Case Histories (International Projects)

Zetica provided consultancy and non-intrusive UXO surveys for a proposed highway corridor in a Balkan nation.

Potential UXO hazard sources were present from more than a century of conflicts, collectively involving more than a dozen nations.  The most significant related to the Macedonian Front of WWI, which had seen the creation of extensive munitions depots and entrenched positions – some of them still evident on the site.  Related UXO finds were a common occurrence, sometimes numbering in the thousands of items.

The first step was a comprehensive review of the types of UXO that were likely to be encountered.  This allowed us to optimise the UXO survey design to ensure detection of the anticipated ordnance types.

Initial magnetometer surveys were undertaken using vehicle-towed platforms.  These were ideal for covering large areas quickly.  Where access was restricted, a drone-based survey was undertaken. Our drone deployed an optically pumped potassium gradiometer with magnetometer sensors, which has demonstrated comparable (and sometimes superior) UXO detection capabilities to traditional vehicle-based and walked surveys.

The client was provided with the geophysical data and an accompanying list of potential UXO targets.  Targets were investigated by the local military.

Zetica maintained quality-control oversight throughout the project, comparing real-world finds to the geophysical data to confirm their validity and re-investigating select locations to ensure thorough clearance had been carried out.  Once satisfied that all standards had been met, we issued clearance reports to the client.

By utilising our industry-leading expertise in survey design and implementation, Zetica were able to ensure that the project proceeded safely and in line with the client’s intent.

Zetica were asked to provide a detailed UXO risk assessment ahead of ground investigations at an industrial facility in Belgium.

Belgium is a nation with an extensive military history, including active participation, foreign occupation, and subsequent resistance during both WWI and WWII.  The involvement of other nations’ armed services in both ground and air engagements meant that any risk assessment must consider UXO hazards from a range of potential sources.

Drawing on our extensive foreign language skillset, including French, Dutch, and German, Zetica consulted the archives and records of all combatant powers with a historical presence in the vicinity of the site.  In-person visits to archives in Belgium allowed us to assess the site’s history in detail, including the contemporary accounts of locals and officials.

The breadth and depth of our research allowed us to state with confidence that the UXO hazard level on the site was low and that the client’s works could proceed.

Zetica carried out the detailed UXO risk assessment for a 1,158km electricity interconnector scheme in the eastern Mediterranean.

The proposed route was at risk from a wide variety of potential UXO hazard sources, including aerial bombardments, surface-to-surface engagements, submarine attacks, naval minefields, ordnance carrying shipwrecks, and both historic and modern-day firing ranges and training areas.

These UXO hazards had to be considered in the light of several other factors, including subsequent dredging and ordnance clearance activities, the methodology and schedule of the intended works, and the natural processes of the marine environment in the vicinity of the site.

Through thorough historical research and expert analysis, Zetica were able to zone the UXO hazard level across the site and provide tailored recommendations for each section.  This allowed the client to accurately assess the relative risks and costs of risk mitigation, maximising safety whilst working in a timely, cost-effective manner.

 

Zetica provided the detailed UXO risk assessment for a new port facility in the Falkland Islands, the largest such project in the history of the region.

The primary sources of potential UXO hazard related to the 1982 Falklands Conflict.  Earlier conflicts, including WWI and WWII, as well as the activities of the Falkland Islands’ domestic defence forces, were also considered.

Our research drew on the full range of available sources, including archival documents from both UK and Falklands Islands repositories, historical aerial photographs taken during and after the conflict, and the first-hand testimony of our own Explosive Ordnance Clearance (EOC) Engineers.

By cross-examining our sources, we were able to identify the location of bomb, missile, and artillery strikes in the vicinity of the site, as well as anti-aircraft positions, minefields, and other fortifications.

Zetica’s comprehensive research demonstrated that the site had a low UXO hazard level, allowing vital infrastructure to be built without the added delay and expense of unnecessary risk mitigation.

Zetica was tasked with reviewing the existing UXO risk management strategy for an oil refinery in Norway.

Oil was a key strategic resource during WWII and the German-occupied refinery had been attacked accordingly.  In April 1945 more than 100No. Allied aircraft had bombed the facility, causing significant damage and disruption.  An American 1,000lb Unexploded Bomb (UXB) had been encountered during recent excavations at the site.

Our aim was to provide expert input and guidance to ensure the safety of redevelopment works around existing structures.

Zetica began by reviewing the existing desk-based assessment, combining reanalysis of the cited records with new archival material to confirm that the UXO hazard had been properly identified.  From this it became clear that whilst a hazard from UXBs had been identified, no clear risk assessment or mitigation recommendations had been provided.

Our in-house geophysics specialists then reviewed the raw geophysical survey data provided by the contractor, including an analysis of geophysical noise levels.  From this we identified areas where UXO detection was effective.  In the remaining areas, the use of higher quality instruments was recommended to enable effective UXO detection.

These recommendations were presented to the client in a clear and concise manner, detailing areas for improvement and the safety benefits they would deliver ahead of further intrusive works.