GrowHow UK Limited Plant Decommissioning and Clearance When premier fertiliser manufacturer GrowHow UK announced the decision to close its 100-acre Severnside plant, RVA was charged with managing, supervising and regulating the decommissioning and clearance of fertiliser production facilities, utilities equipment, laboratories and office buildings over nine separate locations within the site. Traditional dismantling techniques were complemented by the controlled use of explosives to bring down the 100 metre tall Prill Manufacturing Tower, which once produced ammonium nitrate fertiliser pellets. Prior to blowdown, samples were taken from the tower to assess levels of contamination; ammonium nitrate experts were engaged to assist in the decontamination; RVA led hazard study workshops to promote collaborative understanding and the RVA team also managed the contractor selection process to ensure required standards would be met. During what was one of the largest UK industrial process plant demolition projects, RVA supervised more than 60,000 man-hours of plant decommissioning, isolation and demolition. St Pauls Developments Decommissioning Of Multi-Purpose Plant RVA was selected by this client to support them in the closure and clearance of this 70 year old site in readiness for future regeneration and development. The site, which still held top tier COMAH status at the beginning of the project presented a number of challenges to the RVA Team. Having had several owners over the years making varying products, a wide range of hazardous materials were identified and bringing the plant to a ‘known status’ was a significant task. A number of structures including a 50m chimney, adjacent to the Aire and Calder Navigation Canal, were demolished using specialist techniques. Saint-Gobain Pipelines Foundry Demolition And Clearance Following the closure of Saint-Gobain’s Staveley Works in Derbyshire, a complex dismantling process was put underway to remove foundry buildings that have dominated the local skyline for 300 years. The substantial project, included asbestos removal, deplanting, demolition and the clearance of 30 mixed and massive structures to leave the site in a safe and known condition, for return to its owner. As part of the dismantling operation, RVA also devised a ‘production line’ salvage system to reclaim timber, plastic and scrap metal from the former cast iron foundry, fulfilling and underlining a corporate commitment to sustainability and the environment. British Energy Generation Nuclear Liabilities Review 2009 RVA Group has once again supported British Energy in its periodic reassessment of the assets and liabilities of its nuclear power plants, having been appointed to assess a range of structures within the ‘non-controlled’ areas of stations at Hartlepool, Heysham 1, Heysham 2 and Dungeness B. The RVA team of five specialist consultants provided a range of knowledge and services including demolition engineering, estimating and work breakdown structure (WBS) compilation. The complex four-month assignment was to build up decommissioning profiles for turbine halls, CW pump houses, and ancillary and administration buildings. The information will then be used to form schedules that will aid planning, programming and liability estimation for future decommissioning and associated clean-up work. RVA’s reports, will detail how, in what sequence and over what period of time the structures might be demolished, together with estimates of the resources required, protocols for disposal of scrap building materials and the costs involved for each structure. NOVA Innovene UK Demolition Of Polystyrene Plant Taking on its first assignment on the Shell owned Carrington site, RVA was engaged to provide a full suite of engineering and health and safety support services. The presence of adjacent live plants, operated by other companies, common utilities and shared access, all added to the challenges of the project and the need to plan all activities carefully and maintain strong line of communication at all times. Veolia Environmental Services Marchwood Incinerator Site Development Having managed the dismantling of external plant, including the flues and precipitators complete with removal of contaminated materials, some 10 years earlier, RVA was delighted to return to Marchwood as CDM-C for the demolition of the tipping hall, incinerator building and associated plant. The work, which is part of redevelopment scheme, was phased to accommodate the operational needs of the client Rohm And Haas Plant Removal Jarrow Site Providing services to this client for the first time, RVA was engaged as CDM-C, specialist engineer and project manger to oversee the complex and challenging task of selective removal of plant and equipment. Working in both a high hazard and operational environment, careful planning and coordination, which included phasing the dismantling to accommodate utility isolation and re-routing, with the employer’s staff, was a critical factor in delivering a safe outcome with minimum disruption to the ongoing business Smurfit Kappa Dismantling Of Plant For Shipment Overseas Following an industry trend, RVA was appointed by Smurfit Kappa Townsend Hook in Kent, to act as CDM-C and provide project management assistance, for a major dismantling exercise. The sequential removal of paper machine PM1 was a challenging exercise for all involved. The intricate piecemeal operation had to be planned and managed to ensure that high safety and quality standards were maintained whilst at the same time allowing the client to receive best value throughout the process. PM1 will start a new life in India, once reassembled. Lotus Enerji Demolition Of Redundant Refinery Plant Following a call for assistance from a Turkish oil and gas engineering company, RVA sent a team of engineers to Turkmenistan to assess options for the demolition of a redundant delayed coker unit at the country’s main refinery. The work to be undertaken included the demolition of a number of complex massive structures and plant adjacent to a fully operational essential facility. The project presented a number of significant challenges, not least of which was the need to develop safe, efficient and practical methodologies for completing the works using a limited selection of contractor’s plant and without the specialist demolition tools now taken for granted in the UK and many other parts of the world. It was an excellent opportunity for RVA to demonstrate a quick response, innovation and flexibility, to meet the needs of the client. CIBA Chemicals Decommissioning Of Dye Manufacturing Plant RVA was appointed by Ciba Speciality Chemicals as planning supervisor and specialist project engineer, to manage the deplanting and demolition of 60 principal buildings during the closure of an 18-hectare chemicals plant in Manchester, after nearly a century of dye manufacturing Controlled use of explosives was combined with traditional demolition techniques to demolish brick-built office blocks, the heavy steel-framed structures of specialist chemical process buildings and all associated pipework, cables, pipebridges, floorslabs, plant and equipment. RVA was also responsible for ensuring that the cleared area was prepared to a rigid specification, allowing future site development to commence immediately on completion of the demolition project. BPB/RKTK Dismantling Of Paper Making Plant For Reuse In addition to fulfilling its regular roles of specialist engineers and CDM-C, RVA also provided additional security to the site owners BPB, as advisers, when they sold a paper making machine and associated equipment for re-erection in the Ukraine. It was RVA’s duty to assess the competency and suitability of a number of organisations, including a workforce comprising in excess of 70 non-English speaking personnel, in order that EHS excellence was maintained throughout the process which included a significant number of large and complex lifting operations. Members of the RVA engineering team were involved both at the donor site in Aberdeen and the new home of the plant in the Ukraine. British Nuclear Group Demolition Of Calder Hall Towers RVA has provided essential and value adding specialist support for the demolition of the four hyperbolic cooling towers at Calder Hall power station, Sellafield, Cumbria. The brief included a review of technical notes, progression of the work-scope methodology and on-site auditing during charging. RVA explosives engineering personnel assisted the client during a complex and lengthy process of consultation with the contractor, stakeholders, NII and other interested parties Alcoa Manufacturing (GB) Limited Closure Of Aluminium Ingot Plant RVA is supplying a full project support service for the decommissioning and exit from the Waunarlwydd site. Adopting the roles of CDM Coordinator, project manager and Engineer, RVA has integrated fully into the client’s team to assist in the production of decommissioning/isolation strategies, EHS documentation, commercial bid packages for plant dismantling/demolition and procurement processes. In addition significant input has been provided in investigating the options that will result in the optimum balance between structural demolition and deplanting being established, in order that maximum value will be achieved for both land and asset disposal. Veolia Environmental Services Incinerator Decommissioning RVA was appointed as planning supervisor and specialist project manager for the dismantling of the redundant Sheffield City Council municipal waste incinerator. The project included the removal of hazardous waste materials, the cleaning of plant and equipment prior to removal and the demolition of a number of out buildings and offices. The contractor’s site was particularly restricted due to the close proximity of the newly commissioned replacement plant, which had to remain operational and accessible around the clock. There was therefore a need to carefully plan and execute the works, which required a significant amount of dismantling, using heavy lift cranes. British Nuclear Group Cooling Tower Demolition Engineering Solutions has been retained by British Nuclear Group to provide specialist input for the demolition of the four cooling towers at Chapelcross power station in Dumfriesshire. Services include support for explosives engineering matters as well as, drawing on the Group’s experience of set piece management of high profile events by this method, stakeholder engagement, logistics and third party interface Dupont Teijin Films Melinex 2 Decommissioning RVA acted as specialist project managers, contract engineers and planning supervisors for the decontamination and demolition of the Melinex 2 plant at the former ICI site, Dumfries. The project comprised a significant asbestos removal exercise followed by the dismantling and demolition of chemical process plant, film making machines and buildings. Sanofi Aventis Site Rationalisation Packages Acting as both project engineers and planning supervisors, RVA were appointed by Sanofi Aventis to manage a major site rationalisation and decommissioning scheme. The works at the Dagenham site comprise several packages including the decontamination and dismantling of redundant process plant and the demolition of large buildings. The12 month assignment follows RVA’s previous contracts with this Client undertaken in 2002. AdvanSA Melinar Plant Dismantling The project management for decommissioning of a world scale polyester resin manufacturing facility at the Wilton chemical site was a challenging task. Located within a high hazard environment and bounded on all sides by operational plant RVA provided resident engineering and planning supervisor support. The brief included the compilation and execution of robust isolation and decommissioning strategies prior to demolition Huntsman Surface Sciences Whitehaven Facility Closure The high hazard COMAH surfactants site required careful preparation work and decommissioning in readiness for demolition and site clearance. Working closely together, RVA and the Huntsman team developed a site strategy to ensure that all EHS issues were addressed and the Client’s requirements were met at all times. British Energy Generation Nuclear Liabilities Review ESL has been appointed to prepare a number of Base Line Decommissioning Plans for selected stations within the Client’s fleet. The work was centred around the liabilities review for the non-controlled areas and included the assessment of demolition methodology, costing and programme. ESL produced detailed reports in a number of formats including in-depth planning using Primavera P3e software. Huntsman Tioxide Demolition of Blackend Plant The Blackend plant complex, completed in the late 70s produced titanium dioxide pigment for use mainly in the paint and plastics sectors has been decommissioned over the last few years. RVA’s brief included the provision of specialist project management and planning supervisor support for the progressive dismantling of the plant and buildings within a potentially high hazard, operational environment. ConocoPhillips High Hazard Plant Removal To remove the No.1 Stabiliser Train from within a live refinery environment necessitated careful pre-works planning and the extensive use of cold cutting techniques combined with heavy craneage. Walsall Housing Group High Rise Demolition Having been contracted by Walsall MBC to act as planning supervisors and project managers, RVA have continued to support Walsall Housing Group in their programme to remove redundant high rise residential blocks. The current tally of buildings is in the ‘teens’ and on-going. Methods have included floor by floor and mechanical techniques. William Sutton Housing Association Ltd Demolition of Sutton House Due to the restricted location of the block, with houses, schools and office buildings nearby, RVA invited a select list of companies to tender for the demolition by the controlled use of explosives. Bayer CropScience Demolition of Redundant Plant RVA were engaged in the roles of Consulting Engineer and Planning Supervisor to project manage the demolition of a number of redundant production buildings and plant on the Norwich site. The main building was of unusual construction and due to its age, no drawings or details were available. The project was an interesting engineering exercise, undertaken in the midst of an operational site. Eastman Chemicals Closure of Hartlepool Plant A third appointment from the Client is to prepare a Site Options Study. This will permit informed and balanced decisions to be made about the future of the site. The Study will consider a number of alternatives and comment on their advantages and disadvantages. Great Lakes Corporation Demolition of Newton Aycliffe Plant As a consequence of the closure of their plant in Wales, the Newton Aycliffe site was to be taken out of commission and demolished. RVA were appointed to provide a total project management and planning supervisor service. Great Lakes Corporation Closure of Amwlch Plant Following the decision to cease the extraction of bromine from sea water, RVA were appointed to lead the Client's team through a safe and thorough decommissioning programme. The brief also extended to the provision of a site option study and associated budget costings. Willmott Dixon Housing Demolition of Leferve Walk, Bow The final part of this massive project was the demolition of 3 ten storey flats in a newly completed development. RVA were engaged to compare and evaluate the method options of dismantling versus explosives. Eastman Chemicals Waterford site appriasal Following consideration of our Site Options and Feasibility Study, the Client has selected a way forward and extended the RVA brief to assist in plant decommissioning operations and preparation for dismantling. RVA are in addition preparing tender documentation for the works. Wallsal Housing Group Multi-storey demolition Following the transfer of the housing stock from the local authority, RVA have continued to act as planning supervisor and engineer on several projects. Due to location of these block demolition methods have included floor by floor dismantling and long-reach excavator. Dundee City Council Term Engineering Over a period of more than 12 years RVA have worked with this Client in the execution of a long term programme of multi storey clearance by the use of explosives. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Demolition of multi-storey flats Resulting from a housing needs review, the Client opted to demolish 8 blocks in the Borough on 3 different sites. RVA undertook an options review study resulting in 6 of the blocks being demolished by explosives and the remainder using floor by floor dismantling methods Grovehurst Energy Ltd Demolition of power station As a part of a massive site expansion plan, the Client undertook to demolish a coal fired station following the commissioning of a purpose built CHP. The work which included demolition of boiler houses and a turbine hall adjoining operational buildings was extremely challenging. Carnaud Metalbox plc Post incident assistance As a result of an accident resulting in the death of two workers, RVA were appointed to act as planning supervisor to oversee the careful and documented dismantling of the steel flue for forensic purposes. RVA worked closely with the Client, Health & Safety Executive and other legal entities to complete the difficult project. British Nuclear Fuels plc Term engineering RVA are supporting BNFL throughout the UK in the compilation of Baseline Decommissioning Plans for their power production and other installations. Huntsman Petrochemicals Olefines 5 feasibility and options study Having taken over the legacy of Olefines 5, which had been out of service for over 20 years, the Client commissioned RVA to provide a feasibility study and option appraisal for the plant. The study encompassed topics including immediate and longer term safety considerations, sanction grade costings, care and maintenance budgets, giving a flexible management tool on which the Huntsman board could formulate its future plans. Preston Council Demolition of Moor Lane Flats Following the findings of a structural survey it was found that the three tower blocks were in need of major works to ensure their suitability for long-term use. A decision was made to demolish the structures by the use of explosives. The project was particularly challenging due to the sensitive location above a live rail tunnel. Basell Polyolefins UK Limited Demolition of polyolefins plant Once the decision had been taken by Basell to close their installation at Wilton, maximising safety whilst minimising environmental impact and cost were main driving factors. Following a comprehensive decontamination and cleaning regime, some of the main structures were demolished by the use of explosives, hence avoiding prolonged disruption on this busy site. Aventis Pharma Site rationalisation progmmme As a part of an overall site development scheme, Aventis Pharma engaged RVA to project manage the demolition of laboratory and research buildings, a batch production plant and warehousing. Protection of the site infrastructure and security of on-going production were major issues on this site where prescribed drugs are manufactured. Several differing methods of demolition were used, mechanical, explosives and piecemeal to achieve a successful outcome. Albion Inorganic Chemicals Ltd. Demolition Of Sulphuric Acid Plant RVA’s role was to ensure that this top tier COMAH site was decommissioned safely and efficiently. The plant which had initially been established in a relatively open area of Widnes had over the years become surrounded by residential and light industrial developments. A major consideration throughout the closure process was the protection of the environment and members of the public. back to top