Case Study: Clearance Of WW II Pipe Mines.
Location: Shetland.
Download: clearance-of-ww-ii-pipe-mines.pdf

Brief

IKM Consulting Ltd were appointed to investigate the presence of WW II demolition pipe mines, which were installed when the airfield was constructed.

No records of removal could be identified for the 5,000lbs of polar blasting gelignite originally installed. Other similar airfields within Britain have been found to still contain explosives. Consequently, an investigation was undertaken.

The work entailed extensive excavation on a live airfield and taxiways

Solution

IKM Consulting managed the interface between 33 Regiment Ordnance Disposal Royal Engineers and the airfield operators throughout the reinstatement work.

The work was undertaken using robotic excavators operated from armoured cars using remote CCTV sensing.

Outcome

IKM Consulting Ltd developed the emergency contingency plans and diversion strategy in case of an incident as well as health and safety plans which were adopted by the Royal Engineers.