Hunter Valley Ash Dam- Dust Suppression Project

Project Overview

In early May 2018, AGL approached Erizon to request a dust suppression and erosion control solution for a 20.2 hectare ash dam at the Liddell Power Station in NSW. Onsite officials had raised concerns due to the highly alarming levels of dust emissions that could potentially cause adverse health and safety impacts on employees and the local community.

The client had requested an immediate solution that could suppress the dust for a minimum of 9 monthsand be completed by the end of June 2018. Within two days of being alerted to the problem, Erizon’s environmental consultants attended the site, where they met with leading AGL environmental specialists to discuss vital project objectives. During this discussion, the site was examined, and a drone survey was conducted to provide additional information that assisted in designing an effective tailored solution.

Based on the site inspection, Erizon recommended the application of SuppressX at 800L/ha, accompanied by a 9-month guarantee.

Solution

SuppressX had been chosen based on its ability to quickly and effectively eliminate dust in areas just like Liddell ash dam. This product has been scientifically formulated to eliminate dust lift without changing or compromising the substrate beneath it, and to withstand harsh weather conditions on non-trafficked areas.

Equipment

Based on the pre-site drone mapping and analysis of the project area, the Erizon team had to provide two application methodologies to reach inaccessible and non-trafficked regions within and surrounding the site. These two vehicles used for delivery were a Bell 212 Helicopter and a FINN TITAN T330 Hydroseeding truck.

The Bell 212 helicopter, a two-blade, twin-engine helicopter with the capacity of holding 1,500 litres of product and covering 11.4 hectares per day, was used for dust suppression works on the Liddell ash dam for 1.5 days of the total project. The advanced GPS guidance systems installed on the aircraft allow for precise application, consistency, and accuracy.

The area around the west side of the ash dam was accessible by traffic, allowing the use of Erizon’s FINN TITAN T330 Hydroseeding truck to hydraulically apply the SuppressX to the edging of the dam at a distance of 100 metres.

Scope

Erizon was provided with a short window of opportunity to commence work in response to the rising dust levels in the area. Works took place between 23-24 of June 2018, where approximately 10,000L of SuppressX was applied to cover the project area, and maintain efficacy through the 9 month guarantee.

The ultra-low concentration allowed the water-soluble polymers to penetrate the substrate below and form an interconnected flexible crust. The solution bonded to the fine particles and granules, resulting in the elimination of dust. The process took a total of 21.5 hours on-site.

Results

The client required a fast-paced mobilisation plan to quickly and effectively combat extensive dust issues in and around the ash dam. Optimal weather conditions and clear communication with onsite AGL specialists assisted in completing the project with ease over two days.

The client was impressed by the efficiency of Erizon in successfully fulfilling the dust suppression requirements, with the SuppressX solution far exceeding the proposed 9-month guarantee.