Herstmonceux Castle

Services: Below Ground Tank Removal, Oil Tank Cleaning, Oil Tank Removal, Tank Decommissioning & Removal

Client:

Maskell

Project:

Tank Decommissioning & Removal - Herstmonceux Castle

Location:

South East

Sector:

Heritage & Special Projects, Leisure

Project gallery:

Brief Description

KpH Environmental were appointed to undertake the safe removal of a redundant underground tank located within the grounds of Herstmonceux Castle. Due to the sensitive nature of the site and its public accessibility, the works required meticulous planning, restricted access management, and the use of specialist cutting methods to ensure minimal disruption to the castle’s operations and visitors.

Scope of work

Access for the tanker hose and ventilation was gained through a small hatch in the courtyard. KpH opened, cleaned, and degassed two 12,000-litre oil storage tanks, with all washings removed by vacuum tanker and disposed of at a licensed facility under Environment Agency consignment note.

Following gas-free certification, the tanks were dismantled using plasma cutting equipment and safely removed through the restricted access point. KpH also installed new underground pipework and assisted Maskell’s with the installation of a new above-ground tank, positioned discreetly for future maintenance access.

Key Challenges:

Restricted Access: All works had to be completed through a small hatch beneath the castle’s coffee shop terrace. This required detailed planning, manual handling procedures, and works being scheduled around public opening hours to avoid disruption.
Environmental Controls: The use of plasma cutting reduced fire and fume risks, while all residues and waste were safely contained, removed, and
disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
Sensitive Location: Given the historic nature of the castle, additional risk assessments and controls were implemented to protect surrounding
structures and ensure all works met heritage-site safety standards.