Wastewater system selected for landmark logistics scheme

WCS Environmental Engineering technology has been selected to deliver wastewater treatment at a landmark industrial development in east London. 

Momentum is a strategic logistics scheme transforming a 20-acre brownfield site next to the River Thames in Rainham. Being delivered by HBD and Barings in joint venture partnership, Momentum will comprise four units and is designed to be a ‘carbon neutral, sustainable space that meets occupiers’ responsible business and environmental, social and governance obligations’.   

The contractor on the scheme is Readie Construction.  

WCSEE will deliver a full treatment system, with primary, second and tertiary stages, to manage wastewater produced by up to 1,380 workers each day. The below-ground system will comprise a primary settlement tank, a Hybrid-SAF™ - submerged aerated filter – unit to provide secondary biological treatment and a sand filter to remove any excess suspended solids from the treated wastewater before it is discharged.  

The system has been designed to treat flows to tight environmental standards of 10mg/l biological oxygen demand (BOD), 15mg/l suspended solids, and 3mg/l ammonia. As such, the sand filter will provide a level of tertiary treatment to bring consent standards above what is normally expected from a biological process.   

WCSEE engineering technical manager Steve Holt said, “We are pleased that Readie Construction has chosen WCSEE technology to deliver wastewater treatment for the Momentum development. We have worked with Readie previously on a similar project and understand the requirements of large-scale industrial developments.  

“Our modular treatment units are built off-site and can be easily transported. The technology has a 30% smaller footprint than comparable technologies and their compact design enables units to be installed in locations where space is at a premium, such as a busy commercial site. 

“Our HiPAF-SAF range meets stringent European environmental discharge consent standards without the use of chemicals, and has the added benefit of a built-in timer for the blowers, which can halve the amount of energy used to treat effluent. The technology is regularly specified by UK water utilities and is an effective choice for sensitive locations.” 

James Birch, senior quantity surveyor, Readie Construction, said: “Momentum is a landmark industrial scheme with high environmental credentials. As such, we pleased to again be working with WCSEE to install robust wastewater treatment to ensure protection of the surrounding environment.”