Wastewater Treatment System: Overcoming Unique Engineering Challenges

Historic Island Hotel Gets Modern Sewage Treatment Solution

In 2021, WCI developed a comprehensive foul drainage strategy to support the ambitious ten-year renovation of the iconic Burgh Island Hotel in South Devon. This landmark project represented the first major infrastructure development at the hotel in 90 years, requiring significant upgrades to its wastewater treatment services.

The Challenge: Wastewater Treatment for a Tidal Island Location

Fast forward to 2024, and WCI was awarded the contract to construct the innovative sewage treatment system we had designed. The project presented unique logistical and environmental challenges:

• Access only via tidal sand causeway
• Strict environmental standards for bathing water quality
• Listed building considerations
• Seasonal tourist activity
• Remote island location with no mainland utilities

Our Solution: Modular Sewage Treatment Plant Design

After evaluating three potential solutions, WCI determined that a discharge of treated effluent to the sea under Environment Agency permit was the only viable option. Our wastewater treatment design featured:

WCSEE HiPAF Sewage Treatment Plant – selected for its:

• Compact footprint for restricted access
• Low noise operation
• Energy efficiency
• Ability to handle seasonal flow variations
• High-quality effluent for bathing water discharge

The modular tank system was specifically designed for transport across the tidal causeway and installation via a reinstated WW2 slipway, carefully avoiding the Grade II listed Pilchard Inn.

Construction Phase 1: Island Logistics and Material Transport

The first and most challenging phase involved transporting approximately 160 tonnes of aggregates from Bigbury-on-Sea to Burgh Island. Our construction team coordinated:

• Tide-dependent delivery schedules
• Traffic management in busy tourist areas
• Multiple dumper truck and tractor crossings
• Marine Management Organisation (MMO) permissions for foreshore work

Construction Phase 2: Below-Ground Infrastructure Installation

The installation of the primary sewage tank required:

• Excavation over 4 metres deep
• Connection to existing drainage systems
• Rock breaking with specialized equipment
• Precision lowering and ballasting of a 5+ metre tank
• Installation of duplex pumping station
• Construction of protective concrete slab for vehicle access

Construction Phase 3: Above-Ground Treatment System

A split-level concrete base was constructed to receive two overground wastewater treatment tanks. To minimize disruption during peak tourist season, the WCS treatment plant was:

• Delivered early morning before tide and tourist arrivals
• Carefully transported across the causeway
• Precisely positioned to align with inspection chambers, sludge return systems, and outlet pipes

Electrical and Control Systems

Our electrical team installed:

• 90-metre electrical trench to three-phase connection
• Two control panel kiosks for treatment plant operation
• Heavy-duty cast-iron outlet pipe running 90+ metres to low tide level

Final Commissioning: British Water Standards

The wastewater treatment system was commissioned by a WCI British Water accredited Service Engineer, ensuring compliance with all environmental regulations and performance standards.

Project Outcomes: Sustainable Wastewater Management for Historic Hotels

Burgh Island Hotel now operates a robust, environmentally compliant sewage treatment system that:

✓ Meets stringent bathing water quality standards
✓ Supports future hotel development and expansion
✓ Operates efficiently with seasonal occupancy variations
✓ Protects the surrounding marine environment
✓ Provides reliable wastewater treatment for decades to come

WCI: Specialist Wastewater Treatment Solutions for Remote and Challenging Sites

This project demonstrates WCI’s expertise in delivering complex drainage and sewage treatment solutions in the most challenging environments. From initial drainage strategy through to final commissioning, our team successfully navigated:

• Tidal access constraints
• Heritage site sensitivities
• Environmental protection requirements
• Tourist season logistics
• Remote location engineering

Need a wastewater treatment solution for a challenging site? Whether you’re dealing with remote locations, tidal access, environmental restrictions, or listed buildings, WCI has the expertise to design and deliver effective sewage treatment systems.