H23A14

Briton Ferry Gas Works Land Contamination

Antreas ChristodoulidesGeorgios EfstathiouAntreas ChristodoulidesGeorgios Efstathiou

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Brief HistoryBrief History

• Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot, Wales.

• Gasworks operated on the site from the late 1890s until the 1970s.

• South part sold in 1930 for residential development.

• Until 1976 the north part was used for gas storage and distribution.

• North part also sold for house development in 1976.

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MapMap

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ContaminationContamination

• Contaminants arise from coal gas manufacture, gas purification and the handling of by-products.

• This includes: Heavy metals Cyanides Phenols Petroleum hydrocarbons Tars

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InvestigationInvestigation• Introduction in 2001 of legislation

under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

• Investigation of any suspicious contaminated areas.

• In 2005 investigations commenced by JACOBS consultant company.

• Tap water testing.• Surface Soil sampling (Gardens).• Deeper soil sampling.• Ground water sampling.

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Investigation FindingsInvestigation Findings

• No significant pollution of tap water.• Some evidence of surface contamination.• Like Tarry materials, Polyaromatic

Hydrocarbons, large concentrations of Cyanides.

• Deep soil and groundwater included contaminants like ammonia, metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, BTEX, phenols and other organic compounds.

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Affected AreasAffected Areas• Area 1:-Former location of purifier plant-Raised cyanide levels

• Area 2:-Retort house and gas holders-Volatile petroleum hydrocarbonsPAHs

• Area 3:-Tar wells and tar tanks-Deep ground and groundwater

contamination

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Remediation Strategy Remediation Strategy • Removal and disposal of

contaminated soils.• Installation of a Geotextile

membrane, to avoid contact with contaminated soil.

• Backfill with clean imported material.

• Deeper soil removal at former tar tank locations.

• Long term monitoring of groundwater through boreholes.

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Alternatives Alternatives

• Cement Stabilization/Solidification• Similar technique like Geotextile Membrane.• Uses cement as a solidifier.• Prevents contact of contaminated soil with

clean soil.• Prevents water pollutants from moving. • Clay soil • Impermeable

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Any Questions