PROJECT OUTLINE

The Ely Bridge Development Company (in partnership with Welsh Government) purchased the site of the former Arjo Wiggins Paper Mill in Ely, Cardiff with the intention to create a new urban village. The existing site had a heavy industrial past and asbestos and heavy metals contamination had been identified.

The regeneration of the site would comprise of three main phases ” 1) Remediation, 2) Infrastructure and finally 3) Housing Development. During the remediation phase the whole site was to receive turn and compact treatment with the removal of any underground structures. Costly removal and disposal of asbestos contaminated soils was anticipated.

PROJECT DELIVERY

Walters proposed a remediation strategy that allowed moderately contaminated materials to be safely incorporated within the works, thereby avoiding costly off site haulage and landfill costs. The operation was carried out in full compliance with the Regulators, recognised best practice and the latest industry standard, with the project benefitting greatly from a significant commercial saving, the sustainability of the whole scheme being further enhanced by redefining waste criteria on the site – following the principals of CL:AIRE.

On site soil and water treatment facilities, as well as bioremediation techniques, also played a key role in the safe re-use of materials indigenous to the brownfield site, with full sign off and validation approval granted by the various regulators.

During the turn and compact operation, the presence and quantity of buried structures and reinforced concrete foundations more than doubled. Walters were able to maintain programme and progress by mobilising additional resources from its extensive, modern plant fleet.

Despite the difficult and demanding circumstances uncovered on the scheme, Walters were able to successfully complete the project within both time and budgetary constraints – and to the full satisfaction of the Client.