McMahon Services was commissioned by ERM to undertake the safe removal of aboveground storage tanks (AST’s) and related fuel infrastructure at the Horn Island Airport.
The Horn Island Airport is owned and operated by the Torres Shire Council. It is considered as the gateway to the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area. The airport is located on Horn Island, Queensland, which is approximately 8km from Thursday Island.
McMahon Services were selected for this project based on extensive experience in undertaking hazardous area works, particularly in remote locations whilst maintaining industry best practice safety standards. In order to undertake the project safely, the primary activity on site was the identification and removal of bonded asbestos fragments located on site in a centralised hot spot.
All Asbestos removal works were undertaken by appropriately qualified personnel under
the strict supervision of a fully certified Asbestos Removal Supervisor. Exclusion zones and signage were put in place to ensure delineation of Asbestos Removal Works and all personnel were required to wear appropriate PPE at all times.
Prior to removal the AST’s, hydrant fuels lines were degassed, rinsed with a bio solve detergent and cleaned by high pressure water blasting. All cleaning works were undertaken within appropriate bunding, collection and containment facilities.
The AST’s were then demolished using a 22 tonne excavator equipped with ripper shears. Upon completion of the demolition of the tanks, the three fuel hydrant lines were filled with foam and capped prior to backfilling. In addition to the AST’s McMahon Services completed the decommissioning and demolition of site services infrastructure including septic tanks and stormwater system. All waste generated from the project was segregated in appropriate waste streams with steel waste being sent for recycling to minimise the volume sent to landfill.
McMahon Services deployed a full time team of four personnel to complete the project. The remote location of the project presented the biggest challenge for the team. Due to the location of the site on Horn Island, mobilising plant and equipment was difficult, this required
extensive sourcing and liaison with ferry and road transporters to ensure resources were available, and that no delays would be incurred.
By maintaining clear lines of communications and safety core expectations throughout, McMahon Services delivered a successful outcome for the client.
