Constar due diligence

The brief

The site’s owners (Esterform Packaging) were seeking a sale and lease back, and required a Report to satisfy prospective purchasers that there are no significant ground-related liabilities associated with ownership.  Lithos’ investigation included a review of the site's history and environmental setting, and a ground investigation comprising 16 window sample boreholes.

Site history and characteristics

The site was believed to have formerly housed an aircraft manufacturing works, producing the Fairey Swordfish bomber.  Later the site was developed as a manufacturing works, where Constar produced plastic bottle PET preforms and HDPE closures (screw caps) for the drinks industry by injection moulding.  Some bottle blowing also took place although this had recently ceased.

What we did

At the time of the investigation, the site was still operational by Constar.  Prior to fieldwork, Lithos conducted a thorough review of site operations and waste management procedures.  This was achieved by a guided tour of the factory and interviews with site staff.

Potential sources of contamination, including former oil stores, storage tanks and interceptors were targeted during the ground investigation, however no significant contamination was encountered.

The outcome

Whilst the 16 window sample holes only provided an exploratory phase of investigation, it was clear that, if present at all, gross contamination of the ground was not widespread.  In addition, the clayey nature of the shallow natural soils reduces the potential for significant lateral or vertical migration of any fuel/oil spills or leaks.  Lithos’ investigation provided the client with the comfort they needed to complete the land purchase with confidence.