Work progresses on efforts to clear land at former waste site
estimated 20,000 tonnes of waste.
Once the waste has been cleared, crane manufacturer Liebherr plans to expand its business onto the site – the scene of a major fire in May 2018.
Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see the progress being made clearing the site.
“It’s been a blight on our city for a number of years and I for one can't wait to see it cleared and transformed into a major manufacturing site for Liebherr."
Ralph Saezler, managing director of Liebherr Sunderland Works Ltd, added: "It’s great to see the waste removal progressing so swiftly and according to plan, especially after such a long waiting time."
Measures to reduce the risk of any potential impacts during the site clearance include the following.
Monitoring the weather and dampening down areas of the site being worked on to reduce any issues with dust.
Using industrial fans and an odour neutraliser to reduce any smells while waste is removed from a limited area of the site.
Treating the site ahead of the start of the clearance operation to reduce any issues with vermin, supplemented by regular checks now work is under way.
The 12-week clearance is expected to be complete by the end of April.
Andrew Turner, Environment Agency area environment manager – regulated industry, said: "We’re happy to see the progress being made with the clearance of the former Alex Smiles waste site.
“It’s a very specialist operation as the materials have been in place for over two years and need to be cleared with care.”