InterGroup has successfully delivered a major industrial cleaning programme after being engaged to clean 69 industrial tanks as part of a site decommissioning and remediation initiative for Halliburton.
The tanks contained residual Synthetic-Based Drilling Mud (SBM) and other by-products requiring safe removal. Conducted under challenging site conditions in remote Western Australia, the large-scale project demanded specialist confined space expertise, comprehensive waste management and strict environmental compliance.
Project Delivery
InterGroup mobilised a 10-person specialist team from New Zealand to undertake the works. Through controlled confined space entry operations, the team removed approximately 750 tonnes of waste from the 69 tanks. Each vessel was meticulously cleaned to brine specification, ensuring all contaminants were eliminated and verified prior to sign-off.
In addition to cleaning operations, InterGroup managed the full treatment and disposal process. All hazardous materials and fluids were transported and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations and environmental standards, maintaining full compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Meeting Complex Challenges
Operating in a remote region of Western Australia added significant logistical complexity. With temperatures reaching up to 40°C, the environment presented considerable health and safety risks.
Fatigue management was central to the project’s success. Tank entry rotations were strictly controlled, with individual confined space entries limited to between 30 and 75 minutes depending on the time of day. After the first week, shifts were adjusted to 5:00 am starts to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures and reduce heat exposure.
To further safeguard personnel, a dedicated air-conditioned cool room was established onsite, stocked with bottled water and electrolytes to support mandatory rest periods. Daily toolbox talks reinforced hydration protocols, recognition of heat stress symptoms and gradual acclimatisation practices, ensuring the crew remained fit for work in demanding conditions.
Confined Space Control and Safety
Confined space safety was rigorously managed through a comprehensive permit-to-work system. Emergency harnesses and retrieval ropes were deployed for all entries, supported by continuous atmospheric monitoring conducted by a trained Safety Watch.
Ventilation systems were carefully configured, with forced air supplied at tank entry points and extractor fans positioned at the rear to maintain safe internal conditions. Quality assurance was reinforced through regular client inspections, confirming each tank achieved brine specification prior to approval.
Outstanding Results
Despite the project scope increasing by 240 percent beyond the original engagement parameters, InterGroup maintained schedule integrity and completed the works in less than half the originally estimated timeframe. The result demonstrates the company’s ability to rapidly adapt resources and planning to meet evolving project demands without compromising safety or quality.
Client Feedback
Halliburton commended InterGroup for its clear communication and proactive approach throughout the programme. Daily discussions and onsite walkarounds ensured alignment and transparency at every stage.
Despite the challenging environment, the crew maintained strong morale and delivered the project safely, ahead of schedule and to all required quality standards, reinforcing InterGroup’s capability to execute complex industrial cleaning projects under pressure.
For more information visit www.intergroup.co.nz
