CIRIA Launches New C809 Guidance Document, Supported By Lucion Group.

CIRIA released guide document C809 Sustainable Management Of Surplus Soil And Aggregates From Construction. The publication is the result of CIRIA Research Project RP1124 written by Stantec and supported by multiple contributors, funders and guided by a project steering group, including Lucion Group and Delta-Simons Ltd. CIRIA guide C809 brings together existing guidance, information, worked examples and case studies into an understandable and user-friendly format. 

Lucion Group provided part funding for the project and had an active involvement with the project steering group with Alec Hales (Lucion Head Of Contaminated Land) and Dave Cooper (newly appointed Delta-Simons Managing Director - Assessment) contributing to a valuable resource guide that will help construction professions plan ahead, prevent and manage surplus soils. 

Lucion has previously supported the development of asbestos in soil publications (C733 & C765) and practical interactive tools to help groundworkers and other construction site workers manage asbestos-contaminated materials on site.

What Does CIRIA’s C809 Cover?

An important part of development projects which is often overlooked is the ‘designing out’ and management of surplus soils and aggregates.

The management and "designing out" of surplus soils and aggregates during construction and development projects can be a complex aspect often overlooked regardless of project size. When dealing with surplus soil materials, it is crucial to consider them early on to mitigate risks in later stages, establish certainty about end-use options (both on or off-site), and ensure compliance with Waste Hierarchy principles, circular economy practices, sustainability goals, zero landfill targets, and overall "net zero" objectives. This applies across various UK development sectors, including community development, strategic infrastructure, transport, energy, and utilities.

Regardless of the project's scale, be it a large-scale multibillion-pound infrastructure endeavour or a single residential plot, understanding the relevant legislation and associated guidelines is essential. To address this, CIRIA has released the C809 guide with the aim to consolidate and present existing guidance in a clear and easily accessible format. It will offer construction professionals practical advice and examples of good practices to effectively manage surplus soil as a valuable resource, while also handling it responsibly as waste when necessary.

Over the past two years, there has been a significant increase in discussions surrounding soils and aggregates, with various organisations like the Society for the Environment, the British Soil Science Society, and IEMA actively contributing through new publications, initiatives, and calls to action. Notably, the ongoing Parliamentary Soil Health Inquiry has been gaining momentum, and the government's Environmental Improvement Plan update from this year includes explicit commitments to manage soils more sustainably. These efforts aim to achieve both circular economy goals and broader environmental objectives. 

Our teams at Lucion Group are proud to have supported the delivery of this industry-first guide in a collaborative process with industry and regulators.

Who is CIRIA?

CIRIA, the Construction Industry Research and Information Association, is a not-for-profit organisation acting as a neutral and independent facilitator and preferred partner for driving performance improvement within the construction industry. With a focus on collaboration across the built environment and construction sectors, CIRIA seeks to identify, develop, and transfer knowledge for the betterment of the industry.

In their efforts, CIRIA actively tackles various industry issues, challenges, and opportunities to foster business and delivery improvement. This is achieved through a collaborative approach, working in tandem with stakeholders from across the construction landscape to identify best practices, devise innovative approaches, and encourage the adoption of progressive ideas.

CIRIA's extensive research projects and activities culminate in the creation of valuable guidance documents, many of which have become the standard of excellence in their respective domains. These documents offer practical insights and recommendations, serving as valuable resources for the construction community. 

Lucion Group Services - Materials & Waste Management

Our team of Materials & Waste Management Consultants can guide you through the waste management landscape to ensure adherence to compliance & regulations, promote resource efficiency, manage costs and enhance sustainability. The service we offer include:

• Compliance
• Environmental Permitting
• Materials Management Plan
• Qualified Persons
• Materials Characterisation
• Land Remediation Tax Relief

Want expert advice on how to effectively manage contaminated soils and waste management on your sites? Get in touch with our team of specialists in the provision of site investigation services, geotechnical testing and a holistic suite of geoenvironmental services: 

E: info@luciongroup.com

T: 0345 5040 303