Posted by Callum Vallance-Poole, on September 19, 2024.
The construction of a new 13-mile bypass in Morpeth, Northumberland, required an effective stormwater management system to mitigate flood risks and provide controlled rainwater drainage. The initial proposal involved using large, 4-metre-diameter GRP tanks installed up to 9 metres underground on both sides of the road. However, this approach necessitated extensive excavation and would have placed a strain on the system due to the significant drop of stormwater into the collection manhole. Recognising these challenges, the contractors sought an alternative solution from GRAF UK.
GRAF UK designed and supplied a 620m³ EcoBloc Flex stormwater attenuation system for the project. This innovative system allowed for a single tank installation, eliminating the need for eight separate tanks. The EcoBloc Flex system was positioned much higher in the ground, nearly six metres higher than the original plan, significantly reducing excavation costs. Its elevated placement also minimised the impact of rainwater entering the collection manhole.
Rainwater from the bypass is now collected by pipework in the road gullies and directed into the EcoBloc Flex stormwater attenuation tank. The system uses a vortex flow controller to discharge water into the culvert at a controlled rate of 10 litres per second, meeting Northumberland County Council’s requirements.
Additionally, during the two-year construction period, contractors installed two GRAF UK Klaro E wastewater treatment systems for the site offices. Despite the availability of mains drainage, they opted for this environmentally friendly solution to avoid placing extra stress on the local sewage system and treatment plants.
The implementation of the EcoBloc Flex system provided a robust and efficient stormwater management solution for the Morpeth bypass. By consolidating the system into a single, elevated tank, the project achieved significant cost savings in excavation and reduced the strain on the drainage infrastructure. The Klaro E wastewater treatment systems further contributed to the project’s environmental sustainability.
GRAF UK’s EcoBloc Flex stormwater attenuation system successfully addressed the flooding and drainage challenges of the Morpeth bypass project. The innovative design reduced excavation costs and ensured compliance with local water management regulations, demonstrating GRAF UK’s capability to deliver sustainable and efficient solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects.