Project Description

This site comprised a former chemical works occupying some 25 hectares. Works included the remediation of contaminated soil ‘hotspots’, removal of non-licensable asbestos-containing materials and the demolition of extensive above and below ground structures, including former buildings, relict foundations dating back to the First World War, and 24 former settling tanks measuring up to 100m in diameter and 10m deep.

Sirius was responsible for the remediation design, as well as developing and implementing a robust verification strategy. Site levels were subject to re-engineering with all ‘hard’ material processed on site and recycled as part of a 200,000m3 earthworks scheme, which delivered a series of fully remediated development platforms, allowing developers a choice of foundation options.

A key element of the demolition was the removal of a 70m tall reinforced concrete chimney which had dominated the Hartlepool skyline for many years. Sirius engaged a specialist sub-contractor who completed this using a controlled explosion. Naturally, such an event generated a great deal of community interest and, as well as co-ordinating the local media, Sirius, as part of their active Corporate Social Responsibility programme, hosted a charity-fund raising event for the local hospice and RNLI station.