Risk and uncertainty in James Bridge remediation

The site of a former copper refinery situated in the Darlaston area of the Black Country in the West Midlands presents a formidable remediation challenge. The site has had a long history of economic exploitation, including mining, brick manufacture and metal refining. At least five mined horizons underlie the site with some 170 possible mine shafts contained within the site boundary. This paper discusses the challenges that this site presents to the procurement process in the selection of an appropriate contract strategy and risk sharing procedures. It is suggested that appropriate remediation can be achieved only by ensuring that risk is allocated equitably and to the party best equipped to manage and mitigate the risk. Risk allocation within the context of procurement is discussed in general and within the context of this particular site.