Black & Veatch completes UK water pipeline project

Feb. 16, 2009
Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, provided design and construction supervision services for a recently completed South East Water (SEW) pipeline project that will safeguard water supplies for mid-Sussex, in the south of England. Among the challenges facing project engineers was the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in an area used for military training during World War I and II...

• Poverty Bottom Project unearths wartime shells during construction

REDHILL, UK, Feb. 11, 2009 -- Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, provided design and construction supervision services for a recently completed South East Water (SEW) pipeline project that will safeguard water supplies for mid-Sussex, in the south of England.

Among the challenges facing project engineers was the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in an area used for military training during World War I and II. During the Preliminary Environmental Assessment, it was noted the water main would be laid in the military training areas. Therefore, mitigation against UXO was carried out during the design process with a desktop study that recommended a preconstruction site evaluation and the commissioning of a Watching Brief during construction.

"Before construction began, a specialist team was called in to find any unexploded ordnance," said Martin Charlton, Black & Veatch's Project Centre South Director. "A number of wartime shells were found along the pipeline route and safely removed so the vital pipeline could be built."

The £1.25 million project is part of a SEW scheme to enhance the transfer water from the south coast of England to mid-Sussex and will ensure Poverty Bottom Water Treatment Works (WTW) can meet the demand/supply balance in times of water stress. The project serves the towns of Burgess Hill, Ringmer and a number of villages along the foot of the South Downs.

Black & Veatch carried out a "tool box talk" as part of the health and safety briefing prior to and during construction in order to increase staff awareness of the risks involved.

Charlton said, "The committed and safety-conscious approach Black & Veatch took in tackling unique challenges this project presented has resulted in the satisfaction of all stakeholders, including our clients."

The project was tendered under two separate contracts -- civil and mechanical and electrical -- because of the complexity of the works, cost and program. The construction phase was programed to allow for both contractor groups to carry out works at the same time. Under the construction design and management regulations, the role of principal contractor was alternated. Working alongside SEW, the Black & Veatch team ensured Poverty Bottom WTW and Firle Reservoir were kept operational during the period of construction, maintaining uninterrupted supplies to SEW customers.

Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water, telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets.

###

Sponsored Recommendations

ArmorBlock 5000: Boost Automation Efficiency

April 25, 2024
Discover the transformative benefits of leveraging a scalable On-Machine I/O to improve flexibility, enhance reliability and streamline operations.

Rising Cyber Threats and the Impact on Risk and Resiliency Operations

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

State of Smart Manufacturing Report Series

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

SmartSights WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track