Phase 3 - Remediation
This phase commenced in March 2023 following the granting and receipt of an Industrial Emissions (IE) Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
1.AEC1 – The Main Processing Area
This will involve bulk excavations to a depth of 3m below ground level (m bgl). Deeper excavations will be undertaken, where necessary to a max 5m bgl. Approximately 10,000 tonnes of contaminated soil will be excavated from AEC1 and sent in sealed containers to a licensed thermal treatment facility in mainland Europe.
2.AEC 2 – In the Vicinity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant – (WWTP)
This will involve bulk excavation to a depth of 8 - 9 m bgl. A secant piled wall (or similar) will be placed around the excavation perimeter to facilitate deep excavation.
Approximately 7,000 tonnes of contaminated soil will be excavated from AEC2 and sent in sealed containers to a licensed thermal treatment facility in mainland Europe.
3.The Landfill
This will involve bulk excavation on a section by section basis to a depth of 4 – 5m below the landfill liner.
Approximately 235,000 tonnes of material will be excavated from the landfill area, of which 60,000 is considered suitable for reuse as landscape material. The remaining 175,000 tonnes will be sent in sealed containers to a licensed thermal treatment facility in mainland Europe. Approximately 30,000 tonnes of clean, uncontaminated soil will be imported on-site for backfill, subject to validation sampling.
The Excavation Process
This aspect of the decommissioning project involves the demolition of all underground and over-ground buildings, facilities, roads and infrastructure within the site boundary with the exception of the ESB compound and the Fisherman's Cottage and the appropriate disposal and treatment of all associated waste.
All images are from current and on-going Roche remediation project
in Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany
in Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany
Key Facts
- All waste material excavated within the enclosure will be placed into specialist sealed containers.
- Containers will be cleaned prior to exit from the enclosure.
- The wheels of all trucks will be washed prior to leaving the site.
- All entrance and exit points to the enclosure will include appropriate containment to mitigate potential dust, odour, and vapour release.
- Vehicular and personnel decontamination units placed within containment systems will mitigate cross contamination.
- Rainfall on the enclosures will be diverted via an enclosed collection system to the existing stormwater network. All waste material taken from the site will be taken in sealed containers, via the existing road network: Clarehill, Patrick Street, Barrack Street via the R458 and N85 to the M18 (Exit 11).