40 | Environmental sustainability always at the forefront T T from page 38 Taggart Earthmoving CONTRACTING Despite encountering adversities such as inclement weather, a high water table, and the discovery of endangered species the Lamprey, Taggart’s team exhibited remarkable resilience and adaptability, ensuring the project progressed smoothly while adhering to stringent consent conditions and regulatory requirements. Paul says that environmental sustainability is always at the forefront of Taggart’s endeavours and the company implemented robust environmental controls and management plans, including measures such as silt fencing, sediment socks, and holding ponds, to mitigate environmental impact and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Paul says that regular monitoring of weather forecasts, particularly for high winds and rain were an essential part of the plan. “Rainfall events demanded the presence of our crew on-site to continuously assess and ensure that environmental controls were not overwhelmed. Some days witnessed significant rainfall, emphasizing the importance of vigilant monitoring. “Our team’s adaptability was evident in the development of holding ponds, a response to on-site conditions that reflected our commitment to minimizing environmental impact,” he says noting that Taggart underwent both internal and external audits by ECan with reports reflecting positive responses to the implementation and maintenance of Environmental Site Control measures throughout the project. Innovation emerged as a cornerstone of Taggart’s approach. Faced with difficulties stemming from adverse weather conditions and soil properties, the company proposed alternative methodologies, such as implementing a temporarily haul road using river run material, to ensure uninterrupted project progress and minimize environmental impact. “Due to late approval to the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan this resulted in a late start to the project, being February 2022,” explains Paul. “Coupled with the average annual rainfall being vastly exceeded this created an already damp construction area becoming almost unworkable with regards to the initial methodology proposal. “The initial methodology to utilise the imported fill, silt enhanced GAP65 as a means of transport across the site was no longer a possibility to allow the works to progress. Taggart proposed a temporarily haul road to allow access to the bund area, in doing so created a solid working platform in the form of imported river run material, which could hold up to the required site traffic and would not be affected by inclement weather. “This created a ‘working bridge’ to the limits of the site. Taggart were able to build a temporarily haul road within the footprint of the new bund alignment. “Once this road was constructed to the extremity of the site, the team were able to remove the temporary haul road systematically and build the new GAP65 layers as they worked their way out of the site. “With the assistance of localised de-watering and next to minimal trafficking in these areas, the permanent GAP65 bund could be formed and not compromised by traffic increasing its optimum moisture content. This methodology change was paramount to the works continuing and enabled the project to progress in a way that exceeded our initial expectations.” The judges at the Civil Contractors New Zealand Canterbury Westland awards commended Taggart for its exemplary performance, lauding the company’s meticulous planning and proactive approach in navigating the complex project challenges, which resulted in the successful delivery within stipulated timelines and budgetary constraints. Taggart project manager Philip McLoughlin attributes the project’s success to the collaborative efforts and unwavering commitment of the entire team. “Our success is a testament to the collaborative spirit and relentless dedication of our team members. Throughout the project, we worked closely with our partners, maintaining open communication channels and addressing challenges promptly,” he says. SUPPLIERS OF EARTHMOVING AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HIRE IT. LEASE IT. COUNT ON IT. 0800 225 001 PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH TAGGART EARTHMOVING LTD
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