Smart soil management, early planning helps cut construction costs

There's a simple way for architects, engineers and even contractors to lower project costs – all it takes is a little planning and a lot of know-how.

Fehr Graham specializes in soil management, including Clean Construction or Demolition (CCDD) services, which test project soil to determine if it qualifies for disposal at regulated sites throughout Illinois at a much lower price than the cost to take that same load to a landfill.

Construction soil isn't just dirt – it's often mixed with concrete, rock, brick or old roadway materials. This comingling of soil with construction debris is what qualifies the soil for disposal at a regulated CCDD facility.

With landfill space finite and at a premium, Illinois established CCDD sites in 2012, repurposing quarries and pits for clean construction debris. Truckloads of eligible CCDD materials are dumped and compacted, with the goal of eventually filling and seeding the abandoned quarry or pit so it can be returned to public use.

However, these sites differ from landfills in one major way: They are not set up to handle contaminants. Where landfills are lined and prepared for potentially hazardous materials, CCDD disposal sites are not. That's why strict guidelines are in place to test the soil and ensure nothing being placed at that site could contaminate local groundwater.

Despite the cost of testing, the price to dump at a CCDD site can be at least half the charge of a landfill. That makes it an attractive option for contractors and developers. Proper planning is key to maximizing financial benefits. Our services are key because we can identify soil management needs at the design stage, letting engineers and project architects know early which portions of their project can go to a CCDD site and which must go to a landfill.

Most often, the projects that benefit most from CCDD planning are run-of-the-mill improvements. Road construction, new bike paths, sidewalks, water main and storm sewer upgrades or repairs, and improvements to facilities often require testing for soil disposal.

The ideal time to conduct CCDD testing is during Phase II of a project, so the site is properly characterized before a contractor's involvement. Knowing about environmental concerns and how the soil should be handled helps normalize bids and manage expenses.

If this work is not done until Phase III, Fehr Graham can assist the contractor with an environmental analysis.

Fehr Graham experts are available to provide Phase III soil analysis but warn that the original design plan and estimated budget may need adjusting to accommodate issues. To direct those costs as best possible, contractors should request an estimate for soil management services from Fehr Graham for the most accurate pricing when putting a bid together.

Our team of environmental consultants offers in-depth knowledge of CCDD acceptance requirements and costs, allowing us to mitigate risks and avoid project delays throughout the design, planning and construction process.

Projects like redevelopment and capital improvements have unexpected expenses and slowdowns. There's no reason to make construction debris disposal one of them. Bring in Fehr Graham at the beginning stage of your project for comprehensive soil testing, early certification and cost-saving disposal plans.