Case Study - Shell Canada: Sundown and Groundbirch Decommisioning

Overview

Resolve completed the deactivation and decommissioning of three facilities, including 13 pipelines. The facilities included 23 process buildings, vessels and associated piping, 14 above ground tanks, 2 communication towers, 3 flare stacks with flare knockout tanks, 1 underground tank, and roughly 700 piles. On-site challenges included Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials (NORMS), new regulations from WorkSafe BC, weather conditions, and the management of a large and variable number of employees and subcontractors.

Key Metrics

• successful supervision of 6-20 personnel, 7721 hours and 99 days with no lost time incidents
• succesfully completed 23 days ahead of project schedule
• safety compliance with new WorkSafe BC requirements for exposures to hazardous materials such as lead paint. Co-ordinated with Shell personnel and WorkSafe BC to develop risk assessment and exposure control plans
• removal of 95% of NORMS from scrap steel on site through the utilization of a 3rd party contractor with high pressure cleaning equipment
• 13 pipeline abandonments with all required reporting being completed

Supervision and communication were pivotal in this project. Our supervisor took the lead in the initial planning phase, personally crafting the schedule after a thorough job assessment. This hands-on approach provided a clear understanding of the project's requirements for a successful completion.

Regular weekly meetings with the client, involving our Site Supervisor, Project Team, and Manager ensured all parties stayed informed. These discussions allowed for immediate identification and resolution of any challenges or issues.

What We Decommissioned

• Facility Infrastructure
• Pipeline Infrastructure