Following a diesel/oil spill on site, the client required an urgent environmental response to contain and remove contamination, assess the condition of underground drainage infrastructure, and ensure there was no risk of pollutants entering the drainage network or surrounding ground.
Complicating matters further, the interceptor serving the area could not be readily located, and a damaged manhole cover and frame had created additional safety concerns. A rapid and coordinated response was needed to make the area safe, investigate the drainage system, and prevent any potential environmental impact.
Our Response
Our specialist environmental response team attended site equipped with spill control materials, CCTV investigation equipment, tanker support, and traffic management resources.
The first priority was to establish a safe working area. Traffic management measures were implemented to protect both site personnel and our engineers while the clean-up and investigation works were carried out.
With safety controls in place, the team immediately focused on containing and removing any remaining oil and diesel contamination from the affected area.
Spill Clean-Up Operations
Using specialist spill granules and absorbent spill pads, our engineers cleaned the affected area and recovered as much surface contamination as possible.
The absorbent materials were used to capture residual oil and diesel that remained after the initial incident, preventing further migration of contaminants into surrounding drainage assets or hardstanding surfaces.
Once the clean-up had been completed, all contaminated absorbent materials were collected, bagged, and prepared for compliant disposal through approved waste management channels.
Locating the Interceptor
A key element of the project was identifying the location and condition of the site’s interceptor system.
Our engineers utilised a CCTV tractor unit to trace the drainage network and establish the route of the interceptor. In conjunction with this, a metal detector survey was carried out above ground to help pinpoint the buried asset’s exact location.
Once located, the interceptor was carefully exposed using small hand tools to minimise disturbance to the surrounding area.
The chamber was then inspected to assess its condition and determine whether any contaminants had entered the system or polluted the surrounding ground.
Interceptor Servicing
Following the investigation, a tanker was deployed to carry out a full interceptor service.
This process involved removing accumulated liquids, contaminants, and debris from within the chamber before inspecting the asset to confirm it remained operational and capable of performing its environmental protection function.
Servicing the interceptor as part of the response ensured that any contamination associated with the spill was effectively managed and removed from the drainage system.
Structural Recovery Works
During the investigation, it became apparent that a damaged manhole cover and frame had entered the chamber.
To prevent additional hazards and further damage to the drainage infrastructure, the team used a specialist winching system to recover as much of the broken cover and frame as possible from within the chamber.
Remaining loose debris, including sections of tarmac and frame components, was scheduled for removal through confined-space man-entry works, ensuring the chamber could be safely restored and returned to service.
The Outcome
The project was completed successfully, with the immediate environmental risk controlled and the affected drainage infrastructure investigated and serviced.
Key Results
- Rapid response to a diesel/oil spill incident
- Safe working area established through traffic management
- Residual contamination removed using specialist absorbent materials
- CCTV investigation used to trace underground drainage routes
- Buried interceptor successfully located and exposed
- Ground conditions assessed for signs of pollution
- Full interceptor service carried out by tanker
- Damaged manhole components recovered from the chamber
- Contaminated waste collected and prepared for compliant disposal
- Environmental risks mitigated and site safety improved
Why This Matters
Spill incidents require more than simply cleaning visible contamination. Understanding where pollutants may have travelled and ensuring critical drainage assets are functioning correctly is essential to protecting both the environment and site operations.
By combining emergency spill response, drainage investigation, interceptor servicing, and infrastructure recovery works, our team delivered a comprehensive solution that addressed both the immediate issue and the underlying risks, helping the client return the site to a safe and controlled condition.
Services Delivered: Emergency Spill Response • Oil & Diesel Spill Clean-Up • Interceptor Location & Investigation • CCTV Drain Surveys • Environmental Protection Services • Vacuum Tanker Operations • Drainage Infrastructure Support • Hazardous Waste Management.
