Black Swan Nickel Shed

Southern Ports Authority (then Esperance Ports, Sea & Land) contracted Delta Group to design and deliver a single source project management solution for the decontamination, demolition and remediation of the 5,400 sqm Black Swan Nickel Shed at the Port of Esperance – the largest nickel concentrate exporting port facility in the southern hemisphere.

 
The scope of works included:

• Site preparation, including amenities, materials hoist, gantries and full/partial height perimeter scaffold and hoardings.
• Demolition of nickel processing structure, conveyor system and internal plant down to ground level.
• Removal of asbestos and hazardous (nickel concentrate) waste, including materials tracking and licensed transport vehicles.
• Site remediation and rehabilitation, including concrete slab floor.
• Emissions, noise and vibration controls.
• Transport logistics, including traffic management and supervision.
• Recycling of construction and demolition waste materials.

Our detailed works programmes and safe work method statements guided all activity for this challenging project. In particular, we engaged our team of expertly trained friable asbestos removal specialists to remove HAZMAT waste from the shed roof, walls, floor, conveyor systems and internal plant by utilising an existing exhaust system to place the entire site under negative air pressure. Our methodology ensured a safe and cost effective solution, as well as protecting ‘live’ Port operations that continued in close proximity to the site. Other key achievements included:

• Capture, removal and transport of more than 10,000 sqm of nickel contaminated SMF material.
• Qualified approval and clearance from independent 3rd party hygienists at critical stages of our works programme.
• Removing the top layer of nickel impregnated concrete with a specialised non-grinding, dustless unit to completely remediate and rehabilitate 5,400 sqm of floor slab – which became a key lay-down area for the Port’s ongoing operations and infrastructure requirements.

The project was completed on time, on budget and without incident.