Modernisation of Scunthorpe landfill site facilities

Client: Tata Steel
Date: 2013 - ongoing
Location: Scunthorpe, United Kingdom
Sector: Water and the Environment
Subsector: Waste Management

Challenge
Our role
Value added

Challenge

The Scunthorpe Landfill consists of two major landfill facilities spanning over 70 hectares with a total capacity of 9 million m³. The project involved the closure and remediation of an asbestos tip, as well as the capping and closure of non-landfill directive compliant cells. The complex of landfills and industrial sludge lagoons, operated by Tata Steel at their Scunthorpe site, required modernisation to become Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) compliant. This included the remediation and closure of existing landfill areas and the design and construction of new landfills, in compliance with the PPC directive.

Our role

Ayesa, working with Tata Steel, provided comprehensive design, regulatory, and construction support to modernise the Scunthorpe Landfill complex. Our role included:

Preparation of operational plans and environmental monitoring plans.
Design of leachate collection and management systems.
Design of infrastructure, including roads, weighbridges, cabins, and surface water lagoons.
Preparation of contract specifications, full tendering, and procurement support.
Construction supervision and Construction Quality Assurance (CQA).
Design and supervision of the construction of gas, leachate management, surface water management, and extensive environmental monitoring regimes.

Extensive site investigations were conducted, supported by detailed geotechnical and hydrogeological studies. These studies underpinned two major PPC Permit applications and subsequent PPC/Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) Permit variations. The works were all supported by a risk-based design process following Environment Agency guidance, including quantitative Hydrogeological Risk Assessments (HRA), Landfill Gas Risk Assessments (LFGRA), and Site Risk Assessments (SRA).

Value added

Ayesa’s detailed design work and comprehensive construction supervision ensured that the Scunthorpe Landfill facilities were modernised in compliance with the PPC directive. Our risk-based design approach, underpinned by rigorous site investigations and environmental monitoring, provided Tata Steel with a robust framework for managing the landfill’s environmental impacts. The successful remediation and closure of non-compliant cells, along with the design and construction of new compliant landfills, have significantly enhanced the environmental safety and operational efficiency of the site.