PROGRESS REPORT
AEROBIC DIGESTER PROJECT
REPORT No. 8
DECEMBER 2001
THORNLEY WASTE TRANSFER STATION
Progress of Works in December
The entire inside of the roof in the building was netted to act as an extra
safeguard for the scaffolding and cladding crews whilst working on the roof.
SGB scaffolding recommenced work erecting scaffolding around the digester roof
extension, this was completed on 13th allowing the cladding works to start on 14th
in order to achieve as much weather protection around the digester as possible to
be in place before the contractors finished for Christmas holidays on the 21st.
On Monday 10th a dry run of the plant was carried out with clean plastic bottles.
The purpose of this exercise was to test the operation of the mechanical aspects
of the plant and its ability to pass material through. This test was reasonably
successful; the main problem it highlighted was a problem with the return springs
and gas struts on the ratchet mechanism on the digester drive hub. CPS replaced
the gas struts with a model capable of a longer stroke and the problem was
cured.
Painting and sealing inside the digester seals was completed ready for the first
batch of waste in January.
During the Christmas holidays gale force winds blew a section of temporary span-
deck off the new roof extension resulting in damage to part of the scaffolding. The
building remained out of bounds until a scaffolding crew arrived the next morning
to replace the damaged sections and tie the span-deck down to ensure site
safety. Note, there was a very swift response from the SGB team during this
matter.
Contractual matters with CPS
The invoice submitted by CPS on 29/11/01 was put on hold, as we did not consider that
the Electrical, Instrumentation and Control works were sufficiently completed. On the
12th December a site meeting with CPS proved that the outstanding works had been
completed and the invoice passed for payment. (Paid on 17 th)
Contract Changes - Eddy-Current Separation
In a meeting between DCWM and CDENT it was proposed by DCWM that a variation be
added to the purchase contract to install an eddy current separator. It was proposed that
CPS are instructed to invoice DCWM for all the staged payments and for DCWM to
account for the cost of the unit in the Management Fee. This was followed up for a
formal written request and we await approval.
Project Timetable
CPS have managed to adhere to their proposed timetable fairly well considering the
accident in November and the lost time before scaffolding could recommence again.
Their last programme predicted process trials to commence in January with MSW and at
the time of writing this report the first proper waste batch is being shredded and loaded.
Project Review Meeting
A Project Review meeting was not held this month due to holiday, the next meeting is to
be in the last week in January.
Waste Management Licence
The EA have not yet formally issued us with a licence and we are currently intending to
operate under an exemption to treat 1000 cubic metres under a trial.
The financial agreement for the license has been agreed as of the 15th Jan 2002.
On the 21st January 2002 the Technically competent management assessment will e
conducted.
A draft license is currently being compiled and will be internally quality assured by the
EA. This license should therefore be ready for final issue in 12th February 2002.
Newcastle University (Recycling to Land Department)
The department are eager to receive samples for analysis and are being kept updated of
proposed plant discharge times in January.
Site visits to both Scoby Scaur (grass growth trial site) and Thornley are planned for 23 rd
January.
The departments have been informed of all of the developments in relation to trials that
have taken place so far.
Newcastle University (Civil Engineering Department)
A site meeting and discussions were held with the department who appear very
interested in the project and claim to be able to offer a range of expertise to assist in the
optimisation of the process.
Numerous ideas were suggested and they were to discuss it further internally and send
written proposals early January, however with the recent restructuring of the University
departments, a proposal should be forthcoming by Wednesday 23 rd January.
The departments have been informed of all of the developments in relation to trials that
have taken place so far.
Risk Assessments
Health & Safety matters
On 6th December in the space of ten minutes we witnessed 2 SGB scaffolders walking
outside of the fenced area not clipped on and the SGB manager Scott Hardie walking
outside of the fenced are not even wearing a harness. Works were stopped whilst the
breaches of method statement were discussed and the individuals warned.
This incident resulted in us calling a site meeting on 10th December with senior
managers of all contractors involved to discuss safety issues and warning them that any
more breaches would result in removal from site.
Only two days later on the 12th Scott Hardie from SGB was seen again breaching the
method statement (working near an uncovered roof light not clipped on) and was
ordered to leave the roof.
CPS were then formally instructed to have Scott Hardie removed from site, the job was
very near completion but to allow him to continue work on the site could have been read
as condoning his actions. CPS informed the Health & Safety Executive of the problems
encountered and the action taken.
The Health & Safety Executive came to the site on the 19th and interviewed George
Drew, one of the cladding contractors, relating to the fatal accident in November.
Other than the above we have received no further information relating to the accident or
any indication when the investigation will be complete.
It is imperative that all visitors to the site follow site instructions and wear appropriate
PPE. It is also essential that written notes are made of any potentially dangerous
occurrence or breach of method statement and that Ben Dobson or myself are called
immediately.
Building Regulations
The lighting in the digester roof extension should be completed by mid January at the
latest allowing drawings to be submitted for final building approval by the end of
January.
Environmental Monitoring
No Bioaerosol monitoring analysis was carried out during December as the required two
background sets of analysis had so far been conducted. The results of the second set of
background data indicated that at no point on the site (Including additional analysis
carried out in the waste reception area) were any cultures of Aspergillus Fumigatus
detected.
Two cultures of total fungi / M3 were detected in the waste reception area and one
culture detected downwind onsite.
Seven cultures of total bacteria / M3 were detected in the waste reception area and
three cultures of total bacteria / M3 were detected offsite (Downwind).
Further analysis of monitoring is planned for early January with the introduction of MSW
into the digester.
Other Comments
The plant control room has been painted out in a variety of colours ranging from Classic
Cream to Caramel Cream and Custard Cream, ready for the influx of visitors.
Any other information required in the mean time please call or e-mail me.
M.F. Johnson
Projects Manager
0191 3844000
malcolm.johnson@premierwaste.com
Picture of scaffolding complete and cladding being lifted into place.
Picture standing on top of the digester of the drive units for conveyors C1 and C2 and an
internal view of the scaffolding.
Picture standing on top of the digester showing the roof netting and bio-filter discharge.