Project Overview

Having closed in 2015, the Kwinana Power Station required significant attention due to the risks posed by its facilities. Undertaken in stages, McMahon Services were engaged as part of the Stage 3 demolition works to dismantle coal transfer conveyors, towers, fuel tanks and maintenance buildings.

Asbestos materials, electrical services, lighting, oily water separators, fencing, and drainage systems were  removed and all on-site services were identified, isolated, and disconnected before demolition.

The project involved significant remediation, including removing contaminated soils and hazardous materials, and recycling concrete and stee

Challenges

The project faced challenges with high-risk crane lifts, especially since the transfer conveyors were 45 meters high and near active electrical switchyards. To manage this, the Company mobilised large mobile cranes and boom lifts to safely lift down the conveyer sections. We assessed the stability of the conveyor structures and connected earthing leads to prevent electrical hazards. Non-structural items were cut to create air gaps, and pipes were cut in a way to avoid spraying hazardous substances at workers.

Conveyor spans were supported by cranes before being cut and removed in sections and additional cranes held the trestle supports during removal, which were then cut and lowered safely.

Outcomes

A significant part of the project was remediation, which included the removal and disposal of over 15,300m³ of coal, 3,300m³ of asbestos-impacted soils, and other contaminated materials. The project also recycled more than 6,700 tonnes of concrete and 1,200 tonnes of steel.