PERMITTING: Compliance for Charitable Facility

Secret World is a 24/7, 365 days a year wildlife rescue centre, caring for over 5,500 sick, injured and orphaned animals each year. Secret World is supported by a team of over 600 dedicated volunteers who assist in all sorts of ways. As part of the events at Secret World the charity open their doors to the public for open days and run educational courses throughout the year.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue Sewage Treatment Upgrade: EA Compliant Solution for Charitable Facility

WCI Delivers Environmental Permit Compliant Wastewater System for Somerset Wildlife Centre

Secret World Wildlife Rescue in Somerset required an urgent upgrade to its failing commercial sewage treatment system. The existing wastewater treatment plant was causing pollution, prompting Environment Agency intervention and the need for an immediate, compliant solution.

The Challenge: Inadequate Sewage Treatment at Wildlife Rescue Centre

Secret World’s outdated sewage treatment system could no longer cope with increased foul flow at the busy wildlife rehabilitation centre. With daily volunteers, regular open days, and popular educational programmes, the facility needed a robust wastewater solution that could handle variable occupancy levels.

Key project challenges:

Existing system causing environmental pollution
Environment Agency enforcement action
Poor ground conditions and unstable excavations
Variable daily flows from volunteers and visitors
Need to minimize disruption to wildlife rescue operations
Heritage site considerations (Grade II listed barn conversion)

Environment Agency Permit Application Process

WCI worked directly with the Environment Agency (EA) to secure the necessary environmental permits for the new sewage treatment system. Our team:

Conducted site assessments and wastewater flow analysis
Prepared comprehensive EA permit application
Liaised with Environment Agency throughout approval process
Successfully obtained new discharge consent
Ensured full regulatory compliance for charitable organization

Sewage Treatment Plant Selection: Technical Assessment

WCI evaluated three different commercial sewage treatment technologies to identify the optimal solution for Secret World’s unique requirements:

Assessment Criteria:

Treatment capacity for variable occupancy
Effluent quality to meet EA permit conditions
Ground condition suitability
Capital and operational costs
Maintenance simplicity for charitable organization
Reliability and performance track record

Selected Solution: Submerged Aerated Filter (SAF) Sewage Treatment Plant

The submerged aerated filter technology was chosen for:

✓ Simplicity – straightforward operation ideal for non-specialist staff
✓ Cost-effectiveness – lower capital and running costs
✓ Robust performance – handles flow variations effectively
✓ Reliable treatment – consistent effluent quality
✓ Low maintenance – minimal ongoing servicing requirements
✓ Ground condition tolerance – suitable for challenging site conditions

Installation: Working Around Poor Ground Conditions

The Secret World site presented challenging ground conditions with excavations that were difficult to stabilize. WCI’s experienced installation team:

Adapted excavation techniques for unstable ground
Implemented appropriate groundworks solutions
Ensured structural integrity of sewage treatment plant installation
Maintained safety throughout challenging dig conditions
Completed works with minimal disruption to wildlife rescue activities

Environmental Site Restoration

Following installation, WCI completed sensitive site reinstatement that complemented the wildlife rescue centre’s conservation mission:

Wildflower seeding to support local biodiversity
Native grass species appropriate to Somerset landscape

The restoration work harmonised with Secret World’s newly converted Grade II listed barn, which serves as an educational facility supporting the centre’s extensive learning programme.

Project Outcomes: Compliant Wastewater Treatment for Wildlife Charity

Full Environment Agency permit compliance with the elimination of pollution incidents.

WCI: Sewage Treatment Solutions for Charities and Environmental Organizations

This project demonstrates WCI’s expertise in delivering Environment Agency compliant sewage treatment systems for charitable organizations with complex operational needs. We understand the unique challenges faced by wildlife centres, educational facilities, and conservation organizations.

Does your charity or environmental facility need sewage treatment system upgrades? WCI provides cost-effective, compliant solutions tailored to non-profit organizations, including EA permit application support and sensitive site installation.