Overview

Following the devastating landslide caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, AES was engaged by PAE to undertake the complex decontamination of friable asbestos debris scattered across the rubble of an ammunition bunker at Kauri Point. Given the scale of the damage and the stringent environmental conditions, AES employed innovative solutions to ensure a safe and efficient remediation of the site.

Key Challenges

• Severe Damage: Extensive structural damage to the bunker and a large field of debris made traditional asbestos removal techniques impractical.

• Environmental Restrictions: The site’s stringent environmental requirements demanded a careful and innovative approach to decontamination.

• Lack of Access: The debris blocked vital access roads around the site, requiring quick and efficient removal without compromising safety.

Solutions & Innovations

• Advanced Encapsulation System: AES developed the Advanced Anti-Airborne Encapsulation System (AAAES), incorporating a purpose-designed CAFS system fitted to a fire engine. This groundbreaking system enabled effective asbestos removal and soil remediation without the need for a traditional removal enclosure.

• Innovative Foam Encapsulant: AES created and utilised the Enviro Foam encapsulant, which was applied during the removal process to ensure the safety of the site and workers.

• Efficient Debris Removal: Excavators were used directly on the contaminated materials, allowing for rapid and effective removal of over 2000 metric tonnes of debris while maintaining air quality and safety standards.

Outcome

The project resulted in the successful removal of 2133 metric tonnes of contaminated material over 25 weeks, using 1510 litres of Enviro Foam to encapsulate debris. The air monitoring results were outstanding, with levels returning <0.01 f/ml, far below trace levels. The innovative approach demonstrated AES’s ability to develop tailored solutions to solve complex remediation challenges, and it earned director Luke Daly the Outstanding Innovation Award at the 2024 FAMANZ conference.