SDS Limited

RAF Lossiemouth Stormwater Attenuation

Installation of the Weholite stormwater attenuation tank

RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, north-east Scotland, is one of two RAF Quick Reaction Alert stations, whose aircraft and crews are on continual high alert in order to scramble and intercept unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace. The MOD has committed to a £3bn investment for the transformation of the base, which is staffed by more than 3,000 military and civilian personnel.

SDS was required to implement a drainage scheme that enabled sustainability principles at every stage of the project, with the objective of dispersing water quickly and efficiently from the air-side paved surfaces of the base. The project ensured that the operational capabilities of the air base are not compromised by flooding from heavy rainfall, and future-proofed the RAF base for the introduction of Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

Project scope

SDS designed, manufactured and installed a Weholite® tank, measuring 90 metres square, constructed predominantly of 260 individual pipes of 14 metres in length, and 50 pipes of approx. 7 metres in length, all with a 1.2 metre diameter.

In excess of 4.4 kilometres of 1200mm diameter 4K pipe, together with 10 manholes, have been manufactured and installed by SDS, with a combined bill of materials weight of over 300 tonnes.

Special attention has been paid to the potential flood risk due to the coastal location of the site in an area of Scotland which is known for its wet and harsh weather, particularly in Winter when snow melt can create significant volumes of standing water.

The system complies with the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR) which have made SuDS a requirement for all new developments constructed after April 2007.

The Weholite stormwater attenuation tank

Results

All stormwater attenuation is situated below ground due to the restriction of having open bodies of water in close proximity, which might attract unwanted birds to the airfield.

Due to site levels and the relatively high water table, soakaways were deemed unsuitable for stormwater discharge, therefore the flow rate is restricted to 5 litres per second per hectare of impermeable area before discharging into the drainage system.

Oil interceptors located between the drainage system and the neighbouring Covesea Burn help to prevent any contaminated runoff from the runway from entering the natural environment.

Malachey Doyle, Project Manager, Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure commented:

“Safe, tidy and impressive work rate by all within our Central and Eastern section at RAF Lossiemouth. Works have comprised a new wastewater treatment works, 90m x 90m oversized attenuation tank, roads, drainage and associated Infrastructure.”

Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure have delivered over 60 airport projects worldwide and operate out of two main offices, Belfast in Northern Ireland and Washington in the USA. They have established a network of trusted contractors and supplier organisations of which SDS is proud to be a part.

RAF Lossiemouth © Crown copyright 2021

Project summary

• Project purpose: To prepare and future-proof the RAF base for the introduction of Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
• Project objectives: To disperse surface water quickly and efficiently from the air-side paved surfaces of the base.
• Project requirements: To implement a drainage scheme that enables sustainability objectives to be met at every stage of the project.
• Brief to SDS: To ensure the full operational capabilities of the air base are not compromised by flooding from heavy rainfall.
• Timing: Autumn Winter 2021/22.
• Project background information: RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, north-east Scotland, is one of two RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations, whose aircraft and crews are on continual high alert in order to scramble and intercept unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace. The MOD has committed to a £3bn investment for the transformation of the base, which is staffed by more than 3,000 military and civilian personnel.
• Client: Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure.
• End customer: Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
• Supplier of Weholite® wastewater storage tanks, manholes & conveyance piping: SDS Ltd

For more information: SDS Ltd | +44 (0)1934 751303 | www.sdslimited.com