Albion Environmental

Latest News Stories

CQA Project

( June 2007)

Albion Environmental Ltd is pleased to continue its success in completing CQA project work for Infinis Ltd and Tarbolton Landfill Site within the last 5 months. With our considerable experience of landfill operations the company was able to provide the technical support required.

A member of Albion Environmental Ltd staff was involved in the build and development of a new landfill cell at Tarbolton Landfill Site and successfully conducted all the CQA work. The engineering works for the new cell started on April 2007 and was completed by June 2007. The CQA work provided the assurance and validation for each of the elements of the installation. The key areas for this were the landfill containment cell liner, containment cell leachate drainage and collection system. The work was supported by associate consultant, Wendy Pring. Wendy is a Chartered Civil engineer and has extensive experience of the waste management industry.

Due to this success we will be continuing our work with Tarbolton Landfill Site with their next CQA project.

In addition to working as an associate for Albion Environmental Ltd, Wendy manages the operation of KCP Environmental Services Ltd. KCP Environmental Services has over 20 years experience in the waste management industry aimed directly at managing and maintaining the environmental infrastructure on landfill sites.

Another member of Albion Environmental Ltd staff has successfully completed CQA work for Infinis Ltd working with onsite gas well installations at Greengairs Landfill Site. This follows on for the successful CQA project we completed for Infinis Ltd at Drummond Moor Landfill Site, Edinburgh in February 2007. The drilling works for the new wells started on 24th April 2007 and was completed by 10th May 2007. The CQA work provided the assurance and validation for each of the elements of the installation. Due to the timing of the job the drilling contractors were able to supply two drilling rigs, providing extra CQA work which was successfully dealt with by our member of staff. The key areas for this were the depth of drilled boreholes, description of waste removed, verification of case welding, instillation of the pipe work and the seal. A comprehensive CQA report was produced at the end of the job. Infinis Ltd have been very pleased with our work to date and wish us to work for them on their next CQA project.

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Contaminated Land Project

( May 2007)

Albion Environmental Ltd is a company who has great experience in environmental consultancy issues including environmental monitoring, health and safety courses, COTC/WAMITAB training and CQA project work but we are now looking to expand our business further.
Over the past few years there has been an increasing awareness of issues surrounding land contamination and the potential for chemical substances upon, in or beneath the ground to impact upon people, animals and the wider environment. The government has set a target of 60% new build on previously used land, often referred to as ‘brownfield sites’. Frequently these sites have some form of contamination present upon them usually arising from past activities, particularly those sites of an industrial nature.
Risk Assessment has become the essential tool for site investigations as the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) Part IIA requires a risk based approach to be used when assessing contaminated sites. This risk based approach is also required as part of the planning process for new developments.
Risk Assessment forms the core of the contaminated land investigation and assessment process. The purpose of investigations is to obtain information on sources, pathways and receptors present on or adjacent to a site. The presence of a linkage between these may then constitute a risk, the significance of which must be assessed and is dependent upon a number of factors.
The site investigation is the next phase and there are two phases 1 and 2. Phase 1 is a desk top site investigation.
The Phase 1 Desk Study identifies any potential sources of contamination resulting from the current and / or historical activities at the site.
The report will also identify any potentially sensitive receptors, e.g. humans, surface watercourses, aquifers, buildings or ecological receptors and collate the information relating to the site’s environmental setting i.e. geology, hydrogeology, industrial activity, location of controlled waters (canals, estuaries, lakes, ponds, rivers, springs, aquifers), pollution incidents and proximity to open/closed landfill sites.

Phase 2 is the on site practical site investigation. An intrusive site investigation is then undertaken to investigate each aspect highlighted by the Phase 1 desk study, historical research and walkover survey. This comprises exploratory holes constructed using the most appropriate method for the site to investigate the local subsurface strata.

This is what we want to aim for as a service provider:

  • Production of Phase 1 Desk Study reports through extensive information gathering, analysis and interpretation;
  • Designing, commissioning and supervising Phase 2 Intrusive Site Investigations, to meet the requirements of both the client and statutory authorities;
  • Design & Implementation of remedial schemes and undertaking post remediation monitoring (Phase 3);
  • Validation of remediation (Phase 4) and production of Post Remediation Validation Reports and remediation statements;
  • Liaison with statutory authorities (e.g. the Environment Agency, local authorities, HSE etc.)

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Civic Amenity/Household Recycling Centre Operators Course

( November 2006)

Albion are in the process of conducting several CA courses for local authorities. Some of these councils include North Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and East Lothian.

We are very flexible with these courses and bring them to a venue of the client’s choice. For most of the local authorities we are running them over 3 separate days so as to take into consideration work patterns and accommodate all CA site staff.

The course is designed in a modular form and can be mixed and matched to meet the requirements of the client. The objectives, content & duration will depend on the number and choice of the modules picked. Each module is designed to last about 1.5 hours and the course is based on the core module and a minimum of 1 additional module (total of 4hrs). The modules (and objectives for each) are:

• Core Module (Intro to HRC & CA Sites): Understand the role of & current legislation regarding Household Recycling Centres & Civic Amenity sites

• Site Operations: Ensure waste is handled & stored correctly and the workplace complies with its duties under the “Duty of Care” Regulations & any Waste Management Licence requirements

• Intro to Waste Management: Understand the waste management methods for common household waste streams

• Customer Care: Understand how to deal with the public & handle aggressive behaviour in the workplace

For full details on this course and your chance to book on-line please click here.

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Licence Application for Henry Waste Management

( November 2006)

Albion Environmental Ltd continues its successful Waste Management Licence Application by applying for a Waste Management Licence for Henry Waste Management after they recently received planning permission.

Their new site will be based in Chryston just off the A80. They will be hoping to establish another recycling facility at this location in a bid to divert more waste from ending up in landfill.

Albion Environmental Ltd also successfully applied for a Licence for their other recycling facility based in Coatbridge. This site has been up and running now for over a year.

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An Introduction to Waste Management Legislation 2 Day Course - GLASGOW

( November 2006)

Albion Environmental held another 2 day Waste Management Introduction course in Glasgow which also proved another hit. The course, again, covered all whole range of topics which are ideally suited to employers and employees who have recently joined the waste sector and also for those who are currently undergoing their WAMITAB COTC qualification. The course can also be useful for updating and refreshing current guidance and legislation.

More of the 2 day courses ape planned for the beginning of 2007.

Of some of the feedback received, a representative from Oakbank Services said that the course was “presented in layman’s terms”.

A Falkirk Council official wrote of the course content “excellent – comprehensive and easy to understand”

A candidate from Shanks stated “course exercises ideal to make you think”

“Informative and very helpful” was another comment from a Conform delegate.

For full details on this course and your chance to book on-line please click here.

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Successful Licence Application for North Ayrshire Council

( October 2006)

Albion Environmental Ltd continues its successful Waste Management Licence Application work after recently completing an application for North Ayrshire Council. Albion Environmental Ltd worked with North Ayrshire Council to secure a Waste Management Licence for their new waste transfer station in Brodick, Isle of Arran.

Due to Landfill Directive requirements, the only landfill site on Isle of Arran is due to close at the end of 2006. A new waste transfer station has been constructed adjacent to the former landfill site to allow the efficient transfer of waste and recyclate from the island. Albion Environmental Ltd worked closely with North Ayrshire Council to ensure WML was received from SEPA in advance of the site opening later this year.

Albion Environmental Ltd is pleased to have been awarded the contract for completing the WAMITAB Training and Assessment for the two managers who will be responsible for the site. This work will commence early 2007.

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Introduction to Waste Management Legislation Course - Feedback

Albion Environmental recently held a 2 day Waste Management Introduction course in Aberdeen which proved a great success. The course covered all whole range of topics which are ideally suited to employers and employees who have recently joined the waste sector and also for those who are currently undergoing their WAMITAB COTC qualification. The course can also be useful for updating and refreshing current guidance and legislation. We are about to hold another course in Glasgow at the end of October with more courses planned for next year.

Of some of the feedback received, Tracy Park from Enviroco beleived that the course was "interesting and well explained".

Andrew Tuckwood from Highland Council wrote of the course content "excellent and very helpful especially European Waste Codes as well as a good eye opener on ADR, etc."

Mike Prue from EH Metals Ltd said "on both days there was a nice even spread of relevant information for different industries so all were catered for..."

For full details on this course and your chance to book on-line please click here

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Introduction to Waste Management Legislation Course – Aberdeen.

( September 2006)

Albion Environmental Ltd is delighted to have delivered their first Introduction to Waste Management Legislation Course, 2 day course in Aberdeen. Trainers Alasdair Meldrum and Craig Chandler delivered the 2 day training course to a range of Local Authority and private sector waste contractors. Course was developed with a number of aims in mind:

  • To provide background knowledge to Waste Management Legislation to candidates who are either new to the industry or are progressing their career in the industry.
  • To provide background knowledge and understanding for candidates undertaking WAMITAB certificates of competence.
  • For candidates wishing to ensure their knowledge of waste legislation is up to date and current.

Feedback from candidates was very positive and it was clear that the above aims were fully met. A number of candidates have requested places on future courses and we intend to deliver another course in February / March 2007.

All candidates were provided with a folder covering course content and also for recording exercises which were used to confirm learning throughout the course. These exercises can be used by the candidate to cover Performance Standards and Knowledge and Understanding points within their WAMITAB Certificate of Technical Competence. Candidates were also provided with a CD Rom containing copies of useful guidance and regulations. All candidates will also receive a Certificate of Attendance and we are currently in the process of gaining approval from CIWM to allocate a number of hours against candidates Continuous Professional Development.

Next course we are delivering is on 24th and 25th October in Glasgow and a limited number of places are available. We are also intending to deliver courses in February and March 2007 and further details will be available shortly. Further details are available on our Environmental and Health and Safety section of our web site. If you wish to be kept informed of future courses please email your contact details to us.

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Albion Environmental Ltd Director Appointed as External Verifier for SQA

( September 2006)

Albion Environmental Ltd director, Alasdair Meldrum is delighted to have been appointed as an External Verifier for SQA for all waste management awards. Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) approves all centres in Scotland who deliver the Waste Management Certificate of Competence Awards (COTC) which eventually lead to WAMITAB awards. Alasdair Meldrum has completed his induction course and will now be allocated centres to check over 2006 and 2007. The purpose of External Verification visits is to ensure centres comply with SQA and Centre requirements. This is particularly important to ensure candidates are dealt with fairly and qualification standards are maintained.

On hearing of his appointment Alasdair Meldrum stated “it is a great honour to be appointed to this position, however there is a great deal to learn about SQA procedures. I am delighted to be given this opportunity to ensure standards within the Waste Management Certificate of Competence (COTC) scheme which ultimately leads to WAMITAB qualifications, are being maintained. I am also looking forward to learning from good practice provided by other centres”.

For further details on the WAMITAB COTC awards visit the WAMITAB section of our web site.

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Second ABP Compliant Composting Facility Waste Management Licence achieved by Albion Environmental Ltd

( September 2006)

Albion Environmental Ltd have recently secured Waste Management Licence (WML) for Gray Composting Services Ltd, Portsoy, Banff for their new In Vessel Composting Facility. The site will now be applying to State Veterinary Service (SVS) to process category 3 animal by product waste and catering waste, making it the only site in the North East to be approved to handle these waste types. The in vessel composting system makes use of a single Vertical Compost Unit (VCU) provided by VCU Europa.

Albion Environmental Ltd are pleased to be involved with the installation of the second VCU Europa composting system in Scotland. Through a range of projects we are currently working on Albion have built up considerable expertise in developing facilities handling animal by product and catering wastes. Services range from support with planning applications, WML applications and preparation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for State Veterinary Service (SVS) approval. Albion are now involved with the site providing WAMITAB training for site staff and consultancy for future site developments. If you are involved in setting up a composting system and need assistance please do not hesitate to contact us for an informal chat.

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Change of Interpretation from SEPA

(September 2006)

Albion Environmental Ltd is pleased to have gained a change of interpretation from SEPA for their client Gray Composting Services Ltd. SEPA had initially refused to accept a Waste Management Licence application for an in vessel composting system even though it was processing less than 10 tonnes ABP waste per day. The original reason for refusal was that material which was being stored in the maturation building had to be included in this 10 tonne per day total. As this material was to held in the maturation building for 60 days this resulted in the site only being able to accept small quantities of waste per day.

Albion Environmental Ltd then submitted a PPC application on behalf of Gray Composting Services Ltd. A formal complaint was also lodged with SEPA as Albion Environmental Ltd was aware of a similar operation which had been licensed under a Waste Management Licence. Albion Environmental Ltd and Gray Composting Services Ltd are pleased that a sensible outcome has been achieved however they and their clients are disappointed that they had to waste time and money submitting a PPC application which was not needed.

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Albion Increase Range of SQA Awards to Suit Customer Demand

( September 2006)

Albion Environmental Ltd is delighted to have been approved to deliver the WAMATIB COTC in Waste Management Operations – Incineration award.

This award has been added to the range of awards we are qualified to deliver due to customer demands. Although incinerators are generally not operated under a Waste Management Licence, and there is no legal requirement for staff to hold a WAMITAB COTC, many incinerator managers are viewing this as a suitable award to demonstrate their competence.

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Albion Approved to Deliver SQA Assessor Qualifications

(September 2006)

Albion Environmental Ltd has been approved by SQA to deliver assessor qualification A1. This qualification is essential to any manager wishing to carry out vocational qualification assessments.

Albion Environmental Ltd has developed a comprehensive programme consisting of a detailed induction, observation of real assessments and feed back to candidates. These qualifications will particularly benefit organisations who wish to assess their own staff in vocational qualifications. For further details please contact Alasdair Meldrum.

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