H23A14
Briton Ferry Gas Works Land Contamination
Antreas ChristodoulidesGeorgios EfstathiouAntreas ChristodoulidesGeorgios Efstathiou
H23A14
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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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