Phurnacite Works, Abercwmboi

The former Phurnacite Works has for many years had great local concern relating to the former processes, which made smokeless fuel briquettes. Following years of investigative and public consultation, the Welsh Development Agency awarded VHE Construction the Phase 1 contract to remove two former waste tar depositories.

A total of just over 123,000 tonnes of hazardous tarry soils were removed to landfill sites in the north of England. The works entailed the installation of haul roads, wheel-washes and weighbridge to enable the stabilisation and separation of materials, transportation to handling areas within the site and loading in to fleets of road vehicles.

The tar repositories were then chemically validated and re-engineered with site won materials (50,000m³). The areas were then seeded on completion.

Due to the historical legacy and public concern the contract was undertaken with close liaison with the Environment Agency and with regular meetings with community representatives.

The works were successfully completed safely 19 weeks, ahead of time and on budget.