We worked for Southern Gas Networks (SGN) on the gas works site in the seaside resort of Eastbourne in East Sussex immediately east of Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Great Britain.

This project involved the decommissioning (desludging and dewatering) and demolition of Gasholder No. 3, a two-lift below ground column guided gasholder built in 1948, Gasholder No. 4, a three-lift below ground column guided gasholder built in 1946, and six high-pressure steel bullets and associated pipework and the former compressor house along with the buildings occupying the site and the infilling of all pits to leave an overall clear and level site.

The vessels measured approximately 40 metres in diameter with the bullets approximately 70 metres in length.

Site overview video:

We were appointed as the CDM Advisor for the project. Our roles included checking the Principal Contractor’s Construction Phase Plan (CPP) and reviewing the Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) for the project before issuing the Authorisation to commence construction activities.

Throughout the project’s period, we carried out audits which were planned to coincide with the specific phases of the project. Such audits included the CDM compliance audit, a specific environmental audit to ensure the sludge and waste were removed in line with the Environmental Agency’s requirements, and a process-specific demolition audit.

• Review and comment on the Construction Phase Plan and issue a report.
• Review and comment on the Risk Assessments and Method Statement and issue a report.
• Carry out the pre-start CDM site audit and issue a report.
• Carry out the environmental site audit and issue a report.
• Carry out the demolition process site audit and issue a report.