experts revitalising contaminated land and waterways in remediation Oil and gas operations Landfills and hazardous waste

Transcription

1 remediation

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3 experts in remediation Oil and gas operations Landfills and hazardous waste Chemical and industrial manufacturing Defence Radiological applications revitalising contaminated land and waterways

4 VISION

5 5 Australia s leading remediation contractor Old industrial precincts, often occupying prime waterfront land amid dense residential communities, create rich opportunities for sustainable renewal. However, land and waterways contaminated by past industrial or agricultural operations or abandoned waste disposal sites may pose significant risks to community health and the environment. Thiess Services has been transforming some of the country s most contaminated land and waterways for more than 20 years. Our work is underpinned by a commitment to innovation, safety and communityfocused services because we believe in the importance of healthy communities and the environment now and in the future. we are Ideal Remediation partners because we: Appreciate the economic benefits of maximising and rehabilitating useable space Value proactive and effective community and stakeholder engagement Understand the regulatory requirements necessary to ensure safe and healthy outcomes Implement leading methods and technologies to achieve first-class results

6 6 Innovation driven Remediation projects present numerous challenges spanning contaminant types, remediation techniques and methods, and are often further impacted by the location in which the work takes place. We draw on our experience and expertise to develop innovative solutions that meet the unique characteristics and inherent risks of each project. Across every application we implement world-leading practices. However, it is the skill of our people that ensures the very best in tailored service delivery and bespoke solutions from purpose-built equipment and infrastructure, to proven methodologies for dealing with complex contaminants, to proactive engagement programs designed to meet the needs of local communities. Our team includes dedicated research and development specialists, recognised internationally for their expertise. While continuing to evaluate emerging methodologies and technologies in Australia and internationally, we have developed our own site-specific tried and tested processes. Together with our global network of remediation experts and technology providers, we collaborate to remain at the forefront of our industry.

7 7 Purpose-Built At the Orica Mercury Decontamination project, excavation of contaminated material was carried out in a purpose-built enclosure large enough to accommodate crushing and screening equipment, the soil washing plant and excavation equipment. To treat both particulate and gaseous emissions, our team designed an emission control system (ECS), incorporating a two-stage process of dustfilters followed by carbon beds, to remove mercury vapour from air extracted from the building. Everyone Safe, Every day We work in highly hazardous environments on a daily basis, facing a range of contaminants that present real health and safety risks. Fully accredited to the standards of AS/NZS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, we implement rigorous, stringent policies and procedures that place safety first both for our people and the communities in which we work. Our team culture is driven by the objective of everyone safe every day for our people, clients, stakeholders and communities. We forge a culture of care that encourages everybody to take time to assess the consequences and potential impacts of their actions on themselves, their team mates and every person on site. This is underpinned by personal accountability and team support to proactively identify and manage risks and create safe environments. We continually explore initiatives to improve health and safety performance and achieve our goal of zero harm. The planning stages of a project are used to identify potential risks and, wherever possible, design out risks and engineer solutions that minimise human exposure to hazards. Our Hazard Hunt program encourages everyone on our sites to proactively identify potential safety hazards so these can be eliminated before incidents occur. By transforming hazard reporting into a positive process, we actively engage our workforce in the process of creating safer sites.

8 8 A place called west end Our remediation projects have a direct and sometimes significant impact on key stakeholders and local communities. Clients value our ability to identify, respond to, and manage the different, and at times competing, priorities and perspectives of multiple stakeholder and community groups likely to be impacted by a project. A core feature of our work is the development and implementation of best-practice, relationship-building programs that engage these groups proactively. These programs set the foundation for more organic project delivery, using genuine, collaborative, two-way communication to drive better outcomes.

9 9 Authentic engagement Sincere and effective engagement involves seeking opportunities for community input and communicating the nature of our work openly and transparently. Authentic engagement is integral to responsible service delivery and enables us to tailor our schedule of works to deliver successful project outcomes with minimal disruption and exposure to surrounding communities. Our specialist knowledge of risk communication ensures our public education programs present complex environmental and health-related information simply and efficiently to best meet the needs of each specific audience. We are a community-focused organisation that values authentic engagement not as an add-on but as an integral part of outstanding service delivery. Our expertise in this area is proven by positive project outcomes for our clients. We have forged strong relationships with all levels of the various state regulatory authorities over the past 20 years, and we are seen by these authorities as a trusted performer who can be relied upon to complete the most complex of remediation projects in a manner that is protective of the environment and sensitive to political and community concerns. We speak their language and understand their needs.

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11 11 remediation experts Investigation and analysis Our outstanding achievements in remediation give our clients assurance that they are securing world best practice in project delivery. Due diligence We collaborate to identify and capture efficiencies and innovations while drawing on our dynamic knowledge bank of procedures, initiatives and innovations established through decades of experience across geographically diverse remediation projects. Our team is adept at striking the right balance between developing cost-effective solutions that deliver long-term environmental protection, allaying community concerns without compromising rigorous scientific process, and introducing innovation that complements tried and tested industry best practice. Clients have access to our full range of services including: management of detailed project studies; specialist input coordination; approvals, permitting and licence condition reviews; implementation of quality, environment, health and safety management systems; and stakeholder relations. Planning and design Our experience includes: Gasworks»» Hydrocarbon and chemical storage depots Defence facilities Nuclear test sites and radiological research facilities Hazardous waste dumps and landfills Metal and chemical manufacturing sites Tanneries and other industrial manufacturing sites Delivery and monitoring future-focused solutions

12 12 Investigation & analysis Successful remediation outcomes depend on rigorous investigation and analysis at a project s outset. The forensic quality of this first stage often uncovers forgotten facts of past land use, making this stage a vital first step in reversing the negative legacy of former industrial practices. Before we develop a remediation strategy, we validate the conceptual site model. This involves reviewing any available existing information and, if required, undertaking comprehensive environmental investigations and studies. Our team identifies risks and hazards upfront, enabling them to analyse the remediation approach from the perspective of acceptable risk. The process delivers critical insight into the unique constraints and demands of each project which, combined with an understanding of legislative requirements, drives informed decisions that acknowledge the potential risks to human health and the environment. Once we have a clear understanding of the path forward, our remediation team has the expertise to develop a best-practice remedial action plan with inbuilt flexibility to respond to potential unforeseen issues that may arise during project works. Early Analysis Early analysis on the $68 million Penny s Bay Remediation in Hong Kong identified the need for a combination of remediation methods which set the scene for the project s success as the largest and most complex contaminated site remediation ever conducted in the city at the time. This saved $US25 million from the original contract value and the project was delivered ahead of schedule.

13 13 Identifying core issues Working closely with Orica Australia Pty Ltd, we reviewed the feasibility of a variety of remediation technologies proposed to clean up a former chemical manufacturing facility in western Sydney. The 18-month process included identifying core issues of interest and concern for key stakeholders, including local and state authorities and the community. An environmental assessment was prepared and submitted to the New South Wales Department of Planning, detailing Orica s environmental management and monitoring commitments for the proposed project during its construction and operational activities. This process is vital to securing approval and delivering defensible, safe and sustainable remediation programs. Due diligence Remediation programs must satisfy all relevant local, state and federal regulatory authority requirements a complex process requiring specialist knowledge to ensure reliable project delivery. We are experienced in preparing the necessary development applications by obtaining licences and statutory approvals. Undertaking extensive community consultation and drawing on specialist advice where necessary, we also prepare environmental assessments that detail how a project will meet regulatory requirements. Our proven track record has given us a comprehensive knowledge bank of various techniques and approaches, bespoke plant and monitoring equipment. This enables us to confidently quantify our mitigation and control methodology and negotiate environmental protection licence conditions that are feasible, practical, and represent industry best practice.

14 14 Planning & design Precision planning and forward-thinking design underpins the delivery of optimum remediation solutions. Our environmental management plans detail how our projects will manage potential impacts such as noise, air emissions, soil, groundwater, dust, odour, traffic, community, visual amenity, fauna and flora, and heritage. We understand the logistics planning necessary to procure long lead-time items, such as thermal treatment plants and specialist plant and equipment. Our experienced team also offers a total project management solution for the design and construction of the range of associated infrastructure, including containment systems, emission control structures and waste/water treatment plants. On time, on budget remediation programs delivered to the highest health, safety and environmental standards demand a diversity of inputs and processes and the preparation of comprehensive remedial action and risk management plans. As part of our planning and design process, we consider the remediation technologies that will deliver best-for-project outcomes, such as: Bioremediation Chemical immobilisation Thermal desorption In-situ reactive walls

15 15 Intricate planning A dynamic example of the complexity of remediation programs is evident at the Orica Car Park Waste Encapsulation project in the Botany Industrial Park in Sydney s inner southern suburbs. In 1980, remediation work centred on burying the contaminated soil in a purpose-built Hypalon lined cell until the regular monitoring program identified in the 2000s that the liner was leaking. Intricate planning had to accommodate a remediation program that relied on a network of custom infrastructure including an excavation soil building, feed soil building, direct thermal desorption plant, water treatment plant, and emission control system. Containment & encapsulation

16 16 Delivery & monitoring The inherent value of the assessment and planning stages is only realised by effective and disciplined project delivery. We are Australia s only contractor with the expertise to implement the full suite of remediation technologies currently available worldwide, and we hold the local rights to a number of internationally proven treatment technologies including ET-DSP TM and Soil Washing. Our team has pioneered many of the technologies, work practices and controls that represent state-of-the-art remediation practice, including the application of bioremediation, chemical immobilisation and the most advanced thermal technologies available today. Our environmental management performance is continuously tracked using complex monitoring technologies including remote alarming systems, real time data capture and specialist sample taking. The rigour and diversity of our monitoring gives us the ability to confidently report our compliance to licence conditions. The health and wellbeing of our people and the community are integral to our programs. During project works, we monitor air quality, odour and noise at excavation faces, special facilities onsite and at project boundaries. As part of our health and hygiene monitoring regime, we analyse the exposure profile of each employee group engaged on a project, and then develop and action customised health monitoring programs for each group accordingly. Mortlake Gasworks Remediation project At 51.7 hectares, the Mortlake Gasworks Remediation project in Sydney was the largest gasworks ever remediated in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in an urban waterfront setting, the project involved the excavation, containment and treatment of more than 1.2 million m 3 of tar-contaminated soils and bedrock; importation and placement of 600,000m 3 of clean soils; demolition of numerous gasworks structures and preservation of heritage structures; implementation of water management systems; and recovery and offsite disposal of hazardous tar sludge. This was supported by a stringent environmental monitoring and management regime, and management of local roads and traffic.

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18 PROVEN

19 19 We have been entrusted with some of the most technically complex remediation projects ever undertaken in Australasia Our experience in contaminated site remediation began in 1984, with the rehabilitation of the Rum Jungle Uranium Mine. Since then, our team has built an impressive portfolio, having successfully remediated more than 100 sites for industrial, commercial, residential and environmental uses. Our clients include industry, developers and government, giving us a wide-ranging appreciation for the unique drivers of individual projects as well as the universal demands of leading remediation services. We have proven our ability to manage complex projects and draw on the best mix of approaches to achieve sustainable outcomes. Each project benefits from our ability to manage all aspects of major projects inhouse including environmental science, infrastructure development, community relations and ongoing monitoring as well as international specialist capabilities as required by unique contexts. From hydrocarbon and chemical manufacturing plants, to former nuclear test facilities, to hazardous waste disposal and defence sites, the range of contaminants we have remediated is as diverse as the size and scale of projects delivered.

20 20 Beyond nuclear fallout Used by the British Government between 1953 and 1963 for atomic weapons testing, the Maralinga Nuclear Test Site was contaminated with a range of radionuclides, rendering it uninhabitable for local communities and traditional owners. The scope of works comprised the collection and burial of nearly 400,000m 3 of contaminated soil from more than 3,400,000m 2 of arid ground, together with extensive vacuuming and sweeping of more than 200,000m 2 of rock surfaces and the excavation and reburial of 80 burial pits. The range of new work methods resulted from the innovative modification of the plant fleet, which enabled work to be carried out within a shorter time onsite, using fewer employees. To ensure the safety of site personnel, plant cabins were modified to be radiologically safe, avoiding the need for operators to wear personal respiratory equipment while surrounded by a potentially hazardous radioactive environment. The development of these clean-up methods and the modification of plant to permit such methods was a world first. The project was carried out with no radiological incidents and no lost time injuries during the 603 days of operation. Clean-up results exceeded the specified criteria, positioning the project as a world industry benchmark which has yet to be equalled in the international arena.

21 21 Taking the high Rhode Three interconnected remediation projects have revitalised parts of Sydney s Rhodes peninsula including the former Union Carbide site, the adjoining former Allied Feeds site, and a 7.5 hectare portion of Homebush Bay. The primary contaminant of concern found on the sites and in the bay was 2,3,7,8-TCDD the most carcinogenic dioxin known. The remediation plan for the sites and bay started with a detailed analysis of contamination risks, resulting in riskbased soil and sediment reuse criteria to determine what material would be treated. Treated and untreated sediment was placed at depth on the land site with a 7.5 hectare area of the bay reinstated using half a metre of clean shale above a layer of geofabric. Directly-heated thermal desorption (DTD) was used to treat the most contaminated soil and sediment. The successful completion of the Rhodes Remediation projects has resulted in more than 15 hectares of severely degraded waterfront property being transformed into a valuable asset and returned to productive community use. Strict environmental monitoring included: Monitoring of total volatile organic compound (VOC) levels at site boundaries 24 hours a day, seven days a week Odour monitoring by environmental officers with nasal ranger equipment Continuous air quality monitoring of nuisance dust and PM10 (fine particulate) Laboratory analysis of air samples for chemical speciation FAST FACTS Thermally treated 272,000 tonnes of heavilycontaminated materials Excavated, dredged, classified and reinstated more than 750,000m 3 of soil, sediment and rock Constructed more than one kilometre of new seawall and foreshore.

22 22 A Trackstar in the making The Trackstar Alliance, responsible for a major rail project, awarded Thiess Services the contract to remediate the former Robina landfill site adjacent to the Pacific Motorway at Varsity Lakes, Queensland. A former quarry, the site was operated as a landfill from 1992 until Initially the landfill was unregulated. However, for the bulk of its life, it accepted commercial and demolition waste from the Gold Coast region. Aerial and subsurface investigations identified up to 1 million tonnes of deposited uncontrolled waste. Deposits of recyclable debris were screened with recovered steel diverted for metal recycling. The team sought additional opportunities to minimise waste by crushing some 40,000 tonnes of screened concrete found onsite and reusing it to construct haul roads. Waste material was classified onsite prior to haulage. Full time supervision by our project staff and environmental consultants ensured that uncontrolled waste was effectively characterised, transported and disposed of at appropriate licensed facilities in compliance with the relevant Queensland waste management and environmental legislation. A full time community liaison officer was onsite to meet regularly with and address any concerns from the residential community. A potential impact was trucks depositing soil onto the local roads successfully managed with the use of a full-time road sweeper as well as a truck wash and water carts. The project s key features: Mass excavation of landfill waste, classification, transport and disposal Dewatering, treatment and disposal of 50 megalitres of landfill leachate Removal and disposal of asbestos and hydrocarbon contaminated soils Treatment and removal of acid sulphate impacted soils Site validation and removal from the EPA s Environmental Management Register Re-engineering and backfilling of the site

23 23 Port Melbourne Gasworks Maintaining the highest environmental, health and safety standards was of critical importance to the team Thiess Services was awarded the former Port Melbourne Gasworks site remediation project by the Urban Land Authority (now VicUrban). Four parcels of land on the site, including the meter shop, holder yards 1 and 2 and the laboratory, were progressively developed between 1885 and Over the ensuing years all four sites were contaminated with industrial waste, coke/ash and tarry fill material from the gasworks operation until its closure in The remediation program involved the demolition and removal of three gasholders and two tar wells and remaining structures, followed by earthworks including excavation support, transportation, placement, trimming and shaping of material. Clay and HDPE liners were constructed at nominated levels in the base of the gasholders to mitigate future health risks. Approximately 78,000 tonnes of prescribed waste, and 18,000 tonnes of low-level contaminated material and unsuitable soils were disposed of at an appropriately licensed landfill. Excess water, including water contained in gasholders and tar wells, was also disposed of at an appropriately licensed facility. Remediation excavations were backfilled with 30,000m 3 of imported clean fill and footpaths and road reserves were reinstated at the site s boundaries. Undertaking community consultation with neighbouring residents and Port Phillip Council officers was of critical importance to the success of the project. An extensive array of environmental protection measures and monitoring was implemented from the outset of the works, in accordance with the Environmental Management and Health and Safety Plans. The site was subsequently redeveloped for high-density residential purposes.

24 24 Award-winning Hunter River Remediation Project

25 25 The Hunter River Remediation Project in Newcastle has received industry acclaim for its management of the environment. The project has been awarded the 2011 United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Virgin Blue Business Award Environmental Best Practice Program. The former BHP-owned Newcastle Steel Works operated for 84 years from 1915 and at its peak was the largest steelworks in the Commonwealth. When the steel works closed in 1999, BHP made a commitment to clean up those areas of the Hunter River affected by its activities. The project involved removal, immobilisation and encapsulation of approximately 800,000m 3 of sediment impacted by PAHs from the former steel works site. The Thiess Services contract value was $405 million. As such it is both the largest remediation project of its kind ever to be undertaken in Australia, and one of the most regulated. The project has an impressive environmental record and an enduring monitoring system. It boasts a 99 percent plus compliance record against nearly 3500 approval conditions/actions, has had no adverse impact to the environment, and has achieved 100 percent validation success in verifying that target river sediment has been removed among a range of landmark achievements. The protection of breeding habitat for the threatened green and golden bell frog has been a key feature of the project s emplacement design. The systems and subsequent environmental results achieved have contributed to the project s standing as one of the best examples of river remediation in Australia and indeed anywhere in the world.

26 26 remediation project showcase Industrial Facility Hunter River Remediation Project (sediment)»»»» Penny s Bay Remediation, Hong Kong» BHP Wiremill Site, Chiswick» Kodak Coburg Demolition and Remediation OneSteel site, Chiswick Koppers Timber Treatment Facility Cockatoo Island Stage 2 Works Rehabilitation South Coogee (Port Catherine) Gosnells Waste Water Treatment Plant Remediation Adelaide Mail Exchange, Adelaide Defence site Infrastructure and Remediation works, Ermington» Site Filling Former Naval» Albion Explosives Factory Remediation Stores, Ermington Haberfield Remediation & Civil Works Williamstown, Melbourne Department of Defence Store Depot, Bathurst Former Naval Stores, Rydalmere North Penrith Army Stores Depot Areas Banyo Former Vehicle Maintenance Depot No. 7 Stores Depot, Toowoomba Landfill and hazard waste Varsity Lakes Creek Station»»»»»»» Cape Lambert Landfill Relocation» RANAD Newington, Silverwater» Lawson Landfill remediation» Ermington Stage 2 Infrastructure» Tugun Landfill Rehabilitation» Southern Threshold Remediation Overflow Park & Golf Driving Range Landfill Remediation Area 4, Homebush Bay Auburn & Hardies Landfill Leachate Collection System (Newington) Landfill Remediation, South Haslams Creek

27 27 Corporate Office Queensland The Precinct 2 Level 1, 10 Browning Street West End, QLD 4101 Tel: (+61 7) Fax: (+61 7) New South Wales Level 3, 88 Phillip Street Parramatta, NSW 2150 Tel: (+61 2) Fax: (+61 2) Victoria Level 4, Park Street South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Tel: (+61 3) Fax: (+61 3) Western Australia 4 Aitken Way Kewdale, WA 6105 Tel: (+61 8) Fax: (+61 8) New Zealand 9 Alfred Street Onehunga, New Zealand Tel: (+64 9) Fax: (+64 9) O Rorke Road Penrose, New Zealand Tel: (+64 9) Fax: (+64 9) Chemical Facility Former Union Carbide Site, (Lednez) Rhodes Orica Carpark Waste Encapsulation Allied Feeds Site, Rhodes Homebush Bay Dioxin Remediation Orica Mercury (Vic) Orica Mercury (CAP) NSW Wellcome Australia Stage 2, Cabarita Orica Chester Hill Remediation Akzo Chemicals, Camellia Orica Cheltenham, Stages 1 and 2 Oil and gas Facility Mortlake Gasworks, Concord Newstead RiverPark Highett Gasworks»» Omex Remediation Little Manly Point, Manly Wilson Park, Silverwater Katoomba Gasworks» West End Gasworks (Pidgeon Close)» Port Melbourne Gasworks, Port Melbourne Radiological site Former Nuclear Test Sites, Maralinga Rum Jungle CSIRO, Prospect Thiess Services Middle East Office 206 Al Zarooni Building Barsha 1 Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, UAE Tel: (+971 4) Fax: (+971 4) CORPORATE OFFICE Level 5, 179 Grey Street South Bank, QLD 4101 Tel: (+61 7) Fax: (+61 7)

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