Plant Decommissioning

Plant decommissioning can be defined as the process which takes active plants out of service. It generally involves four phases: investigation, design, decontamination-demolition and closeout. Each phase will have a number of tasks and the complexity of the overall project will be defined by the complexity of the facility and its surrounding environment.

What is the benefit?

Example of plant decommissioningDecommissioning allows underperforming assets to be transformed or replaced by those that add value to a business. Plant decommissioning projects range from simple strip out of buildings to make them ready for reuse; to the complete demolition and remediation of extensive sites prior to redevelopment.

Effective management of decommissioning activities provides a number of benefits ranging from control of health and safety hazards to waste minimisation and the recovery of valuable material. Decommissioning costs are commonly justified by the value unlocked through sale or reuse of the land and buildings.

Why CRA? 

CRA has developed a standard process for the assessment of closed facilities – the Building Decommissioning Assessment (BDA). The BDA uses a sequential approach consisting of: initial site investigation; site-specific project criteria evaluation; follow-up assessment and plant decommissioning report. The BDA is useful in developing a cost analysis and project feasibility study. The report includes information on salvage value, market conditions, and other applicable data enabling our clients to make cost-effective decisions regarding facility disposition.

CRA has the personnel and experience to manage the decommissioning process across its lifecycle from initial assessment through development of site-specific technical specifications for building decommissioning. We prepare bid and contract documents; and provide assistance with contractor procurement. We may also provide professional oversight and documentation of all plant decommissioning, demolition, and waste disposal activities. CRA also has expertise in dealing with the decommissioning of plant contaminated by radioactive substances (i.e. naturally occurring radioactive materials, NORM), lead coatings and mercury, which are typically associated with onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities. CRA Radiation Protection Supervisors manage the safety and disposal aspects of radioactive sources and NORM.

For additional information on how CRA could help you, please contact Frank Dennis on fdennis@cra.co.uk or 0115 965 6700.