THE PROBLEM
A homeowner in the River Parrett catchment, whose 5-bedroom property was once a bed and breakfast, was using an oversized and deteriorating 12-person VSM sewage treatment plant installed over three decades ago. This outdated system no longer met the property’s needs and contributed to phosphate loading in the sensitive River Parrett catchment, a key environmental concern in the region.
THE CHALLENGE
The project presented several logistical challenges. The property’s garden access was restricted, necessitating the use of ground protection boards to prevent damage. Furthermore, the installation was scheduled during an exceptionally rainy week, adding to the complexity of the excavation and construction. Before work could begin, 100 patio slabs and raised flower beds had to be carefully removed by the WCI team.
THE WCI SOLUTION
As part of the WCI phosphate mitigation scheme, we were able to install a new, compliant sewage treatment plant upgrade at zero cost to the homeowners.
After an initial assessment and eligibility checks, a project engineer determined that a modern, more efficient GRAF 7-person one2clean package treatment plant was the ideal replacement.
WCI’s team meticulously managed the site, including the careful removal of garden features and the use of ground protection, to ensure a smooth installation despite the adverse weather. The old VSM plant was decommissioned and backfilled, and the new system was professionally commissioned by a British Water Accredited and GRAF Trained Service Engineer.
RESULT
The new GRAF one2clean system successfully addressed the homeowner’s needs, offering a right-sized, aesthetically pleasing, and highly efficient solution. Beyond the immediate benefits to the homeowner, the upgrade significantly contributes to environmental betterment by reducing the property’s phosphate output by 1.01kg TP/year, directly supporting nutrient neutrality efforts in the River Parrett catchment.
The project was completed to the homeowner’s immense satisfaction, as evidenced by their glowing review, highlighting WCI’s exemplary organisation, professionalism and commitment to client service.
This successful upgrade under the WCI No Nonsense Nutrient Neutrality™ Scheme exemplifies how individual property improvements can collectively contribute to broader environmental protection goals.
“From the time of submitting our application to the completion of the installation by WCI, the organisation, timing and execution of the work was exemplary!
Firstly Phil organised a site visit, surveyed the area to be used and explained to us the way forward. A few weeks later the ground works started, the old plant decommissioned and the new system installed.
Even on the 3rd and 4th day when the rain didn’t stop they continued working to complete the task on time.
We have been clients of WCI for almost twenty years and have always found them extremely reliable and quick to respond to any request.
We would like to thank all the team at WCI for being so efficient and professional. We have no hesitation in recommending them to future clients.”