Demolition work at the former Hydro Aluminium smelter in Kurri Kurri is expected to start in May.
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Hydro has announced the appointment of CMA Contracting to demolish the smelter infrastructure, a two-to-three-year project that is a significant step towards future redevelopment of the site.
The first stage of demolition will include most of the buildings on site, but does not include the tall chimney stacks and water towers (for which a separate development application will have to be lodged).
The smelter ceased production in November 2012 and was permanently closed 18 months later.
Hydro Aluminium is continuing to prepare the site and buffer zone for redevelopment that will ultimately provide increased economic activity and employment in the local area.
A key part of this work is in the demolition and remediation of the smelter site to allow for future business and industrial development.
Hydro Kurri Kurri managing director Richard Brown is pleased with the announcement of the demolition contract.
“The tendering process for this part of the project has taken around 18 months, with key criteria being safety standards, experience with similar large projects, and environmental management, as well as commercial considerations,” he said.
“We have taken some time to review proposals from a number of organisations, as we believe that safety and environmental management are key to this work.
“CMA will mobilise with a specialist demolition working crew which includes locally based personnel.
“There is opportunity for this local involvement to grow throughout the course of the project, with the use of additional labour and/or subcontractors for specific work elements both on and off-site.”
CMA Contracting has operated for more than 30 years in large-scale industrial demolition and resource sector plant deconstruction, including the demolition of steel works, chemical and petrochemical plants and power plants.
The company’s management plans for the project are required to be submitted to Cessnock City Council for review and approval prior to demolition commencing.
The demolition is planned to start in May, and local residents will be informed about specific impacts such as truck movements closer to the start of the demolition.
The first stage of demolition includes most of the buildings on site, apart from those still being used.
Hydro will submit a development application with Cessnock City Council to have the second stage of demolition approved.
This stage will includes other major infrastructure onsite such as the chimney stacks and underground infrastructure, and would reduce downtime between demolition stages.
If this is approved, CMA expects to be planning the removal of the stacks in about 18 months’ time (late 2018).
While the demolition of the smelter site is a significant part of the Regrowth Kurri Kurri project, it is just one of many activities currently being undertaken.
Other activities that are underway include the early clean-up and remediation around the smelter buffer zone; and biodiversity certification for around 85 percent of the buffer zone (which will see about 1250 hectares of land conserved, and a significant portion will be an offset area for clearing in the rezoned residential and business zoned land).
Rezoning applications have received endorsement from both Cessnock and Maitland councils.
Aluminium, steel, oil and various other materials are being recycled as part of the current demolition process, and recycling options are being assessed for the spent pot lining material that is presently stored on site.
Hydro is working towards a three-to-four-year timeline to have the spent pot lining recycled, having committed to the reuse or recycling of all materials from the site where feasible.
Feedback on the project can be given by calling 1800 066 243, emailling community.kurri@hydro.com or mailing to Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri, PO Box 1, Kurri NSW 2327.
