Research into hazardous substances gives Moerdijk some solace

A major fire at the chemical company Chemie-Pack in Moerdijk caused substantial damage early in 2011.

A team of damage experts commissioned the services of SGS Search as an independent expert to assess the environmental damage and to examine the adjacent building complex. They were able to ascertain the extent to which hazardous substances had settled on the burned out building and on the costly Wärtsilä goods. Their professional approach provided the client with the correct and required results and, as a result, some solace.

The request for identification of the environmental damage and for advice on the best solution did not arrive at SGS Search by chance. SGS Search is often asked to help as a specialist in the case of chemical fire damage. Their high level of experience and rapid working methods are highly valued by clients. Furthermore, this is a highly specialised field of expertise and one in which the client needs to be able to rely on in-depth knowledge of demolition management and the removal and disposal of any contaminated materials.

High-quality products

The Wärtsilä warehouse contained stock of high-quality products and machine parts. The team of damage experts needed decisive information, and fast, on whether and to what extent the hazardous substances PCB and dioxin had settled on the burned out Wärtsilä building and its costly goods? And furthermore: how should we deal with the contamination and, at the same time, limit the amount of damage? The damage team were happy with the analysis and the advice that followed. It was firmly established which measures needed to be taken to ensure the safe demolition of the Wärtsilä building. Solutions were also found for achieving the highest possible returns for the goods still in the warehouse.

Damage limitation

In the end, the decontamination work was easier than expected. The levels of PCB and dioxin were relatively low. By being able to draw on previous experience with a large number of similar incidents, the team was able to reach its conclusions without expending too much effort. This resulted in lower costs and, more importantly, a clear picture of how to implement the follow-up process.