Category: Geen categorie @en

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.

Because of its relatively low cost and useful properties, asbestos was commonly used in the past all over the world. In particular the fireproofing and insulating properties of this natural mineral made it ideally suitable for various applications in constructions and buildings. However, a few decades ago it became clear that asbestos fibers are dangerous. Inhaling them can cause diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer. The chemical composition and how asbestos fibers are bound determine the level of hazard.

In collaboration with our partners M.M. lab in the Netherlands in the summer of 2016 CEGE launched an asbestos laboratory at the office in Willemstad. This is the first asbestos laboratory which is physically located in the Caribbean. Asbestos identification in bulk materials and adhesive samples (using polarized light microscopy) and air samples (using phase-contrast microscopy) can now be performed on Curacao without sending samples to Europe or America. This results in lower costs and shorter lead times.

Also CEGE provides a visual inspection service and clearance sampling for control of asbestos demolition works (based on NEN 2990). This is in addition to asbestos inventories in buildings and on ships which already were in our service package.

In August 2016 CEGE Caribbean B.V. (CEGE) launches a new website. We are aware of the fact that technological developments and social media play an important role in our society today. The business world is no exception. With this in mind, we have chosen to revive our website and give it a fresh, customer-friendly and more personal appearance. In addition, several new features have been added. One of the most important is the “news feed” which helps our (future) customers to stay up to date on developments within CEGE. With great pride we present our new website. Enjoy it!

In August 2016 Wind farms NuCuraçao II B.V. began the expansion of the wind farm Tera Kora with five new wind turbines with a total capacity of 16.5 MW. After completion of the project, the total installed capacity on Curacao will be around 46.5 MW, which accounts for 35% of what is consumed by the local population. CEGE Caribbean plays an important role in this project. We are responsible for concrete quality control and geotechnical studies (nuclear soil density testing and plate load tests). It is a pleasure for us to participate in such a large project.