Wirtualna Ruda Śląska

Reclamation and remediation of the former Orzegów coke plant premises in Ruda Śląska.

ul. Hlonda 45A, Orzegów, Ruda Śląska

nr POIS.02.05.00-00-0006/17 within the action 2.5 priority axis II

Of the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Program 2014-2020

Investor: Miasto Ruda Śląska

Subsidy: Narodowy Fundusz Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej

General contractor: Menard sp. z o.o. Warszawa

Contract engeener: Inwest-Complex sp. z o.o. Gliwice

Introduction:

Thanks to the remediation and revitalisation of the former Orzegów coke plant premises, the city of Ruda Śląska and the whole region gains additional safe green space. Importantly, with the remaining coke plant structures secured, and educational paths and trails developed, we are able to preserve the history of this place for future generations.

Mayor of Ruda Śląska

Grażyna Dziedzic

manual breakdown of coke

The Orzegów coke and chemical plant was founded in 1903 as the Gotthard coke plant on the initiative of Joanna and Hans Ulrich von Schaffgotsch, owners of the surrounding areas. Construction and subsequent management of the new plant was entrusted with Oberschlesische Kokswerke und Chemische Fabriken (OBERKOKS). Since its inception, the plant has housed the first 35-oven coke battery. Five years later, it had three batteries and five boilers. The coal for the coking process came from the nearby Gotthard mine (later called the Karol mine). In 1922, as a result of the Third Silesian Uprising, and in line with the results of the Upper Silesia plebiscite carried out in 1921, Orzegów, together with its coke plant, was given to the Second Polish Republic. The facility became part of the Godulla S.A. joint-stock company in Chebzie.

"Orzegów" coke plant 2018

The low efficiency of coke batteries and difficult working conditions led to the closure of the enterprise in 1976, given that it was obsolete and incapable of expansion due to mining damage revealed within its area. In 1987 the coke plant was added to the registry of objects of cultural heritage in the Silesian province, which meant protection for the ovens in the first coke battery, tar tank, coal tower, and part of the access road with the surroundings.
The Orzegów coke plant is currently one of the most valuable sites of this kind across the whole country. The buildings preserved are a treasured testimony of how the bituminous coal processing technology was developed over time. Paradoxically, the very factors that led to the closure of the plant are now determinants of its incredible historical value.

"Orzegów" coke plant 2018

aerial view and section of ovens in the first coke battery 2018

Unfortunately, ever since the enterprise's closure, the premises of the former coke plant have been continuously deteriorating. The historical buildings and their surroundings became grown over with bushes and trees, while illegal waste dumps further worsened the condition of the area.
Soil analyses have evidenced contamination, making effective land-use planning even more difficult. In 2017 the authorities of Ruda Śląska decided to engage in revitalisation efforts. Having developed their concept for the reclamation and remediation of the former Orzegów coke plant premises, the authorities applied to the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management to obtain funding for their investment as part of Measure 2.5
of the Second Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020. The project was given positive consideration, and the city of Ruda Śląska received almost PLN 18 million, covering 85% of all investment costs.

visualisation and land plan

The implementation of the project began in 2018, first with design works, and then with actions on the ground. Detailed soil analyses showed presence of heavy metals, cyanide compounds, and various petroleum derivatives within the former plant's premises. Bioremediation and phytoremediation technologies (which use living microorganisms and plants, respectively, for decontamination purposes) were applied to clean up the soil. Permeable reactive barriers were placed to treat the contaminated area through a geochemical process between the pollutants and the substances contained in the barrier. Wild plants were removed, and new seedlings were put in their stead. The buildings that have remained from the former facility were renovated, with the coal tower, tar tank, and coke oven batteries structurally secured and subjected to restoration works. The batteries were covered with a concrete ceiling, part of which constitutes a viewing platform for the whole park landscape.

aerial view during revitalisation

coal tower & coke baterry 2018

coal tower & coke baterry 2020

tar tank & coal tower 2018

coal tower & coke baterry 2020

The walls of the tar tank and the elevation of the coke battery now feature information and educational boards on the history of the coke plant, and the technological processes that had been used when the facility was operational. The park was divided into two zones. The area adjacent to the objects of cultural heritage was landscaped to feature park alleys and street furniture, whereas the area to the north was turned into a green space without paths or trails.
The investment area now features lighting,
a publicly accessible toilet, parking spaces, and a bicycle shed. Visitors to the park may enjoy two playgrounds, park benches, and deck chairs. Thanks to all those efforts the area became completely revitalised, and the soil was rid of hazardous substances.
The Orzegów coke plant was turned into a recreational and educational park which honours the former function of that place.
Total investment cost was PLN 21,183,983.60. The amount contributed from EU funds was PLN 17,998,022.06.