UXO Search and Clearance | Target Investigation | Watching Brief
Project duration: Approximately 20 months
Contractual relationship: UXOS subcontracted to IGNE UXO
The initial phase involved search-and-clear operations to identify and recover historic military ordnance within designated working areas, in accordance with established project procedures.This phase provided hands-on experience in the identification and management of historic military ordnance encountered during construction-related groundworks.
As the project progressed, activities included the investigation of identified targets to establish the nature of potential UXO hazards and support appropriate risk-management decisions.Target investigation formed an important part of the wider mitigation process, helping inform the management of potential explosive hazards ahead of subsequent construction activities.
The later phase involved providing a watching brief during large-scale ground removal using 30-tonne and 65-tonne excavators.The work required monitoring excavation activities for evidence of historic military ordnance and associated explosive remnants as the ground was progressively removed.This phase demonstrated the importance of maintaining appropriate UXO awareness and mitigation procedures during major earthmoving operations.
3" Mortar
2" Mortar
4.2" Mortar (H.C)
Hand Grenade
(Type 36 (Mills Bomb))
Hand Grenade
(Type 69 "Bakelite Grenade" with 247 impact fuze
Projectile.
105mm carrier "Illum"
.303 rounds, Potentially blue incendiary tipped (Exact classification unconfirmed)
During the project, substantial quantities of historic military ordnance were encountered, including both high-explosive (HE) and phosphorus-filled munitions.
The finds included:
The project involved the discovery of hundreds, potentially thousands, of live munitions, predominantly mortar bombs, alongside extensive quantities of associated military remnants.The variety and volume of ordnance encountered highlighted the complexity of UXO risk mitigation during the project's search-and-clear operations, target investigations and subsequent watching briefs during large-scale ground removal using 30-tonne and 65-tonne excavators.
The Sizewell C project represents approximately 20 months of sustained practical experience across multiple phases of UXO mitigation.
From initial search-and-clear activities through target investigation and watching briefs during major earthmoving operations, the project provided extensive exposure to the identification and management of historic military ordnance within an active construction environment.
This experience forms an important part of UXOS's practical background in the UXO risk mitigation sector and demonstrates experience supporting specialist operations on a major UK infrastructure development.
UXOS undertook the work as a subcontractor to IGNE UXO, contributing to the wider delivery of specialist UXO support at the Sizewell C development.
All activities were undertaken within the applicable project management, safety and reporting arrangements.
