Metford Remediation

The CSR Metford Remediation project involved the large-scale remediation of a former quarry and brickworks factory site located in Metford, within the Lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Spanning approximately 50 hectares, the site was subject to several mining leases that required remediation to an agreed criterion outlined in a Mine Closure Plan (MCP). DECC was engaged as the Principal Contractor by CSR Limited to manage the demolition of the factory ground slab and the remediation of contaminated soils, ultimately rehabilitating the landform for future use.

DECC’s effective management of hazardous materials, extensive remediation efforts, and commitment to environmental sustainability ensured the successful rehabilitation of the site, allowing for the relinquishment of the mining leases and the future use of the land for mixed recreational, open space, and commercial/industrial purposes.

Demolition of Factory Ground Slab: DECC was responsible for the demolition of 3 hectares of the existing factory ground slab. This task required the use of heavy machinery to carefully dismantle the concrete structures and associated footings, ensuring that all demolition debris was appropriately processed and handled for either disposal or reuse onsite.

Remediation of Contaminated Soils: The project involved the excavation and remediation of approximately 250,000m³ of General Solid Waste (GSW) material, which included asbestos-contaminated soils, hydrocarbons, reject material, unprocessed waste, and screenings. DECC employed a systematic remediation strategy that involved excavating, sorting, and processing the material to achieve a standard suitable for mixed recreational, open space, and commercial/industrial land use.

Screening and Crushing Operations: The excavated materials were subjected to a fixed screening process to separate contaminants and recover usable materials. Oversized materials, such as concrete and brick, were crushed onsite to various sizes (20-50mm minus) for reuse in the rehabilitation of the site. This process minimised waste and maximised the reuse of materials within the project.

Asbestos Management: DECC implemented strict asbestos management protocols, including the use of exclusion zones, fixed water/dust suppression systems, and air monitoring. Suspicious material was carefully "chook picked" under controlled conditions, and all asbestos-contaminated material was handled and disposed of at a licensed landfill, with comprehensive waste tracking and Quality Assurance documentation maintained throughout the process.

Earthworks and Landform Rehabilitation: Following the remediation of contaminated soils, DECC conducted extensive earthworks to reshape the landform, improving drainage conditions, reducing slopes, and generally contouring the site to suit its final use. The goal was to create a stable, environmentally sustainable landscape that would support future land use as outlined in the MCP.