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Croyde scheme scoops Pennon Environmental AwardNick Gough, South West Water's Project Leader and his team have won the Pennon Group Environmental Award 2003 for the Croyde 'Clean Sweep' scheme in North Devon one of South West Water's most environmentally challenging projects.
 Croyde scheme scoops Pennon Environmental Award The team demonstrated outstanding care for the environment and actively addressed environmental matters when cleaning up the Croyde coastline by implementing the 'Clean Sweep' scheme in April 2003. The project involved constructing a new sewage treatment works costing £5 million to rid Croyde and nearby Georgeham of outdated crude sewage discharges and secure the improvement to bathing water quality experienced at Croyde Bay. Throughout the planning, design and construction of the project the team ensured the surrounding countryside of unspoilt coastal scenery and clean sandy beaches remained protected and addressed a vast array of environmental issues. The picturesque village of Croyde is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and designated heritage coast. The surrounding coastal cliffs and inter-tidal habitats are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for their geographical and botanical features. Key elements of the scheme demonstrated environmental best practice including the design which depicted a group of traditional farm buildings in the style of an Old Barton house and yard with features such as arrow slit windows. All of the treatment processes were enclosed within a series of stone walls with natural slate roofs to reflect the character of nearby buildings. A marine based platform was used to upgrade the outfall pipe to avoid damaging narrow coast paths. The surrounding area was reinstated with an appropriate glassland species agreed with the National Trust and the original dry stone walls were rebuilt. The area's nationally important colony of Common Toads were protected by a special geotectile 'toad fence' around the South West Water site. A pond was also created to provide a new wildlife habitat. The Croyde Amphibian Rescue Group organise toad patrols every year to prevent thousands of toads being killed by traffic. An Environmental Management plan was used throughout construction at the site and a full time environmental officer was appointed to oversee compliance with environmental commitments. In order to prevent disturbing local residents the project team joined the Considerate Contractors Scheme which monitors the attitude and performance of staff who can be contacted directly with enquiries. The Croyde Partnership was also established to consult local interest groups and the National Trust on the design, construction and progress of the scheme. "The project team worked hard to manage environmental impacts and achieve high environmental standards in this outstanding area," said Nick Gough, South West Water's Programme Leader. "We are delighted to receive the Pennon Group Environmental Award in recognition of our efforts and we will endeavour to continue to effectively address environmental matters during future projects". -ENDS- For further information please contact Dina Chandler, Communications Officer on 01392 443021. Published: 15 December 2003 |
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