Site development
Sustainability and innovation are the driving forces behind the start-up, redevelopment and closure of industrial and business sites. However, new development or change of use of land and building areas can pose legal and financial risks for project developers and investors. For example, investors are wary of the risks of hidden legacy pollution in buildings and soil. In particular, the development of pre-occupied industrial and commercial areas places high demands on interdisciplinary planning. TAUW guides industries, investors, project developers and governments comprehensively in this complex process from the initial risk assessment to the demolition and site preparation phases.
Industrial dismantling in Tavaux
In Tavaux, France, chlorine electrolysis rooms were previously used to produce chlorine (Cl2) and sodium hydroxide from the 1950s onward. Mercury was also used in this electrolysis process and, over the years, may have dispersed in buildings and surrounding areas. With regulatory changes and the advent of a new membrane electrolysis process, our customer is looking to dismantle the old facilities and carry out mercury decontamination. TAUW carried out the waste diagnosis, including the characterization of mercury waste in this industrial dismantling project and organised the asbestos, lead, and structures diagnosis. Our expertise in secure work processes ensures that risks to employees and the environment are limited. Deconstruction will be completed in June 2021. All facilities containing residual mercury will be neutralised to collect liquid mercury (metal). Heavy and inaccessible facilities will be decontaminated and left in place until future building demolition (not before 2023). When this project is completed, a new (industrial) use can be developed on site.