BELFAST, Ireland, Oct. 4, 2009 -- The regionally important Long Kesh regeneration site, which once housed Maze Prison, an army base and a World War II US Airforce base, is one step nearer to being cleaned up thanks to the work of international consultants from WYG.
A multi-disciplinary team of specialist consultants from WYG have been working on the site near Belfast since 2005, and have played a key role in devising a strategy for the regeneration of the site. The site is of regional strategic importance, and Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) has placed sustainability as a key objective of the project.
The proposed remediation works include in-situ and ex-situ treatment of hydrocarbon impacts in soil and groundwater and addressing risks from asbestos impacts. A tender process is currently underway to procure a contractor to undertake the work, in partnership with WYG, which have a planned start date of December 2009. Works were completed at the site last year to remove lead-shot from the former shooting ranges on the site.
Marc Davies, Regional Director, WYG Environment Planning Transport, said: "We have worked with our client to establish a remediation strategy that allows flexibility of land use in the subsequent development of a master plan for the site. We have done this without entailing excessive remediation costs and fulfilling the sustainability objectives of the project, thus maximizing future opportunities. This project is evidence that by harnessing our creative and insightful consultants expertise we're consistently delivering value for clients."
The consultants have worked closely with OFMDFM carrying out extensive ground investigation works, groundwater monitoring and detailed quantitative risk assessments, the outputs of which have informed the remediation strategy.
Michael Boyd, Environmental Director, WYG Ireland, added: "Regeneration work of this type is really important in Northern Ireland. It's essential that we develop brownfield sites like Maze / Long Kesh, in a sustainable manner, so that we make best use of previously developed land whilst also providing an area that people can appreciate, use and enjoy for years to come."
About WYG Group
The WYG Group has a track record of providing creative solutions to some of the world's most challenging projects. Our creative and insightful consultants work with clients to identify, define and deliver innovative solutions. As an international Award winning multidisciplinary consultant, we bridge the worlds of design engineering, environment, project management, planning and socio economic needs.
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