Historic Island Hotel Gets Modern Sewage Treatment Solution
In 2021, WCI developed a comprehensive foul drainage strategy for the iconic Burgh Island Hotel’s ambitious ten-year renovation – the first major infrastructure development at the South Devon landmark in 90 years. Three years later, we delivered the installation of our innovative sewage treatment system, overcoming unique logistical challenges at this remote tidal island location.
THE CHALLENGE: Complex Site Constraints
The Art Deco hotel, accessible only via tidal sand causeway, required wastewater infrastructure that met stringent requirements while respecting the site’s unique constraints:
Access limited to tide-dependent windows across the causeway, with all materials and equipment requiring careful transport timing. The discharge point needed to meet strict bathing water quality standards for the surrounding coastline. Listed building considerations—particularly the Grade II listed Pilchard Inn—restricted installation routes and methods. Seasonal tourist activity meant minimising disruption during peak periods, while the remote island location offered no mainland utility connections or conventional infrastructure.
WCI’S SOLUTION: Innovative Treatment System Design
After evaluating three potential approaches, WCI determined that treated effluent discharge to sea under Environment Agency permit provided the only viable solution. We specified a WCSEE HiPAF sewage treatment plant for its compact footprint, low noise operation, energy efficiency, and ability to handle seasonal flow variations while delivering high-quality effluent suitable for coastal discharge.
The modular tank design enabled transport across the tidal causeway via a reinstated WWII slipway, carefully avoiding the listed Pilchard Inn. Our construction team coordinated the delivery of approximately 160 tonnes of aggregates through multiple tide-dependent trips, managing traffic in busy tourist areas while securing Marine Management Organisation permissions for foreshore work.
Installation required excavation over 4 metres deep for the primary sewage tank, with rock breaking equipment and precision positioning of the 5+ metre tank. We constructed a split-level concrete base for two above-ground treatment tanks, timing their delivery for early morning installation before tourist arrivals.
RESULT & OUTCOMES: Compliant, Future-Proof Infrastructure
The completed system delivers reliable, environmentally compliant wastewater treatment for Burgh Island Hotel with measurable benefits:
- Meets stringent bathing water quality standards for coastal discharge
- Supports future hotel development and expansion capacity
- Operates efficiently with seasonal occupancy variations
- Protects surrounding marine environment through regulated discharge
- Provides robust infrastructure designed for decades of service
- Installation completed within required timeframe despite access constraints
The hotel now benefits from modern wastewater infrastructure that supports both its historic character and future ambitions, with full compliance providing peace of mind for operations and environmental responsibilities.
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WCI Expertise: Complex Sites Delivered
Facing similar wastewater challenges? Whether dealing with remote locations, tidal access, environmental restrictions, or listed buildings, WCI provides end-to-end solutions from design through installation and commissioning.