Supply Chain - Wastewater Pumping Stations

The Exmouth Outfall Project is part of the broader Exmouth Shellfish Water Nutrient Delivery (SW_ND) initiative. This integrated investment programme is designed to ensure that wastewater infrastructure in the region operates to the highest standards of reliability, sustainability, and environmental protection. The current phase focuses on the following objectives:

These enhancements play a key role in improving the overall performance of the wastewater network while supporting the water quality designations of nearby shellfish harvesting zones and bathing waters.

The project includes substantial mechanical and electrical improvements at both Maer Road and Phear Park Pumping Stations, along with associated upgrades at Maer Lane Sewage Treatment Works (STW).

The improvements involve replacing older pumping equipment with high-efficiency variable speed drives, optimised to handle varying flows while minimising energy consumption. The control panels and instrumentation are being replaced with new, robust systems that allow for greater automation and remote monitoring. Where possible, old infrastructure is being re-purposed or carefully integrated into new systems to reduce waste and maintain operational continuity.

Sites have also been equipped with enhanced power resilience features. These include alternative power supplies or standby systems designed to ensure uninterrupted service during grid outages. Structural improvements have also been made to allow for safer maintenance practices, such as the installation of load-handling equipment to support future repairs or replacements.

Improved mechanical screening is a core element of the upgrades, ensuring that all flows are treated to meet current discharge consent requirements. New systems are capable of capturing fine debris from storm overflows, minimising the impact on the environment. This supports South West Water’s commitment to safeguarding designated bathing waters and ecologically sensitive marine areas.

New digital systems have been introduced to allow more intelligent control of pump speeds and flow management. This ensures that during storm events, flows can be managed efficiently without overloading downstream treatment facilities. These systems are designed to integrate with the broader telemetry network used by South West Water, allowing operators to respond in real-time to system performance.

Environmental protection has been a key focus of every phase of the Exmouth Outfall Project. The works are being delivered with sustainability in mind, both in terms of construction practices and long-term operational efficiency.

Some of the key initiatives include:

These initiatives are aligned with SWW’s wider environmental objectives and support national efforts to improve the health of UK rivers and coastal waters.

Delivering this project within such a high-profile and environmentally sensitive location presented unique challenges. The proximity of a busy tourist destination – one of the UK’s largest holiday parks – required careful planning to minimise disruption.

Key actions included:

Galliford Try and South West Water are committed to using the Exmouth Outfall Project as a benchmark for future schemes. Lessons learned are being captured and shared internally across both organisations to inform best practices on future water infrastructure projects.

Internal knowledge sharing has included presentations to more than 250 employees across multiple business units. Topics covered include the use of sustainable construction methods, approaches to stakeholder engagement, and the integration of new digital controls.

The Exmouth Outfall Project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure delivery, combining technical excellence with environmental responsibility and community engagement. These upgrades are not only vital for regulatory compliance and operational resilience, but they also play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

As the project continues to progress on time and on budget, South West Water is well-positioned to meet its long-term targets for stormwater management, coastal protection, and sustainable wastewater treatment. Galliford Try is proud to support this vision through the safe and efficient delivery of complex infrastructure in sensitive locations.

This case study highlights what is possible when innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship are placed at the centre of infrastructure delivery.

The town and immediate area are currently served by a sewage treatment works established at the turn of the last century and upgraded over the years. It is located beside the River Wey, to the north of the A3 trunk road and north of Guildford town centre. It lies just south of Slyfield Industrial Estate. The current STW has a capacity to cater for a population equivalent of around 120,000.

Guildford Borough Council’s Local Plan adopted in 2019 allocates a site to the west of the River Wey wrapping around the eastern side of Slyfield Industrial Estate for mixed use development. Part of the 40 Ha allocated site is currently occupied by the existing sewage treatment works.

Weyside Urban Village is a mixed-use regeneration project which will provide some 1,500 new homes, new community facilities, Gypsy and traveller pitches and 6,500m2 of additional light industrial and trade space. 11Ha of the site are allocated for waste management purposes. The plans include a new council depot, a public recycling centre and a new, relocated sewage treatment works.

In order to bring the development site forward, within the plan period to 2034, Guildford Borough Council (GBC) have entered into partnership with Thames Water Utilities Ltd (TWUL) to build the new STW as the first phase of the redevelopment. The new location is slightly further north on the eastern edge of the Industrial site and is a brownfield site, formerly a gravel quarry and subsequently a landfill tip.

The new sewage treatment works allows for an increase in capacity to serve a population of 125,000 allowing for predicted population growth in the town and surrounding area as well as more stringent effluent discharge standards.

The new site also includes areas within the new works for future expansion and increased treatment capacity as need arises.

The scheme to build a new sewage treatment works (STW) in Guildford is now mid-way through construction. This article provides an update to the project following on from previous articles published in Water Projects. In 2023, Enpure Ltd’s Project Delivery Director Shaun Christopher described in detail the process and assets being provided in the new works and in 2024, Dan Russell, BAM’s Operational Lead, gave an update on the progress of the project one year into the construction.

This article also covers some of the planning considerations and requirements for the scheme.

In 2021 TWUL awarded a contract to a BAM-Enpure Joint Venture to design, build and commission a new STW for Guildford, and once operational, to de-commission the existing works. BAM-Enpure Joint Venture (JV) is a non-integrated Joint Venture, formed specifically to combine experienced civil engineering contractor BAM with the process engineering MEICA specialism of Enpure, to deliver a turnkey solution for TWUL.

Construction began in the spring/summer of 2023 with BAM undertaking design and construction of the civils works and Enpure providing process and MEICA design and installation. BAM have employed Arcadis as their main civils designer and the JV has let a number of specialist sub-contractor design packages alongside.

The project consists of the following:

A detailed description of the process and assets being installed is set out in the previous Water Projects article published in 2023.

The new site comes with additional challenges in that it is brownfield site formerly used for gravel extraction and then landfilled through the 1960s, 70s and 80s, with mainly domestic and some commercial waste. The site is classified as a waste development such that the local planning authority is Surrey County Council (SCC).

The planning permission granted was subject to a number of conditions and commitments, not only relating to the siting and development of the STW itself such as visual impact, odour, noise and traffic generation, but also to the remediation and reuse of the landfill site. Plans and construction methods needed to ensure that there was no temporary or permanent environmental damage to the surrounding area as a result of the impact on or disturbance of the buried waste material and that operatives working on the new STW were protected from any ill effects of the landfill during operation of the site. The landfill also poses particular constraints and hazards during the construction phase.

The strategy for the site was to leave as much of the landfill waste in situ and build above and through the waste. A detailed remediation strategy formed part of the planning requirements. The plan set out how the construction and operation phases of the project would manage issues of ground water and ground gas, potential ground water contamination and leachates, contaminated solid material including asbestos, and short- and longer-term settlement of the landfill.

Dan Russell’s case study in Water Projects 2023 provided a detailed description of the use of a combination of ground improvement and foundation techniques, which consisted of:

Figures 5 (below) show the historic gravel extraction map and depth of landfill determined by ground investigation - both images were extracted from the project’s Detailed Remediation Strategy.

However, the impact of the waste material goes beyond its bearing capacity. The site was already being subject to long term monitoring for ground gas and groundwater quality by Thames Water to provide a baseline for the project. Additional boreholes were sunk and a Groundwater & Ground Gas Monitoring Plan was approved by the local authority. Daily and continuous automatic remote monitoring was undertaken during the ground improvement and excavation phases with trigger levels set and exceedances reported back to SCC and a requirement for quarterly summary reporting. Monitoring will continue during commissioning of the site at less frequent intervals.

Asbestos: Asbestos had been discovered in a third of samples taken during the ground investigation and so a monitoring regime was established. Air sampling around the perimeter of the site ensured any airborne particles were detected and works could be stopped if necessary. Proximity asbestos monitoring and identification of asbestos material in excavation has also been used extensively during excavation across the site. The project used Socotec to undertake asbestos monitoring and testing.

Ground gas: A ground gas protection design has been necessary to reduce risk of ground gas entering occupied buildings, kiosks, tanks and chambers where operational or maintenance access is undertaken. A ground gas design protection strategy was set out by Arcadis with PAGeo Contracting Ltd providing expert advice and a detailed ground gas design, PAGeo then supplied gas dispersal matting, venting components and gas membranes. Both the strategy and the detailed design for ground gas protection have been submitted to and approved by SCC.

Independent verification of the gas protection installation has been provided by MTS Ltd as verification of the installation and subsequent reporting to SCC is a planning condition.

Surface drainage: On-site surface drainage has been carefully designed such that new impermeable areas are positively drained to the site drainage system to remove the risk of a spill causing environmental pollution. This surface water is then fed into the inlet pumping station for processing through the works. As the permeable area of the site has been greatly reduced this also significantly reduces leachate mobilisation.

Biodiversity: Another planning condition is the provision of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). In conjunction with GBC, the project provides 10% net biodiversity gain by use of on-site planting and off-site enhancement of the land directly to the north of the new STW. A Site of Natural Green Space, biodiversity enhancements to an area of farmland, and a marshy meadow along the River Wey are being provided.

The Environment Agency have also constructed a new fish pass in this area allowing fish to migrate around Old Bucks Weir.

Guildford STW: Civils works supply chain - key participants

As of summer 2025, civils works are nearing completion and MEICA fit out has started.

The installation of piled supports has been undertaken, and all major structures are complete. Installation of the below-ground pipework and buried ducting is in progress and the welfare building is watertight and available for equipment installation. Moving towards installation of MEICA equipment, the water testing of structures started in the February of 2025.

Steel staircases and high-level walkways are mostly complete. The inlet screens and grit removal system are in place. GRP tanks for sludge processing are being installed and many control kiosks are in place. Electrical supply buildings are near completion.

MEICA work commenced in February 2025, overlapping with completion of civils to maximise programme efficiencies. Designed alongside the civils elements of the site, the MEICA installation has taken place apace with the first bridges on the final settlement tanks attached, the larger glass coated steel tanks for the sludge area in place, and generators and some kiosks have been installed.

BAM has started the installation of the above-ground pipework and cable pulling in buried ducts, and the fit out of control rooms will commence shortly. Construction of MCC basements has been completed and two of the three MCC kiosk, and power supply and distribution works are nearing completion.

A 1.5m diameter gravity tunnel, 1.5km long, transfers flows from the existing works and intercepts minor sewers en route. There are six shafts along the tunnel route, some of which act as junctions between the new tunnel and the existing sewers. Shafts were sunk by Joseph Gallagher using the caisson method and the tunnel was driven between them using a full-face tunnel boring machine, (named Daphne by a local school). The tunnel and shafts were completed in 2024 and the final work remaining are the completion of the large inlet pumping station (IPS), shaft (E2) at the new works and connection of Guildford’s main sewer to the head of the tunnel, which will allow all flows to be diverted to the new tunnel.

The new inlet pumping station (IPS) is a 12.5m diameter shaft with a depth of 17m, which houses six pumps with the capacity to lift flows of around 2,500 l/s from the tunnel entry, at the base of the shaft, to the inlet works where all flows are screened. The shaft is complete except for the internal walls and installation of penstocks which allow isolation of half the well at any time for maintenance of the pumps. This will be completed in the autumn of this year.

Two storm tanks provide a combined capacity of approximately 8 million litres to which flow can be diverted to temporarily hold sewage arriving at the new works should flows exceed the capacity of the works. Constructed onto in situ bases, the walls of the storm tanks were prefabricated, placed and post-tensioned by A Consult Ltd.

The inlet works and larger chambers were entirely cast in situ due to lack of repeatable sections and logistics. In situ concrete work for these was undertaken by Kelly Formwork. The inlet screens have been installed and walkways are in place.

Screened flows from the inlet works will then pass through primary and secondary treatment tanks comprising rectangular primary settlement tanks (PSTs) and activated sludge plant (ASP) tanks. The walls for these tanks were designed and supplied by FLI Precast Solutions Ltd and installed by BAM and DJ Civils Ltd on in situ bases prepared by Kelly Formwork Ltd. These tanks are complete with pipework being fitted and the ASP has commenced water testing.

To ensure watertightness of the larger rectangular tanks, Heidelberg Materials and Sika’s concrete technology were used.

Concrete containing Sika WT-200 P was utilised for the PSTs and the ASP. Sika WT-200 P is a combined water-resisting and crystalline waterproofing admixture used to reduce the permeability of concrete, making it suitable for water retaining structures.

Gas protection has been laid under all large tanks. Materials were supplied by PAGeotechnial Ltd and verified by MSL Ltd. Void former mating laid on a bed of single grade 40mm stone provides a preferential escape path for ground gases and is connected to vents at the tanks periphery allowing ground gases to vent to atmosphere.

These tanks are not habitable spaces and only require a dispersal system to discourage any build-up of gas below the large tank bases.

The four final settlement tanks were also precast, supplied, installed and post-tensioned by A-Consult Ltd onto in situ bases prepared by Kelly Formwork Ltd. The FSTs are complete with bridges and scrapers installed and are currently being water tested.

Following final settlement, flows will pass through final filtration in the tertiary treatment plant before being discharged to the River Wey via new, twin outfall pipes. Civil construction is complete and MEICA installation of cloth pile filters and drums from Eliquo Hydrok Ltd is underway.

The outfall pipework has been fully installed across the water meadow and the headwall has been constructed at the discharge point into the River Wey.

The project also provides a dewatering facility for imported sludge from other small treatment works. This area is nearing completion with the larger coated glass sludge blending tanks in place and the smaller buffer tanks being installed. Gas vent pipes have been installed below the extensive concrete slabs to allow venting of ground gases to the atmosphere.

The sludge belt presses from Kent Stainless Ltd for sludge dewatering and thickening have been installed adjacent to the bases for the elevated sludge cake silos. The silos from Saxlund International have been sized to provide storage of seven days’ worth of processed sludge, which can be discharged to trucks for export from site.

Power supply and distribution infrastructure is now in place. The three MCCs have been constructed in sequence and the first two are being fitted out.

A new welfare building houses the automated systems for running the new plant and controlling effluent quality as well as office and mess space for Thames Water staff and operatives. The building is watertight with cladding being installed and the fit out of building fixtures and plant control equipment is in progress.

Design has utilised a 3D model hosted by Arcadis with each designer adding in modelling information as their design capabilities have allowed. This has enabled precise integration of designers individual input and interrogation of the integrated design

The model is used extensively by engineers on site. 3D modelling has, for example, allowed duct chambers to be precast with precision positioning of cable openings, saving on in situ working and substantially reducing programme on these installations.

To enable the STW to be constructed on the site without the waste being removed a combination of ground improvement techniques have been employed including driven concrete piles, Rapid Impact Compaction, and Vertical Rigid Inclusions.

The Rapid Impact Compaction work undertaken by Cofra was completed in late summer of 2023. From July 2023 to the spring of 2024, to support the larger structures, tanks and main process critical pipelines, 3500 concrete piles were driven through the landfill into the clay. The design and installation of this piling operation was undertaken by Aarsleff Ground Engineering.

In areas where settlement criteria were less critical, but needed controlling (for example roadways and minor pipework), a Vertical Ridged Inclusion (VRI) piling technique was used. The system involves displacement drilling a column in the landfill and filling the void with concrete. This works by consolidating the soil around the pile, transferring load to lower layers, thus increasing bearing capacity and reducing settlement over time.

Since 2024 the installation of VRIs by Foundation Piling has been completed with 7500 inclusions installed across the site. During detailed design, the project was able to remove the need for a load transfer platform above the VRIs across much of the site. This was done by detailed analysis of the 3D model to target differing requirements for support and by reducing inclusion spacings, thereby reducing the expected landfill removal by 37,500m3.

The load transfer platform remains below roads, but pipework sits within the grid of VRIs.

Completion of the mechanical works is expected in the first part of 2026 with installation of electrical and control systems expected to complete in the second part of 2026. Dry and wet commissioning will be undertaken sequentially across the site throughout the coming year, ensuring the new works is ready to commence process commissioning.

The final, and arguably most challenging activity, will be to connect the existing sewer network to the new tunnel, diverting flows from the existing STW to the new STW. A series of interventions will be required to intercept the various sewers, along the route of the tunnel, all the whilst ensuring the new STW is performing within strict limits and the existing STW is able to maintain its performance during the ramp down of flows.

The location chosen is on the north-east extent of the existing Slyfield Industrial Estate and is on an area previously used as a landfill site. In August 2023 Water Projects published a case study which provided insight into the extensive pre-construction design for civil and process engineering elements of the project. This article delves into the construction of the project and provides an update on the significant progress made to date on site.

The site for the new STW is approximately 70,000m2 and was previously used as a landfill site. It had originally been used as sand and gravel quarries and then subsequently used as landfill from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The landfill material is generally domestic and light industrial. It consists of black bag waste, timber, plastics, fabrics but contains fragments of asbestos and other materials.

The site was capped off with a granular layer in the early 1980s and has laid dormant ever since. The landfill depth varies across the site from between 2m and 6m thick. This then overlies an alluvium layer, sands and gravels and London Clay. The depth of the London Clay is approximately 10m below existing ground level.

Typically, major structures within a sewage treatment works are built below or partially below ground level to maximise gravitational energy. The new Guildford STW differs in that the strategy is to deliberately design and build above ground as far as practicable.

This is to minimise the disturbance to, and removal of the existing landfill thereby reducing the impact on the environment and the cost of disposal.

After a period of Early Contractor Involvement, Thames Water awarded a contract to BAM-Enpure Joint Venture (BEJV) in 2021 to design, build and commission this significant new works and once operational, to de-commission the existing works.

BEJV is a non-integrated joint venture, formed specifically to combine the excellence of experienced civil engineering contractor Bam Nuttall Ltd and the process engineering/MEICA specialism of Enpure Ltd to deliver a turnkey solution for Thames Water. The workscope split is as follows:

Decommissioning of the existing STW will also be undertaken by BEJV, in addition to working collaboratively with TWUL operational and networks teams to integrate existing TWUL operational assets into the new sewage treatment works.

BEJV undertook a series of site trials in 2021/2022. The purpose of this was to investigate the proposed ground improvement techniques further in order to validate proposals and inform detailed design. There are a combination of techniques which interface with each other in a complex manner.

The trials also gave important information about potential effects to both leachate levels and ground gas within the existing landfill to ensure there would be no impact on environment, ecology and human health.

The three techniques tested, and subsequently used within the works were as follows.

1. Rapid impact compaction (RIC): RIC was undertaken to remove the risk of long-term settlement to the landfill. Whilst the main structures would be supported on piles, this was to remove the risk of long term ground settlement underneath and around the structures. RIC is a method of imparting energy to the ground using a repeated but relatively short drop-weight, where a base plate is in constant contact with the ground. It is undertaken on a pre-determined grid pattern. At Guildford a 9T hammer was chosen, fitted to a 35T base machine and working on a 2.5m x 2.5m grid. Each ‘pass’ of the technique used 40 blows at each point.

Within the trial areas the technique was tested with 1, 2 or 3 passes (ie, 40, 80 or 120 blows per location). Cone penetrometer tests were used to measure the extent of deep level ground compaction before and after the trials. The continuous monitoring from the boreholes demonstrated that at each ‘thump’ of the ground there was no discernible change in leachate levels or ground gas volumes, and that there was no dispersal of leachate happening throughout the landfill.

From the trials it was determined that all areas of the site that are being built on should receive either 1 or 2 passes of RIC for the permanent works.

3. Vertical rigid inclusions (VRI): VRIs are mass concrete piles which are used for lightly-loaded structures and areas such as roads and hardstandings. They are a displacement pile, with the surrounding soil pushed sideways by an auger. As the auger is withdrawn the resulting void is filled with concrete up to ground level. They therefore work by increasing the density of the ground. A granular layer is then installed above to remove any ‘hard spots’. Again, this technique does not bring landfill material to the surface. It was trialled in two areas and found to be suitable for use, without causing any effects to leachate levels or ground gases. It is therefore being used as part of the permanent works over the whole site wherever there are not piled structures.

The trials of all three techniques, together with the subsequent site testing proved that the design principles were correct, and gave information on how to refine the solutions further. It also demonstrated that the techniques would not cause any adverse environmental effects.

Enabling works took place during Spring 2023 and consisted of site clearance, setting up the site offices and welfare and establishing fencing. The whole site was then covered with a 100mm thick layer of imported granular material to provide further protection against the risk of asbestos within the existing capping layer.

A series of 20 further boreholes were installed around the perimeter of the site to enable daily monitoring of both leachate and ground gas within the landfill and to ensure that none was being mobilised by our works. Mobile monitoring stations for noise, dust, vibration and asbestos were all set up, which are monitored continuously throughout the works. Over half a million data points have already been captured.

The permanent works started in earnest in Summer 2023 and in August, rapid impact compaction was conducted over the site, with a combination of one or two passes, as informed by the results of the previous site trials. In total the ground was hit 360,000 times! Precast piles were then driven for the major structures and pipelines. These were all 250mm square piles and varied in length from 16m to 20m. A total number of 3,422 piles have been driven using three piling rigs.

Vertical rigid inclusion installation is currently underway, with a total of 1,700 out of 9,000 already completed. The works are sequenced to avoid clashes with other work areas, on what is a congested site. Following installation, each work area is left for the piles to cure for the following seven days, thus effectively sterilising large areas of the site at a time. This therefore requires detailed collaborative planning on all work fronts to ensure that the site can remain operational.

Of the 59 concrete structures, some are simple reinforced bases, however ‘the big 5’ are significant structures:

Due to the repetitive nature of their construction, BEJV chose to construct the PST and the ASP using precast concrete techniques, which are then stitched together on site. The four FSTs and two storm tanks are also being constructed using precast panels which are then post-tensioned.

The inlet works and TTP are complex, bespoke structures with very little repetition and so are more suited to traditional in situ concrete construction. The inlet works is a particularly complex structure, and is the tallest structure on site at 13m above ground level and being formed of five separate elements.

As of August 2024, the inlet works concrete structure is half complete and the TTP structure underway. The PST precast walls are mostly in place and stitched together, with roof beams now being installed. Works have also started on the ASP walls.

Pipework to the FSTs is underway, which will then allow the construction of the bases to follow on. To date (August 2024), 4,000m3 out 14,000m3 of concrete has been poured, and 205 out of 454 precast wall elements installed.

The flows to the existing STW enter at the southern end of the works. A new transfer tunnel has therefore been constructed to intercept this and transport the flows to the new STW. This tunnel is 1.4km long, 1.5m internal diameter and flows by gravity. It is formed at an invert depth of 10.6m to 15.7m below existing ground level, entirely within the London Clay.

To construct the tunnel a series of six shafts were sunk. The largest of these is 12.5m diameter and forms the inlet shaft in the new STW. The raw sewage will then be pumped from this to the inlet works, from where it will then flow by gravity through the new STW. The remaining five shafts were used to launch or receive the tunnel boring machine (TBM) and pipe-jack, as well as being used for auxiliary connections to sewers in the existing network which don’t get picked up by the main connection.

The tunnel was constructed using the pipe-jacked method using a tunnel boring machine. This was named ‘Daphne’ in a competition by Bisley Church of England School. Daphne Jackson was the first female physics professor in the UK and taught and researched in Guildford. The tunnel consists of four straight sections, one curved section and one short hand-dug section to connect to the existing network.

Current progress is that all of the shafts have been sunk, the main tunnel is complete and fit out the shafts has commenced.

The outlet for the new STW consists of a 750mm diameter pipe from the TTP and a 1050mm diameter pipe which acts as a storm overflow during extreme weather events. These pipes are laid across a floodplain to the River Wey, a distance of approximately 330m before discharging via a bespoke headwall into the River Wey. This has been designed in conjunction with Environment Agency to minimise erosion in what is classified as a salmon river.

Due to Environment Agency and Local Authority permitting requirements as well as practical requirements of working on a floodplain with underlying running sand, these works are practically restricted to a short duration in the summer. This is being undertaken during Summer 2024 and the works are on target for completion within this period.

The majority of underground assets in the new works are being constructed within the existing landfill. This brings plenty of challenges in both design and construction. Assets must be designed to withstand both differential settlement and potential degradation from existing contaminants in the land fill material.

A variety of ductile iron, carbon steel, and concrete pipes are being used with various protection methods. The work is being self- delivered by the BAM workforce and the installation of below-ground pipework is underway with a focus on where it interfaces with the new structures. This requires extensive temporary works solutions to provide a safe working environment for the workforce within the band of landfill material.

Steel sheet piles are being used to provide temporary ground support and excavated landfill material is being sorted in a material handling area on site. This is being done to reduce the amount of hazardous material being sent off site, halving the amount of excavation and disposal required using traditional open cut methods.

As well as the main connection taking flows form the existing works to the new, there are three other existing assets which are to be integrated into the new system, at various points along the length of the new tunnel. This involves extensive research and planning in an open and collaborative approach with TWUL networks teams.

Bowers Farm Main was successfully diverted in November 2023, and has been constructed such that the final connection and commissioning to the new system will be a more straightforward operation. Planning works are currently underway on both Stokes Road syphons and Abbotswood syphons in order to construct similar scenarios for future connection and commissioning.

The main connection to the existing Guildford Main at the head of the new scheme entails connecting into an existing 10m deep concrete and brick built chamber, which carries live flows 24/7. The site team have undertaken several successful drawdowns in conjunction with TWUL to ascertain the dimensions and condition of the chamber in order to plan the final breakthrough works in great detail. This design work is currently underway and the new tunnel hand drive has been stopped a few metres short of the final breakthrough and shored up, prior to the final connection to the existing network.

Construction works of the ‘Big Build’ are continuing at pace and the BEJV Team are now focusing on ensuring a safe, effective and efficient integration of civils and MEICA elements. This will start in late 2024 and continue throughout 2025.

Following successful completion of commissioning of the new sewage treatment works in 2026, the existing works will be de-commissioned making way for the next stage of the Weyside Urban Village, providing homes and leaving a true legacy for local people and businesses.

As part of Belfast’s strategic ‘Living with Water Programme’ (LwWP), NI Water has invested £1.8m to upgrade Lower Woodburn WwPS by increasing the volume of storm emergency overflow storage and installing a static screen. The solution also facilitates proposed housing (315 units) and hospitality/recreational developments that discharge directly to the WwPS and delivers storm separation of 17.8 hectares of impermeable ground. The project delivers against the LwWP goals:

Delivery partners for this project were appointed through existing NI Water frameworks. Tetra Tech was appointed to provide professional services, (including project management, cost management and site supervision) and to act as NEC Project Manager. The Murphy/ DAWSON-WAM Ltd JV (MDW) was appointed as main contractor.

Building on earlier work done to investigate catchment-wide solutions for Carrickfergus as part of the LwWP, MDW was engaged to develop the design and build solution under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) NEC contract. The design was reviewed and approved in collaboration with NI Water, and budgetary approval was granted for construction works under an NEC-ECC Main Option A contract in summer 2023.

Delivery was a collaborative effort between client, consultant and contractor teams to improve water quality and environmental conditions in the receiving Belfast Lough. The works comprised addition of surface water storage in a new concrete cofferdam constructed alongside, and connected to, the existing pumping station wet well. The constrained nature of the site lead to the need for access to neighboring lands from which to operate construction plant and machinery.

The scope was further developed during construction to improve the overall solution performance by installing a non-return valve on the storage overflow to enhance separation between storage and the marine environment and to improve the design life of the pre-existing pumping station.

Change was addressed using the provisions of the NEC contract and was managed within the overall budget for construction works. The new storage tank was integrated from an ICA perspective by linking to NI Water’s telemetry system for effective monitoring of storage levels and overflow incidents.

Throughout construction, regular site inspections were undertaken by Tetra Tech’s Site Supervisor and Health & Safety Manager to affect joint inspections with NI Water’s and MDW’s H&S Managers. This made sure of a combined approach to H&S management; issues were addressed face to face in real time and resulted in an excellent H&S performance throughout, with no accidents or incidents.

The ECI process proved its worth as extensive design and build challenges were overcome and a buildable solution was developed that satisfied the construction brief and costs criteria. This led to Murphy/DAWSON-WAM Ltd being appointed as principal contractor for the design and build of Lower Woodburn WwPS upgrade in August 2023. Contract works involved the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of an additional 317m3 of additional gravity storm storage on the existing site.

Certain elements of the project proved extremely challenging, none less than the design and construction of the additional storage tank on an existing site footprint that was extremely compact. Construction was further restricted as access to the site was from the busy A2 road, (the main road corridor from Belfast to Carrickfergus), immediately to the east of the site was a live petrol station with underground fuel tanks, on the west was an existing domestic occupied property and the access to the property and to the local strand, straddled the site on the east and south side. This was further complicated by the fact the existing pumping station had to be kept operational during the entire construction process.

The extensive ECI (which included site investigations, topographical surveys, network modeling, liaison with key stakeholders and utility providers, design development and costs approval), was completed post contract award. MDW appointed RPS as their civil design partner and through collaboration with NI Water and Tetra Tech, overcame the buildability challenges of this compact site.

The ground investigation report undertaken on the footprint of the only available space on the site identified glacial till overlying bedrock which varied from 6 to 8m below ground level. Early tank storage design calculations indicated that a tank depth of approximately 6.1m deep below ground level would maximise the footprint available within NI Water’s site, and enabled a gravity return into the existing pumping station.

Several temporary works solutions were considered to facilitate the tank construction including the use of a steel sheet pile cofferdam. This solution was omitted for several reasons but predominately because of the vibration risk to the surrounding properties and being unable to achieve sufficient embedment into the mudstone bedrock.

For the solution, DAWSON-WAM Ltd developed a secant piled cofferdam design which deployed a hard/hard continuous flight auger with reinforcement cages in every male pile (second pile). Utilising a double auger drive motor, it was capable of coring into the mudstone while maintaining pile verticality.

Working with piling design partner, Cassidy Geotechnical Ltd, a 450mm diameter secant piled cofferdam with 9m long piles was developed as the most viable solution. This was further valued engineered by incorporating the piles as part of the permanent works and introducing a single face, in situ, internal reinforced concrete lining to form the internal wall of the tank. Through design analysis, it was identified in the temporary condition the secant piled cofferdam would require propping during excavation, but this was omitted by collaboration between the piling designer and contractor by introducing a reinforced capping beam that was poured prior to excavation which reduced the deflection enough during excavation to eliminate the requirement of the temporary prop. The capping beam would also provide support the permanent in-site reinforced roof structure.

Pre-construction structural surveys were undertaken on all the surrounding properties and vibration monitors were installed at two locations adjacent to the site during piling operations. The secant method proved a success as the piles were installed to the designed length without triggering any vibration limits and when excavated provided a watertight cofferdam.

Consultations were carried out through NI Water’s internal communications team and members of the project management team, and included public drop-in meetings and approximately 100 letter drops.

Due to site constraints, the establishment of an off-site construction compound also facilitated just in time delivery of the construction materials to the site, which maximized the small amount of on-site space and reduced site congestion.

MEICA installation included a single Xylem Water Solutions mixer to prevent silt build up in the tank, an Eliquo Hydrok 6mm screen was fitted on the existing 315mm emergency overflow pipe from the pumping station and a new 6 bar washwater booster pumpset was commissioned on site for maintenance of the screen.

Site finishes included a new perimeter fence, EMS area and a wildflower mix was used to finish final surfaces to enhance biodiversity.

Construction works commenced on site in August 2023 and were completed on programme and within budget by late April 2024.

The collaborative approach of the project team effectively delivered a solution to improve the water quality of Belfast Lough, supporting NI Water’s agenda to Protect, Enhance and Grow through the delivery of the Living with Water Programme.

With the completion of the project, the following project objectives were achieved:

These project objectives are fully aligned with today’s environmental and economic priorities; promoting both care for the environment and financial responsibility. By improving nutrient removal, optimising operational costs, and significantly limiting untreated sewage discharges, the expansion enhances the protection of local waterways and supports sustainable regional growth, ultimately benefiting the community and the wider environment.

Following the expansion, Newthorpe and Heanor flows now undergo separate preliminary and primary treatment streams before combining at the secondary treatment stage. Flows from the Newthorpe catchment area enter the existing inlet facility, which retains its current configuration, with upgrades limited to mechanical equipment.

Archimedes screw pumps raise the inflow to an elevated inlet works structure housing new fine screens engineered to capture at least 80% of solids greater than 6mm in size. Downstream of these screens, a new detritor facilitates the removal of grit and inorganic materials such as sand, thereby protecting mechanical components from potential damage.

Subsequently, the sewage proceeds to primary treatment, where gravitational settling in two existing primary settlement tanks achieves initial physical separation of fine particles. The effluent from these tanks, which previously fed into secondary treatment via trickling filters and humus tanks, is now redirected to the expanded works.

Biological treatment occurs at the secondary stage, targeting reduction of specific parameters, including phosphorus, ammonia, iron, and suspended solids, to consented levels. For Newthorpe, an Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) process utilising a modified University of Cape Town (UCT) configuration is implemented.

Influent first enters an anaerobic zone, creating favourable conditions for polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) in the absence of oxygen and nitrogen. Here, PAOs assimilate volatile fatty acids, enhancing their competitive viability during subsequent aerobic treatment.

Next, the process advances to an anoxic zone, where recirculated activated sludge (RAS) from secondary settlement is introduced. This recirculation not only distributes bacteria through the system but also conveys nitrogen oxides produced by ammonia oxidation in the aerobic phase. In the anoxic environment, these nitrogen oxides are converted to nitrogen gas, which is then released to the atmosphere.

The third stage involves the aerobic zone, wherein air is supplied to promote three key processes:

Final sedimentation occurs in the final settlement tanks (designed and built by Tank Consult Ltd) , where phosphorus-enriched sludge is removed. This sludge is either recirculated to the anoxic zone or processed further, including thickening and digestion for gas and cake production.

The tertiary stage further decreases effluent phosphorus concentrations, specifically targeting non-organic forms. Ferric sulphate is dosed upstream of the tertiary solids removal unit to coagulate particles into larger flocs, which are subsequently eliminated via physical filtration.

Newthorpe employs the FilterClear (mixed media filtration) system, developed by Bluewater Bio Ltd, which, upon commissioning, represents the largest installation of its kind in wastewater treatment.

At Heanor, the new transfer and storm pumping station is now fully operational, marking the successful completion of the project. The construction overcame significant challenges, particularly the close proximity of surrounding structures and persistent groundwater issues. To address these, a wall of secant piles, installed by Van Elle, was integrated into the permanent works, providing a crucial groundwater cut-off and ensuring the safe installation of the pumping station.

The blind tank, a 1,700m3 glass-coated steel unit from Goodwin Tanks, is now completed and in service. This tank is fed from the steel storm distribution chamber, fabricated by GT Fabrications.

Once the blind tank is full, the same distribution chamber spills into the two former primary settlement tanks (PSTs), which have been successfully re-purposed as storm tanks. This innovative approach provides increased stormwater storage capacity, contributing to a reduction in spills to the river. There remains further opportunity in the future to adapt additional structures on site, offering continued improvements in environmental performance and further minimising river spills.

The motor control centre (MCC) was powered up in September 2024, and the entire site was brought into its final operational configuration by December 2024; seamlessly meeting regulatory requirements. The facility is now actively supporting the broader network, reliably transferring flows to Newthorpe STW and managing stormwater events as designed.

The 2.5km 450mm dual rising main connecting Heanor STW to Newthorpe STW, with a 250m section crossing the River Erewash and Canal Erewash using HDD by Joseph Gallagher Ltd,  is now fully completed, tested, and operational. It is successfully transferring flows as part of the live network, supporting the EBPR process and meeting all regulatory commitments.

The route of the rising main crossed several historical mine sites. MMB’s geotechnical team conducted an investigation to understand the status and position of the mine entries and any other mine-related features along the route. Additionally, a watching brief was in place to quickly identify any non-natural ground features. Thanks to this effort all the risks were mitigated, and the rising main was safely constructed.

At Newthorpe STW, the principal phases of construction have been successfully concluded. The outstanding operations now comprise ancillary works including landscaping, seeding to provide Biodiversity Net Gain project objectives. At the time of writing (August 2025) the site roads have been completed.

The motor control centre (MCC) was successfully energised in 2024. Initial commissioning focused on validating the new treatment processes, including comprehensive checks on all mechanical equipment and monitoring instruments, followed by testing of the ASP aeration system.

During the process stabilisation period, flows were directed back to the existing facility via the new TSR pumping station and a temporary pipeline. This ensured that all discharge consistently met regulatory and environmental requirements while the biological systems developed. Continuous online monitoring and regular sampling confirmed the facility’s compliance throughout this phase.

Once the ASP achieved process maturation, flows were switched to the new outfall arrangement. This handover was carefully managed to maintain both water quality and process stability. From the first day, the plant operated successfully and met all water quality standards.

The project’s success is a direct result of robust collaboration among all stakeholders. The design teams operated under an integrated “one team” model, leveraging global expertise to deliver innovative solutions. This approach ensured effective coordination and maximised the impact of technical knowledge from diverse backgrounds.

The supply chain, comprising over 65 suppliers and subcontractors, played an essential role in the project’s completion. Their contributions were instrumental to maintaining schedule and quality, demonstrating the critical importance of comprehensive supply chain engagement in advancing the water industry.

A strong partnership between MMB and Severn Trent was central to achieving project objectives. The active involvement of Severn Trent’s operational team provided invaluable practical insights that informed commissioning and handover, enhancing operational reliability.

MMB supported industry growth by integrating 11 apprentices and placement students across all disciplines. The project prioritised links with academic institutions, hosting several site visits and serving as a Loughborough University case study for final-year civil engineering students.

MMB and Severn Trent worked together during commissioning to optimise greenhouse gas emissions at the Newthorpe STW. Instrumentation was installed on site to measures nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) on the ASP, providing critical data for ongoing improvements.

Nitrous oxide was continuously monitored during the biological removal of ammonia in the nitrifying ASPs. The data collected during and after commissioning at Newthorpe provides Severn Trent with a robust baseline process emissions factor and valuable understanding of the mechanisms that produce nitrous oxide.

While large volumes of operational data are normally generated by the plant, the Comm Plus initiative now processes this information, turning it into meaningful, near real-time performance insights displayed on an accessible dashboard.

The integration of ammonia load and process emissions monitoring exceeds standard requirements and gives the Operations team a powerful tool to balance the plant’s overall environmental impact - comparing discharge water quality with atmospheric emissions - to drive ongoing optimisation and sustainability.

Newthorpe STW and Heanor Milnhay STW have been successfully merged as part of one of the major AMP7 Severn Trent projects, with Mott MacDonald Bentley serving as principal designer and contractor.

The completed expansion at Newthorpe STW now stands as one of the largest enhanced biological phosphorus removal sites in the region, serving a population equivalent of 100,000. Newthorpe STW has consistently achieved the stringent permit of 0.2 mg/l while minimising chemical use for phosphorus removal.

The scheme was delivered on schedule, with the biological maturation of the EBPR process achieved ahead of the regulatory deadline in December 2024, ensuring enhanced environmental compliance and operational excellence for the years ahead.