Bayer clears up at defunct Widnes site

Widnes, UK – Bayer CropScience has entered the final phase of a major project to decommission and clear its vast 40-acre site at Widnes. The company ceased production at the Gorsey Lane site in April 2009, as part of a major restructuring programme, with contractor EDS engaged for the final dismantling phase before the entire site is finally cleared.

The two-phase closure and clearance of the award-winning site, which once employed over 100 people, actually began in April 2008 with the 22-week decommissioning, dismantling and demolition of the PZ plant. With support from engineering consultants and construction design management (CDM) co-ordinators RVA Group, Bayer continued operating the other half of the site – its EF (Ethofumesate) plant – while the PZ plant was being demolished.

The Widnes site consists of a variety of structures ranging from simple brick-built administration buildings to heavy steel-framed concrete production facilities, and also includes warehouse buildings, effluent treatment plants, labs and workshops.  A range of hydraulic excavators and long reach machines with 30-35m reach capabilities will be used to bring the buildings down.

 
But as part of the works programme, RVA has also stipulated that the dismantling contractor devise detailed method statements for the careful retrieval of process plant pressure vessels weighing up to 10 tonnes. This high-value equipment must be salvaged without damage for re-installation at Bayer’s Norwich site.
 
“Clearance of sites like Widnes are without doubt complex and potentially hazardous undertakings that demand strong and continual communication between our team, the dismantling contractor and the client company,” said RVA operations director Ian Wharton. “Our considerable experience in this area means we are able to take it all in our stride, devising methodologies that avoid interruption to the function of live sites, while prioritising the safety and welfare of all operatives.”
 
The Gorsey Lane site, near to the location of the proposed new Mersey Gateway Bridge, has been purchased by Halton Borough Council for use as part of a wider regeneration of the Widnes Waterfront.