Three WWII 500lbs unexploded ordnances were safely removed from phase two land at Oakington Barracks in Northstowe, UK. Surveys over six weeks located metal anomalies, which were carefully excavated. A six meter deep and tamped explosive ordnance disposal facility was constructed on site over three weeks for the controlled detonation of the ordnances found. The final operation was completed safely within one week with no disruption to the local community.

1. UXO Remediation at Oakington Barracks 2016

2. We recently completed the safe removal and
disposal of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) on phase
two land at Oakington Barracks at Northstowe

3. Careful vegetation clearance to enable site
surveying to take place – working with a team of
ecologists

4. Site surveying to detect where the ‘buried
metal anomalies’ were located

5. 6 weeks of surveys were necessary to carefully
cover the area

6. A 6m excavation for the Explosive Ordnance
Disposal facility (EOD) into which the UXOs were
placed for destruction

7. 850 tonnes of sand were required to tamper any
controlled explosion

8. 4 plant operators, 4 welders, 4 EOD engineers, 5 lorries
and 3 weeks to assemble and build the EOD facility on
site

9. Holes were dug only where surveys said buried
anomalies were present – starting with the largest
first

10. A total of 3 x WWII 500lbs UXOs were found and
safely disposed of

11. UXO were placed into the belly of the EOD facility
before controlled detonation

12. One was left unusually intact after detonation!

13. The final EOD operation was completed safely and
successfully within 1 week; and with no disruption
to the local community

14. KEEPING IN TOUCH
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