The Encapsulated Product Store 3 (EPS3) is an intermediate level waste (ILW) store, providing additional capacity to support the two existing stores. The store is designed to safely house ILW generated from nuclear reprocessing operations and clean-up work on site until disposal is possible. Shepley Engineers were responsible for all aspects of pipework manufacture, supply, installation and testing as well as the installation of a range of mechanical process plant. Fabrication of pipework and associated supports was carried out at Group members’ West Cumberland Engineering facilities in Workington.
The modification of the Encapsulated Product Store (EPS) Import/Export Facility (I/EF) was identified by the MSSS Programme as an opportunity to accelerate the start of Magnox Swarf Storage Silos (MSSS) solid waste retrievals. The project will provide the capability to transfer solid waste to the EPS for storage, this will therefore enable earlier risk reduction of the MSSS facility through the removal of bulk waste. This will be delivered by removing from service the existing route used for Waste Packaging and Encapsulation Plant (WPEP) receipts to establish a new Waste Transfer Route (WTR) within the EPS I/EF which can be used to transfer and ultimately consign MSSS waste into EPS 3.
Following the success of the deplanting phase, Shepley were awarded an initial contract to deliver discreet packages of mechanical installation work on a call off basis as well as providing strategic engineering support to the project as part of a core team. This initial phase also included a level of electrical support from PPS as well as off site manufacture from WCEL and the wider supply chain. The flexibility of this contract model and the speed in which Shepley Group were able to respond to emergent client requests ultimately led to the delivery of approximately 25 packages of work.
In November 2018, Shepley were awarded the main ME&I contract for the installation of the new mechanical equipment and HVAC system as well as the electrical equipment, panels, cable routing, testing and terminating. Delivering this work presented some difficult challenges including some significant lifts of sensitive equipment, namely the Kuka robot and a new 4Te rail driven bogie. Throughout the entire duration of this project, Shepley were able to demonstrate their positive and flexible approach to working in the EPS which facility remained operational for much of the construction phase with up to three rail movements taking place each day. Shepley were integral to the work planning and coordination with plant operations, adopting various working arrangements to ensure progress remained within client expectations.
As well as the coordination with plant operations, EPS WTR was relatively unique in that it used multiple members of DDP Lot1 with as many as 3 LDP’s on site at any one time. Each LDP in turn employed various subcon-tractors which made for a significant foot fall in a rather small and congested area. Finally, and most importantly, CNSL and the Shepley Group completed this work with an excellent safety record which when considered against the type of work, the volume of work and the environment in which the work was delivered is a significant achievement. This is all reflective of the positive approach our teams take to their work on a daily basis and integral to the success of the business.
