Challenging project to decontaminate over 150,000 square metres of contaminated soil within a highly restricted facility on Curtis Island, Queensland.
An initial site visit by McMahon Services to inspect asbestos contaminated erosion control stockings, led to the development of a handling and disposal methodology approved by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. Further environmental testing led to more areas of widespread mulch being deemed contaminated with both bonded and friable asbestos.
A team of up to 20 asbestos removal technicians completed the asbestos remediation works during the peak summer period, working 72 hours per week on a 4/1 roster.
This project involved the remediation of three asbestos contaminated soil stockpiles by a combination of manual picking and machine scraping on over 150,000 square metres of the island.
Two main methods were used:
- Manual picking of approximately 45,000 square metres was used on stockpiles one and three, with associated vacuuming and excavation of the friable asbestos
- Stockpile two involved wholesale machine scraping and excavation. Deterioration of the bonded asbestos meant that the top cover of the stockpile had become friable and required excavation and removal. Over 100,000 square metres were remediated in total from stockpile two.
Creation of dust in the excavation process was a major concern on-site. Asbestos removal technicians wore full asbestos suits, gloves and half mask respirators at all times. All machinery had negative pressure filtered air systems fitted to the cabins, and a full time water cart was operated on site to shadow the excavation process and suppress any dust generated. Five stage decontamination units were installed at the site at entry and exit points for McMahon Services’ asbestos removal specialists.
Transport of asbestos contaminated soil was primarily undertaken in double lined bins, wrapped and transported to pre-approved council landfill facilities.
McMahon Services worked closely with State and Local Government regarding the landfill options to dispose of the contaminated soil, it was decided to relocate the soil to the mainland on a managed post-closure landfill site, which provided a cost saving to the client.
The inclement weather conditions were a major challenge for the McMahon Services team throughout the project. Unpredictable rainfall was a high risk as previously cleared areas became weathered and created potential for water run-off into other asbestos contaminated stockpiles. Silt fencing was put in place to capture run-off and slow the progress of water down slope.
Where the opportunity arose, cleared areas were re-hydro mulched and grass matting installed. With an open communication approach and innovative solutions, McMahon Services worked in collaboration with the client to successfully deliver this sensitive project, with minimal disturbance.
