Introduction
MRMS have recently completed a sewer maintenance programme for one of our clients, ensuring their network runs efficiently. The programme entailed inspecting Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) to assess their condition. CSOs are permitted to spill in accordance with their environment agency permits when there is heavy rainfall.
The Scope
The work included confined space entry into the CSOs to assess their condition and determine if there are any blockages or defects. Defect and blockage evidence was captured during the survey and dislodged using high-pressure water jetting. Some CSOs were powered and required a qualified electrician to be present to power on and off the asset. All work was recorded on a data capture app and fed back to the client. Through this app, we evidenced any information, damages and follow on works of each individual asset.
Environmental Impacts
Since Brexit, EU legislation for the Environmental Act has been updated with much more stringent targets. This will result in additional investment in wastewater assets over the next 20 years. Ofwat and the Environment Agency are pushing green/blue nature-based solutions. These solutions are relatively new to the sector, so solutions and supply chains need to be developed to meet the demand over the next 20 years. This CSO investigation and survey work was vitally important in establishing the asset condition and its geographic location in accordance with its surroundings. The green/blue solutions will mitigate pollution events from occurring within the network.
The Outcome
The CSO programme effectively prevents sewer network blockages from becoming a more serious issue. The survey work also allowed our client to put a proactive programme of works together to reduce the potential of future pollution events, based on each asset condition. MRMS are delighted to have been involved in this workstream and appreciate the hard work of all teams involved.
