Baglan Bay

Overview

On behalf of the Welsh Government/Llywodraeth Cymru, Ground Control delivered sensitive site clearance and enabling works across four locations forming part of Baglan Bay. These locations comprised sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) and special areas of conservation (SAC), so a range of ecology surveys and special measures were required as part of the clearance works, to facilitate geophysical surveys.

Scope of Works:

The scope of works included ecological survey, metal collection, vegetation clearance, and waste removal across the four sites to facilitate geophysical surveys.

Challenges:

The project faced several challenges, including:

• a restricted timeframe to complete all clearances before the nesting bird season began in 12 days.   
• contaminated land
• site security concerns due to the proximity of a traveller community
• the presence of invasive non-native species
• the PVC Plant is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Lapwing presence in ecologically sensitive areas,
• Proximity to dunes which are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Process/Solution:

Ground Control constructed a Method Statement and Risk Assessment, which were checked and approved by the client.

An ecological inspection of each site was completed 24 hours before any vegetation clearance, with issues and concerns addressed beforehand.

Invasive non-native species (INNS) were identified and exclusion zones and decontamination facilities were implemented.

Task-specific personal protective equipment (PPE) was used, and a two-stage cut was implemented for ecologically sensitive areas.

All work was completed under the supervision of an ecologist, with a stand-off from nesting birds or suitable habitats.

Low Ground Pressure (LGP) equipment, such as a Remote Control Robotic Flail, was used to clear large vegetated areas in difficult terrain.

All cut vegetation was removed to site limits for processing via a wood chipper and removed off-site under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990.

Added Value/Community Impact/Environmental Best Practice:

The project advised the client on using Low Ground Pressure equipment to meet deadlines without exposing the workforce to excessive risks.

Invasive non-native species management on-site prevented the spread and controlled infestation.

The project enhanced suitable habitats by completing vegetation clearance ecologically sensitively.

Results/Lessons Learned:

The project successfully operated Low Ground Pressure equipment in challenging terrain.

Careful planning and deployment of skilled teams and equipment enabled all work to be completed within the tight deadline, ready for the next phase of work.