Project Summary
As part of the Anglian Water Framework, Coffey delivered civil, non-infrastructure works at Balsham Water Recycling Centre. The project was required to bring the wastewater treatment plant up to the required specification and to improve water quality before discharge into the adjacent watercourse.
Project Description
The works involved the construction of a precast storm tank, an in-situ balancing chamber, and associated pipework. Significant earthworks were carried out to excavate the foundations for these structures, with material removed off-site. The storm tank foundations consisted of a 300mm deep plinth with two layers of A393 mesh and C32/40 concrete. Precast panels were then placed onto the plinth to form the tank.
The in-situ balancing chamber measured with the base poured in one continuous section using a concrete pump, followed by staged pours for the walls and benching. The precast storm tank, supplied by Whites Precast, consisted of seawall panels bolted together with hydrophilic strips between joints. These were installed using a mobile crane onto the plinth. A 300mm concrete floor and ring beam were poured to seal the units, and benching was added to slope the floor towards the outlet pipework.
Scope of Works
The works included:
- Excavation and removal of foundation material off-site.
- Construction of a 300mm deep concrete plinth for the storm tank with reinforcement.
- Installation of precast storm tank panels, bolted with hydrophilic joints.
- Placement of 300mm concrete floor and ring beam to seal the tank units.
- Construction of in-situ balancing chamber, including base, staged wall pours, and benching.
- Installation of drainage and associated pipework.
Technical Highlights
- Use of precast seawall panels for the storm tank, enabling efficient installation with high-quality sealing.
- Combination of precast and in-situ concrete solutions to deliver durable and watertight structures.
- Mobile crane installation of precast units on constrained site.
Added Value
- Delivered to Anglian Water’s framework standards, supporting long-term operational resilience.
- Enhanced performance of the treatment plant while meeting environmental compliance requirements.
Environmental, Safety or Community Measures
- Off-site disposal of excavated material to minimise local environmental disruption.
- Upgrade works to improve water quality before discharge into the adjacent watercourse.
