ATG Group

ATG Group Tackles Japanese Knotweed with McCloskey Screening Solution

ATG Group, founded in 2006, provides tailored environmental and waste management solutions across the UK and Ireland. The company specialises in land remediation, contaminated water treatment, invasive plant eradication, and spill solutions, using the latest technologies to deliver effective results for residential and commercial clients.

Addressing a Major Development Challenge

On a recent development site in Birmingham, ATG Group was contracted to eradicate Japanese Knotweed (JKW), a highly invasive plant species known for its rapid growth and destructive potential. Japanese Knotweed can aggravate structural weaknesses in buildings, halt construction, and even prevent mortgage approvals for residential properties. Classified under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981), it is an offence to plant or allow JKW to spread in the wild.

Traditional removal methods such as ‘dig and dump’ are costly due to its classification as controlled waste, while in-situ herbicide treatment can take 5–7 years to achieve full eradication.

Innovative Eradication with the Eraginate® Process

ATG Group utilised their proprietary Eraginate® process, which involves removing above-ground vegetation, excavating contaminated soils, and segregating plant and rhizome matter through a picking line. Remaining fragmented rhizomes are treated with specialist herbicides, ensuring complete eradication of the invasive species.

To support this process, the excavated soil needed to be screened into three fractions for further processing. Having hired equipment from CRJ Services on previous projects, ATG returned to CRJ for a reliable screening solution. Following a site visit to assess the soil type and material, it was agreed that the McCloskey R155 deck screener was the ideal machine for the job.

Robust Screening with the McCloskey R155

The McCloskey R155 is a mobile deck screener designed for heavy, untreated applications. Its top deck, made of layers of ‘fingers,’ separates large hardcore from the material stream. The remaining material passes through a vibrating mesh screen, producing fine and mid-sized fractions suitable for further processing.

Seamless Soil Processing and Reuse

Once screened, the soil is passed through ATG’s picking station, where any remaining Japanese Knotweed or rhizome material is removed and sent to a licensed disposal facility. The treated soil is then processed using a specialised excavator attachment, spraying any fragmented rhizomes with herbicides. The final material can safely be reused on-site, while the separated hardcore is incorporated back into construction processes.

By combining the McCloskey R155 with the Eraginate® process, ATG Group has delivered a safe, efficient, and compliant solution for Japanese Knotweed eradication, turning a challenging site into a prepared and reusable development space.