£1.5m operation to clear beach of unexploded devices
FIRM CONTRACTED TO REMOVE ORDNANCE FROM MAPPLETON
A COMPANY has been brought in to clear Mappleton beach on the east coast of dangerous unexploded devices.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has been awarded a £1.5m contract to Brimstone Site Investigation Ltd (BSI) to remove unexploded ordnance (UXO) from Mappleton, at the former air weapons range, RAF Cowden.
RAF Cowden was used as a bombing range from 1959 to 1998 and, over the years, has been subject to extensive coastal erosion, leaving UXO on the beach.
Until now, UXO has been removed by the Royal Air Force and British Army.
Preliminary work began this week, the DIO engaging with local authorities, landowners, councils and organisations, including the Ramblers, to make the public aware of clearance activities.
The site will be regularly monitored and cleared of UXO by BSI over the course of up to four years.
Signs and red flags will warn visiting public when activities taking place and which area of beach is closed.
Adell Vass, DIO’S head of regional delivery central, said: “We are pleased to announce the award of this contract to Brimstone Site Investigation Ltd and look forward to working with them.
“The safety of the public is our first priority. Warning signs have been placed and red flags will be visible when activity is taking place.
“Unexploded ordnance is dangerous, and the public are reminded to adhere to the warning signs and not pick the are the up or remove any objects as cause serious injury.”
Aaron Florence, managing director, BSI, said: “This marks a pivotal moment in defence engagement, the very first time DIO has awarded a long-term contract for clearing explosive ordnance on public land to a commercial organisation.
“Brimstone’s success during the tender process is testament to our deeply dedicated and skilled team, bringing to bear decades of military and commercial explosive ordnance disposal expertise, novel technology, and unbridled commitment to the local Cowden community.”
To minimise any potential impact on the public and address any concerns, DIO will monitor noise levels and engage with Natural England to ensure environmental licences are in place and assessments have been carried out.
“Brimstone is delighted to engage with DIO’S specialist teams to deliver a first-class service in land remediation and threat reduction and we stand poised to begin this next chapter with DIO and the MOD,” said Mr Florence.
“Our innovative approach in using drone technology, machine learning, and other technical solutions stand us apart.”
Precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety of the workforce.
Staff and contractors on site are following the latest government and social distancing guidelines to help protect against coronavirus.
The public are advised not to touch or pick up any items of UXO.
If you find any UXO or witness a member of the public handling UXO, please report it by calling 999 or by speaking to a member of the Brimstone staff on site. it could