First Survey on Phase 2 Land

15 Jan 2018

In April 2017 the MoD transferred the Phase 2 development site to Plymouth City Council. Since then we have carried out demolition works, and this week Fellows International carried out an Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) survey, which is an essential preliminary for all of the Oceansgate development due to Devonport Dockyard being so heavily bombed during WWII.

As you can see from the photo, Fellows are using modern UXO detection equipment and analysis capability to ensure UXO risk is reduced to ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable).

Fellows utilise the intelligent use of technology to give the highest possible level of risk mitigation, ensuring a high level of assurance, a permanent record of data coverage and quantifiable search effectiveness.

Generically, three items of equipment are used when conducting a UXO survey: a magnetometer, data logger and EPAD. The magnetometer measures the consistency of the Earth’s magnetic field to detect local anomalies which could be buried ordnance. The data logger and EPAD are used in conjunction with each other to provide a clearer indication of the level of metallic contamination underground. The data logger accurately collates any changes in the local magnetic field which is then read from the EPAD.

When analysed on a mobile PC this provides an accurate indication of the depth, type and size of contact therefore allows the Operator or Analyst to determine whether it is likely to be UXO.

Lucky for us no bombs or ordinates were detected!