VEOLIA, EMPIRE WORKS, WALSALL

PROJECT OVERVIEW:           

The works involved the demolition of the former effluent recovery tanks at Veolia’s Empire Works, Walsall. The tanks still contained a significant amount of residual effluent and had been isolated, full of product without any consideration for removal of the material.

PROJECT CONSTRAINTS: 

Veolia contacted DDE Solutions following various discussions with other contractors who had suggested confined space entry techniques for the manual removal of the material. Upon inspection, a method was developed to remove any risks associated with confined space entry, manual handling or risk to human health through exposure following testing of the material. This also represented a significant commercial saving for Veolia following approval of DDE’s method.

The tanks were remotely sheared, exposing the product inside whilst being sprayed with water to prevent any product becoming airborne. Once the effluent residues were exposed, the material was excavated from within and placed into lined skips for disposal from site, all under dust suppression. The tanks, plinths, effluent, bunds and walkways were removed, pits backfilled and the site left clean and level for redevelopment.

KEY FACTS/ACHIEVEMENTS: 

The works were completed with zero harm or HSE incidents. Live process water and electrical services adjacent to the tanks were protected throughout the works with dismantling being carried out in high risk areas ensuring that there was no disruption to supply. 100% recycling was achieved on the product with all demolition material being recovered and the residual effluent being re-purposed by Veolia.

HEALTH & SAFETY PERFORMANCE: 

550 Man-hours works with zero incidents.