Project Summary
Coffey was appointed to design and construct a new intake facility on the Swindale Beck, supplying raw water to the Haweswater Impounding Reservoir, which contributes to Manchester’s water supply via the Watchgate Water Treatment Works (WTW) and the Haweswater Aqueduct system. The works were carried out within the Lake District National Park, including a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The project enables safe fish and eel migration, provides screening of intake flows, and includes a crump weir to measure river flows.
Project Description
The original programme envisaged in-river works over three years, restricted to allowable seasons. Coffey engaged with the Environment Agency, United Utilities, and other stakeholders to propose a temporary diversion of Swindale Beck around the works area. This controlled demolition and construction in a defined area reduced environmental risk, increased efficiency, and allowed completion ahead of programme. Off-site fabrication, particularly precast concrete, further reduced on-site activity, environmental impact, and health and safety risks, contributing to a record of no reportable accidents.
Scope of Works
The works included:
- Temporary upgrading and maintenance of the six-mile access road, including installation and removal of six temporary bridges over existing masonry bridges.
- Demolition of the existing intake works, stilling pond, weir, and fish pass.
- Installation of a replacement river water abstraction screen to protect fish species.
- Construction of a reinforced concrete, stone-faced aqueduct surcharge chamber.
- Replacement fish pass providing a minimum hands-off flow of 14Ml/d and facilitating fish migration.
- Eel pass at the intake facility and crump weir to facilitate upstream migration.
- New crump weir to measure river flows up to 1,450Ml/d, with a flow control chamber to control abstracted flows up to 450Ml/d into the 72” Swindale Aqueduct.
- Local realignment of the Swindale Aqueduct.
Stone wall and slate roof control building designed to blend with the surrounding area. - Temporary and permanent environmental measures, including temporary flood management.
- All associated mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, automation, testing, and commissioning works.
- All associated site works, including access roads, utilities, drainage, fencing, and landscaping.
Technical Highlights
- Use of passive Coanda screen technology to protect aquatic habitats.
- Delivery of works within a sensitive upland environment.
- Integration of intake structure with existing natural river profile.
Added Value
- Temporary river diversion accelerated the project schedule.
- Off-site fabrication reduced construction time and environmental impact.
- Integration of new infrastructure with the landscape through stone and slate finishes.
Environmental, Safety or Community Measures
- Temporary diversion of Swindale Beck to minimise environmental impact.
- Off-site fabrication to reduce site works, environmental exposure, and health and safety hazards.
To learn more about Coffey’s work in water and wastewater management, or to discuss future opportunities, please contact us at 091 844356 or info@coffeygroup.com.
