Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project

Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour was the location of Ireland’s only steelworks which operated between 1939 and 2001. From the early 1960s, steel slag waste from the steel production process was deposited on an area of reclaimed foreshore, which became known as the ‘East Tip’. This project involved the remediation of the East Tip and its transformation into a public recreational amenity.

 

RPS, appointed by Cork County Council, delivered innovative and sustainable solutions at each stage of this complex project, from inception to conclusion. Initial stages included the preparation of an EIS, waste licence and planning applications for the remediation work. RPS managed a number of advance works contracts, the procurement process and construction stages of the main remediation works.

Project timeline

  • 2012

    RPS appointed for preparation of an EIS, Waste Licence and Planning Applications. Includes preparation of an Outline Design Solution and Foreshore Licence Application.

  • 2013

    Planning application submitted to An Bord Pleanála. Waste licence application submitted to the EPA

  • 2014

    An Bord Pleanála approve the planning consent & EPA issue licence 

  • 2015

    RPS appointed for multi-disciplinary services for remediation works

  • 2016

    Tender documents issued to shortlisted contractors & submissions received. 

  • 2017

    Contract commencement with PJ Hegarty & Sons/EMCC JV appointed and taking access of site.

  • 2018

    Completion of the perimeter engineered structure and rock armour trenches.

  • 2018

    Lining works complete on the construction of engineered landfill capping system. Mass importation of soil to the site complete. 

  • 2018

    November: Landscaping works complete. December:East Tip remediation works completed

1 /09
2012

RPS appointed for preparation of an EIS, Waste Licence and Planning Applications. Includes preparation of an Outline Design Solution and Foreshore Licence Application.

2013

Planning application submitted to An Bord Pleanála. Waste licence application submitted to the EPA

2014

An Bord Pleanála approve the planning consent & EPA issue licence 

2015

RPS appointed for multi-disciplinary services for remediation works

2016

Tender documents issued to shortlisted contractors & submissions received. 

2017

Contract commencement with PJ Hegarty & Sons/EMCC JV appointed and taking access of site.

2018

Completion of the perimeter engineered structure and rock armour trenches.

2018

Lining works complete on the construction of engineered landfill capping system. Mass importation of soil to the site complete. 

2018

November: Landscaping works complete. December:East Tip remediation works completed

Key details

Project name

Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project

 Client

Cork County Council

Location

Cork Harbour, Co. Cork, Ireland

Services provided

  • Outline remediation design
  • EIS
  • Appropriate Assessment Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement (NIS).
  • Waste licence application 
  • Planning application 
  • Hazardous Waste Classification
  • Coastal modelling
  • 3D digital terrain modelling
  • Public Consultation
  • Geotechnical services
  • Metals Recovery Strategy
  • Asbestos sampling and development of Management Plan
  • Development of Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan
  • Development of bespoke Outline Occupational Heath Monitoring System for this contaminated site
  • Development of Communications Plan
  • Management of construction phase

Challenge

The remediation works on the East Tip posed significant contractual, environmental, health and safety risks, in addition to strict conditions set out by the EPA Waste Licence. The nature of the waste material, the existing landform on site, along with the marine location and foreshore tidal zone presented a number of complex challenges.

Site investigations had identified evidence of asbestos on site as well as other hazardous waste in the slag waste. In addition, there was uncertainty regarding the processing of the large slag stockpiles on site. The ground conditions, a soft marine alluvium below concrete-like slag deposits, had to be managed to ensure the constructability of the perimeter structure in the foreshore.

The key challenges were to deliver an innovative design solution which addressed the remediation objectives and to manage the significant contractual risks.

Haulbowline Conveyor Belt & Slag Pit - Cork, Ireland

Solution

An NEC Option C (Target Cost with Activity Schedule) contract was utilised on this project. This facilitated greater collaboration with the contractor and the allocation of the financial risks associated with these elements of the works more evenly between the Employer and Contractor.

RPS supported Cork County Council by delivering:

  • Appropriate Assessment Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement (NIS)
  • Management of environmental surveys and site investigations
  • Development of procurement strategy and management process
  • Development of remediation strategy & design
  • Geotechnical services
  • 3D DTM modelling of land form and geotechnical data from foreshore
  • Design of access road
  • Landscaping plan and amenity park design
  • Metals recovery strategy
  • Asbestos sampling and development of management plan
  • Development of Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan
  • Development of bespoke Outline Occupational Health Monitoring System
  • Developing documents to facilitate re-use of steel slag
  • Managing compliance with EPA waste licence including annual environmental reporting
  • Development of communications plan
  • Management of construction phase
  • Commercial reporting

Project statistics

650,000m3
Volume of slag and other waste material capped
830 m
Length of perimeter engineered structure constructed in the foreshore
950 m
Length of silt curtain in Cork Harbour waters around the works area
350 tonnes
of ferrous metal recovered

Get in touch

Your contact information:

All fields are mandatory *

Get in touch

Your contact information:

All fields are mandatory *