Due to the possible presence of the ‘Swansea Five Feet vein’ (local coal seam) beneath the site, Structural Soils was asked by Ian Williams of Ground Investigation, Swansea to drill several deep (up to 75m) boreholes to intersect this or historic mining activity (old workings). Our drillers, Ryan Pincher and Nick Reichelt ably assisted by Andy Ward and geotechnical specialist SM Associates’ Colin Benjamin worked tirelessly to complete the drilling works to the satisfaction of the Coal Authority. Once the drilling was complete the Coal Authority inspected the findings and was able to grant permission for the build to proceed.
“It was hard graft but we wanted to do our bit for a good cause” explained Structural Soils lead driller Ryan Hunt.
Structural Soils managing director Stephen Mackereth, technical manager Lynne Llewellyn and senior engineering geologist Eric Downey also found time to attend the site works.
“We are so grateful to Structural Soils for the donation of their drilling rig and riggers, as well as Dr Ian Williams from Ground Investigation who worked tirelessly over the last 10 days to get this positive result – thank you so very much!” commented Hamish from DIY SOS.
“The team and I are delighted to be coming to Wales once again where we’ve always had amazing support,” added Nick Knowles, DIY SOS presenter. “This is going to be one of our biggest builds so we are going to need the community to come out in force. It couldn’t be for a more important issue: to support children and young people who are in care and leaving care. We can’t wait to tell their stories and build a wonderful new facility and housing, so that The Roots Foundation Wales can keep helping to support these children and young people.”
A press release is available on the BBC’s website.