Refurbishment of a long-idle client wastewater treatment plant

SECTOR
Security and Defence
SERVICE
Design and Construction
Photo of cleaned and refurbished sedimentation tank at wastewater treatment plant

Our client, a key organisation within the defence industry, operates two sewage treatment plants on their site. One of these had remained dormant for over 15 years due to reduced operational demand.

However, with increasing activity and future capacity requirements, the client identified the need to refurbish and reactivate the dormant plant to support site resilience and wastewater processing capability.

In response to the client’s tender, Alpheus provided a comprehensive proposal for the refurbishment of the plant to restore functionality and comply with the client's scope of work.

Alpheus was awarded the contract based on its proven track record in engineering-led solutions and its extensive experience in operations and maintenance across a wide range of complex municipal and industrial treatment plants.

Scope of Works

Alpheus proposed the following schedule of works to bring the plant into operation, in a safe and compliant way:

  • Drain down and jet clean the two primary sedimentation tanks and two Humus tanks;
  • Biofilter bed refurbishment, including cleaning both wells within the biofilter beds and a new full set of biofilter distributors;
  • Flow sensor upgrades at sedimentation tank inlet and humus tank inlet;
  • Mechanical work to extend three water lever valve handles within the humus tanks to the outside of the confined space area;
  • Replace existing wooden scum boards within humus tanks with new HDPE scum boards set;
  • Replacement of the aboveground flexible pipe from the Jackwell to the sedimentation tank with a rigid uPVC pipe;
  • Supply and installation of three aluminium spade-ended rods to divert water within the humus tank;
  • Provision of a condition report on the primary and humus settlement tanks with recommendations;
  • Safe and compliant disposal of waste.
Before and after photo of overgrown and then cleared and refurbished humus tank

Project Delivery

The project was fully managed by our experienced Project Engineer, supported by a specialist team of mechanical and electrical field engineers. Their combined expertise ensured the works were delivered to a high standard, safely and efficiently. Specialist skills employed included confined space entry, pressure jetting, and hazardous waste handling.

To prepare the site, a series of specialist processes were followed to clean the sedimentation tanks, humus tank and filter beds. This was carried out in accordance with environmental compliance standards, ensuring the safe and legal removal of accumulated waste.

One of the key challenges was the presence of a protected species, the crested newt, which was discovered on site due to its long period of dormancy. Upon discovery, all work was halted immediately. A licensed ecologist oversaw the monitoring and safe transfer of the newts to a nearby habitat. Only once the site was cleared and approved did work recommence.

Following clearance, equipment upgrades were implemented, including:

  • Installation of new biofilter distributor
  • Replacement and upgrade of pipework, scum boards and spades
  • Integration of new sensors and associated control systems

These updates were essential to bring the plant back into operational condition. Now that the installation is complete, the site will be fully commissioned and acclimatised through testing by the client prior to being put into full operation.

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