Author: CEGE Caribbean

In August 2016 CEGE has started enthusiastically on the expansion site of the existing wind farm at Tera Kora, Curaçao. Commissioned by NuCuraçao Windparken we provided a diversity of quality control testings for this large-scale project. After conducting of more than 300 density measurements and testing and assembly of the anchors, the pouring of the foundations could be started with.

 To guarantee the quality of concrete it is to be tested for various parameters. The compressive strength of concrete cubes is being tested after 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days of hardening. A temperature gradient between the core and the outer surface of the poured concrete is also very important. The temperature inside the poured construction can be monitored using a thermal computer. In the period November 2016 – February 2017 five foundations of the new turbines were completed.

 In the meantime, the Vestas turbines have arrived at the port of Willemstad. Next weekend transport will commence and the assembly can begin! It is expected that the expansion will be fully operational in July 2017.

 

With great pleasure and enthusiasm CEGE has taken up a new challenge: an asbestos survey on the extensive grounds of the Curaçao Drydock Company in Willemstad. The survey is an update of the inventory carried out in 2010 and has been performed in connection with the takeover of the operational activities of CDC by Damen Shipyards. Both the structures and the ground surface are inspected to gain insight into the amount, type and condition of any asbestos-containing materials present. Based on the findings, risks are to be determined and advice is to be given on the method and priority of the abatement

Commissioned by the government organization Buskabaai N.V. CEGE Caribbean has launched an indicative environmental soil research at the site of the Asphalt Lake. Unlike the natural Pitch Lake in Trinidad the Asphalt Lake on Curaçao represents environmentally unfriendly legacy of World War II. During the war years the Curaçao refinery produced large quantities of gasoline and aviation fuel for the Allied forces. The heavy ‘asphalt’ residue was left behind in the form of the Asphalt Lake.

In 2011 the excavation works and asphalt processing have been started. After the excavation is complete the area will be given a different destination. The part of the lake has been already excavated but the work will take at least several years more. Having in mind the future development of the site CEGE has started a soil survey in order to determine the extent and the risks of the residual contamination. The study involves placing of several borings and monitoring wells in the already excavated area. Soil and groundwater are sampled and analyzed for oil components. Based on the research findings a risk assessment and an advice on the site preparation will be delivered.

In the evening of Monday, September 12th a fierce fire broke out in the abandoned building of Sentro Pro Arte on Curacao. Thanks to previous inventories in the building it was established quickly that there is a risk of asbestos release. CEGE Caribbean was directly approached by a Disaster Management Team with a request to carry out a risk assessment for the surrounding offices asap. In order to determine the level of hazard air testings have been carried out and bulk and adhesive samples have been taken. By being able to analyze the samples in our own asbestos laboratory in Willemstad the first results were available within 24 hours after the fire outbreak. In the coming days, a follow-up study on the fire site will be carried out in order to perform clean-up and/or demolition works in a responsible way.