Ubley, Somerset
Ubley, Somerset
Wessex Water’s Commitment to Reducing Storm Overflow Discharges through SuDSPods
Wessex Water is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of untreated wastewater. One of its key focuses is minimising the amount of rainwater reaching the foul system. A significant aspect of this effort is addressing the challenges of separating rainwater from foul drainage systems, especially in areas with historically combined systems.
Due to its geographical setting, frequent flooding is a persistent issue in Ubley, a picturesque village in Somerset’s Chew Valley. Wessex Water has introduced various schemes aimed at protecting regional rivers and managing flooding. One such initiative involved allocating approximately £15 million for a new pumping station and transfer pipeline in Ubley, replacing the existing water recycling centre, to mitigate flooding risks.
However, it became clear that additional interventions were necessary. This realisation led to a further collaboration with GreenBlue Urban, leveraging their recently launched SuDSPod technology. GreenBlue Urban emerged as a critical partner after a project manager encountered their innovative solutions at CIWEM’s Flood and Coast Conference. Their expertise in urban drainage made them the ideal choice for the SuDSPod product, which was selected for its effectiveness and sustainability in residential areas with minimal disruption.
The integration of six SuDSPods into the project was a crucial step. These units are designed to divert rainwater from combined sewer systems in private properties, thereby preventing overflows during heavy rainfall by channelling water into more sustainable drainage systems.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Wessex Water’s Commitment to Reducing Storm Overflow Discharges through SuDSPods
Wessex Water is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of untreated wastewater. One of its key focuses is minimising the amount of rainwater reaching the foul system. A significant aspect of this effort is addressing the challenges of separating rainwater from foul drainage systems, especially in areas with historically combined systems.
Due to its geographical setting, frequent flooding is a persistent issue in Ubley, a picturesque village in Somerset’s Chew Valley. Wessex Water has introduced various schemes aimed at protecting regional rivers and managing flooding. One such initiative involved allocating approximately £15 million for a new pumping station and transfer pipeline in Ubley, replacing the existing water recycling centre, to mitigate flooding risks.
However, it became clear that additional interventions were necessary. This realisation led to a further collaboration with GreenBlue Urban, leveraging their recently launched SuDSPod technology. GreenBlue Urban emerged as a critical partner after a project manager encountered their innovative solutions at CIWEM’s Flood and Coast Conference. Their expertise in urban drainage made them the ideal choice for the SuDSPod product, which was selected for its effectiveness and sustainability in residential areas with minimal disruption.
The integration of six SuDSPods into the project was a crucial step. These units are designed to divert rainwater from combined sewer systems in private properties, thereby preventing overflows during heavy rainfall by channelling water into more sustainable drainage systems.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Based on the success and strong partnership experienced during this project, Wessex Water highly recommends GreenBlue Urban for future projects involving sustainable drainage solutions.
Project Challenges and Solutions
The project faced several challenges, each met with strategic solutions. During the SuDSPod’s development, there was uncertainty about its final appearance, functionality, and maintenance, particularly from the residents’ perspective. To address these concerns, continuous engagement with the community and stakeholders was prioritised, alongside clear communication about the product’s benefits. Additionally, a collaborative effort with GreenBlue Urban led to the creation of comprehensive maintenance documentation, ensuring that residents and maintenance teams understood how to care for the SuDSPods effectively.
The cost was another consideration, especially when comparing the expense of each unit to more straightforward solutions like leaky water butts. However, by highlighting the long-term benefits and sustainability of the SuDSPods, the project team successfully justified the investment to procurement teams.
Assessing the SuDSPods’ effectiveness in reducing overflow spills without costly additional modelling posed a challenge. The project team adopted a strategy of ongoing monitoring and gradual implementation, which will provide data to evaluate their impact over time.
Community perception and legal constraints also presented hurdles, with some residents expressing doubt and the project lacking legal authority to enforce SuDSPod installations. The project team focused on negotiation and community engagement, showcasing the benefits of SuDSPods at local events like village fetes, which helped to build interest and acceptance among the community.
Finally, concerns about product ownership and longevity arose, given that SuDSPod ownership remains with the homeowners. This raised questions about the units’ long-term durability and end-of-life management. The project team is actively exploring options for recycling and replacement while educating homeowners on long-term maintenance, which will be essential as the project progresses.
Based on the success and strong partnership experienced during this project, Wessex Water highly recommends GreenBlue Urban for future projects involving sustainable drainage solutions.
Project Challenges and Solutions
The project faced several challenges, each met with strategic solutions. During the SuDSPod’s development, there was uncertainty about its final appearance, functionality, and maintenance, particularly from the residents’ perspective. To address these concerns, continuous engagement with the community and stakeholders was prioritised, alongside clear communication about the product’s benefits. Additionally, a collaborative effort with GreenBlue Urban led to the creation of comprehensive maintenance documentation, ensuring that residents and maintenance teams understood how to care for the SuDSPods effectively.
The cost was another consideration, especially when comparing the expense of each unit to more straightforward solutions like leaky water butts. However, by highlighting the long-term benefits and sustainability of the SuDSPods, the project team successfully justified the investment to procurement teams.
Assessing the SuDSPods’ effectiveness in reducing overflow spills without costly additional modelling posed a challenge. The project team adopted a strategy of ongoing monitoring and gradual implementation, which will provide data to evaluate their impact over time.
Community perception and legal constraints also presented hurdles, with some residents expressing doubt and the project lacking legal authority to enforce SuDSPod installations. The project team focused on negotiation and community engagement, showcasing the benefits of SuDSPods at local events like village fetes, which helped to build interest and acceptance among the community.
Finally, concerns about product ownership and longevity arose, given that SuDSPod ownership remains with the homeowners. This raised questions about the units’ long-term durability and end-of-life management. The project team is actively exploring options for recycling and replacement while educating homeowners on long-term maintenance, which will be essential as the project progresses.
Benefits to the Project
GreenBlue Urban’s support throughout the project has been invaluable. Their expertise in sustainable urban drainage solutions ensured that the SuDSPods were seamlessly integrated into Wessex Water’s strategy. The company’s dedication to customer service, enthusiasm, and diligence were consistently recognised, helping to overcome the various challenges encountered during the project.
Community Response
The local community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, especially after a SuDSPod was showcased at a village fete. Seeing the product firsthand sparked interest and enthusiasm among residents. While the hope was for more residents to request SuDSPods proactively, the initial response has laid a strong foundation for future engagement, particularly with the introduction of integrated water storage models.
Recommendation
Based on the success and strong partnership experienced during this project, Wessex Water highly recommends GreenBlue Urban for future projects involving sustainable drainage solutions. This collaboration has effectively addressed complex environmental challenges and aligns perfectly with Wessex Water’s commitment to sustainability.
Benefits to the Project
GreenBlue Urban’s support throughout the project has been invaluable. Their expertise in sustainable urban drainage solutions ensured that the SuDSPods were seamlessly integrated into Wessex Water’s strategy. The company’s dedication to customer service, enthusiasm, and diligence were consistently recognised, helping to overcome the various challenges encountered during the project.
Community Response
The local community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, especially after a SuDSPod was showcased at a village fete. Seeing the product firsthand sparked interest and enthusiasm among residents. While the hope was for more residents to request SuDSPods proactively, the initial response has laid a strong foundation for future engagement, particularly with the introduction of integrated water storage models.
Recommendation
Based on the success and strong partnership experienced during this project, Wessex Water highly recommends GreenBlue Urban for future projects involving sustainable drainage solutions. This collaboration has effectively addressed complex environmental challenges and aligns perfectly with Wessex Water’s commitment to sustainability.
