EDS

On the 9th of June 2009 multi national organisation EDS carried out the demolition of the 50m brick chimney at the former Oxiris factory site in Knottingley, marking the end of an era for the former chemical factory and paving the way for the site's future use as a mixed-use development which may potentially include offices, light industrial units, housing and associated amenities.

South Yorkshire-based St Paul's Developments acquired the circa 30 acre site, which was owned by German-based Arques Industries and operated by Oxiris Ltd, in October 2008 following an announcement earlier that year that the factory would be closing due to increased competition with Asia. The plant had provided jobs for over 70 years, producing products for the chemical markets under operators such as Midland Yorkshire Tar, Shell, Croda and Inspec. St Paul's acquisition and subsequent clean-up of the site gives fresh hope for future job creation in and around the Knottingley area.

The decontamination of the site is a highly complex process and St Paul's Developments appointed EDS, who specialise in the safe deconstruction, dismantling and decontamination of high risk sites for the chemical, oil and pharmaceutical industries to conduct a full decontamination and demolition programme on the Knottingley site in order to clear the site down to slab level.

Since their start on site in March 2009, EDS has utilised their vast, global expertise to demolish some 70 traditional concrete, brick, steel and timber constructions in addition to the 50m brick chimney. One of the tallest, if not the tallest reaching ultra high reach excavator in the UK was utilised to demolish the chimney which was positioned close to the Aire and Calder Navigation Canal. Further decontamination and clearing of the site to slab level is currently take place, with the project scheduled for completion in September of this year.

Greg Lannon, Operations Manager for EDS, said; "This project is a highly complex and delicate operation due to the volume and variety of chemicals within the site. The site operated around five production units which manufactured cresols, sulphonic acids, thiophenes, phenolic ethers and polyacrylate over seven separate plants or zones. In order to conduct the programme of works to the highest level of safety, we undertook detailed studies of each chemical zone in order to locate residual products accurately. Additionally, we employed two former plant workers on a consultancy basis, who have a combined site experience of some 60 years, to advise on our approach to each zone. This nature of project is where our specialist knowledge and safe practice really comes into play."

David Elliot, Managing Director of St Paul's Developments, continued; "We instructed EDS to carry out the works on the Knottingley site due to their extensive experience in the high-risk, large-scale demolition and decommissioning arena. The project has run smoothly and on-time and once the works are complete we will be undertaking site investigations and chemical trials. The results of these will enable us to compile the remediation strategy which will be submitted with a planning application for the future mixed use development towards the end of the year."