Tank Removal at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk

The project was the complete removal of the Bulk Fuel Installation; fuel storage tank, associated pipework & equipment and infrastructure, installation of new underground cross base fuel pipeline and landscaping whole area of the site on completion.

Constructed in the 1950’s, the redundant two acre Bulk Fuel Installation site was located South of the taxiway, partially within the wingtip clearance zone.

RAF Mildenhall is an operational US Air Force (USAF) Base.

The work within the wingtip clearance area was carefully phased and required close liaison with Base Flight Operations to ensure that flights were not disrupted.

We commissioned asbestos and lead paint surveys and partnered with a Geo-Environmental Consultant to carry out a targeted environmental survey of the site to establish the extent of any fuel contaminated soils.

The bulk storage tank, 600m of above and below ground fuel pipe lines and associated equipment were drained, purged, certified gas free and capped off.

Asbestos containing materials were removed by our sister company Jackson Environmental

Fuel pipe lines and associated equipment were removed using cold cutting shears and 3000m² of access roads, blast walls, truck refuelling stations and access roads were broken out and removed.

Fuel contaminated soil was removed and disposed of in accordance with the Geo-environmental Survey Report.

The steel storage tank was removed using cold cutting shears and reinforced concrete tank surrounds broken out and removed.

Exposed soils in pipe line excavations and beneath the base of the tank were tested and verified before the voids were backfilled with compacted select material.

100m of new underground Cross Base pipeline with associated pits and valves was installed.

On completion, the site was landscaped with 250mm of topsoil and Hydro-seeded.

In total approximately 6,000 tonnes of concrete and scrap metal arising were recycled and only 15 tonnes of demolition & asbestos waste sent to landfill.

Recovered fuel and fuel contaminated soils were sent for treatment.

The main body of the contract was completed in 26 weeks.