This requires the contractor to have the quality and contamination of the soil determined before any work is done. "Diseo has been providing independent investigations on behalf of contractors for 12 years, in good relations with the relevant agencies and the competent authority. This gives us the confidence of the parties involved, so that timely implementation can be achieved," says co-owner Martijn Veenhuis.

Diseo supervises small and large projects such as dyke reinforcements and nature projects, and carries out not only soil research but also water bottom research in rivers, ditches and flood plains. This often involves substantial investments, long-term projects in which independence must be guaranteed. Martijn: "It is in the interest of all parties that the movement of soil is preceded by thorough environmental research. This not only involves soil contamination, but also civil engineering research, archaeology, flora and fauna and the possible presence of explosives." The competent authority has high standards and the contractor does not want to waste time due to late discoveries. "A cleanup can quickly cause a five-month delay," he says.

Room for the River

A research firm like Diseo is a true specialist in soil and water bottom investigations for the purpose of earth moving, "say like the specialist in a hospital is," Martijn continues. Timely diagnosis is very important for project progress. "We have a lot of experience with the Soil Protection Act, the Water Act and the Soil Quality Decree in relation to the preparation and realization of, for example, dike reinforcements, work under the Water Framework Directive, infrastructure projects and various parts of Room for the River. A dyke reinforcement is a project that involves a lot of money, then nothing must go wrong with the necessary investigations before the earthmoving takes place, and for this we are the appropriate party."

Spot Cards

"We report and advise in a clear way. We can present the results of our surveys in many ways - including spot maps. We understand the language of contractors. Diseo works with short lines of communication and is focused on workable and doable solutions that fit the implementation schedule, and I dare say we are in good standing with the agencies mentioned, so that work can be done on a basis of trust. In addition to soil and sediment surveys, we also conduct asbestos surveys, supervise soil decontamination and perform independent batch testing of soil and building materials. Of course always according to the most recent laws and regulations and the corresponding BRL protocols," concludes Martijn.