One of our capital projects won 'Project of the Year' at the Quality in Construction Awards held in March 2008. The Integrated Alliance North team, made up of United Utilities and our partners KMI and MWH, were presented with the award for the construction of the new Ridgaling water treatment works in Lancashire.
The project had the potential to create significant impacts on the local environment and community, being sited in an area of outstanding natural beauty and a small rural location which took pride in its appearance, having won 'Best Kept Small Village' awards.
Initial opposition from residents was converted to praise by close community liaison concentrating on effective communication, community involvement and rapid response to customer enquiries. A real effort to minimise traffic and noise impacts was critical to acceptance and approval by the community. Letters were issued to inform everyone of forthcoming activities, how traffic was managed and when large items were being delivered and suppliers were given a strict set of criteria for making deliveries.
The new works was needed to replace the former works which was nearly 100 years old and failing to meet capacity. The location for the plant was chosen to minimise the need for pumping with its associated energy use.
Good construction practice was carried out in all respects, from outstanding achievements on health and safety to minimising waste. We achieved 285,000 man-hours without a reportable incident on health and safety. All excavated material was recycled on site to form screenings and the basis for landscaping which allowed the planting of 7,000 trees and shrubs. This on-site recycling helped reduce disruptive traffic movements. Redundant assets were re-used through innovative conversion, for example the existing underground reservoir was used for second stage dirty washwater tank.
We used the capability of our partnership with Groundwork to deliver a lasting legacy for the local community in the form of a nature meadow and dry stone wall along the riverside opposite the local primary school. Pupils and teachers worked with a local stonemason to create carvings which are set into the wall.
