Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s drive towards greener solutions have been accelerated by Caulmert’s planning proficiency.
The national organisation utilised the North Wales-headquartered consultancy’s skillset as part of a significant infrastructure project at Tremeirchion Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW).
Caulmert was appointed to provide professional planning advice relating to the proposed integrated constructed treatment wetland scheme, designed to improve wastewater management through natural processes.
The man‑made ecosystem uses shallow ponds and native wetland plants to naturally handle wastewater by removing nutrients like phosphates through physical and biological processes before the water is suitable for discharge into the environment.
The wetlands primary benefit is to improve water quality through natural processes, but it will also deliver wider benefits to the environment by creating a diverse wetland habitat to increase biodiversity within the site and the wider area, as well as having a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional wastewater treatment systems.
Using its strong relationship with Denbighshire County Council, the consultancy was able to meet tight deadlines as it took charge of planning permission for construction of three wetland cells with planting, underground septic tanks, welfare facility, new internal access roads, fencing, and landscaping.
Caulmert principal planner Jenny Coxon said: “As Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s first wetland scheme, it was important that we presented the council with a compelling case, and that all issues were adequately addressed.
“This minimised the time period between submission and determination of the application and reduced the number of pre-commencement conditions, meaning Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water could commence works on site on time.”
“The goal, which we’ve played a part in working towards, is to remove unwanted nutrients before the water is discharged back into the Afon Clwyd.”
“There are huge biodiversity benefits associated with Integrated Constructed Treatment Wetlands, which can create rich habitats for birds and insects amongst other animals.
“Reducing pollutants also helps generate diverse plant life as the cleaner water reduces stress on ecosystems.”
The integrated constructed treatment wetland scheme is part of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s call for less concrete and chemicals to be used in the drive to improve river water quality.
At an event organised in spring last year, Jenny Grubb, environment advisor and stakeholder manager for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water said: “Welsh Water is investing £2.5bn over the next five years on projects to improve the environment.
“Action from one sector won’t be enough to improve our rivers, and the solutions we propose must be futureproof and climate resilient.
“We are keen to find partnership projects and to work with organisations that are delivering environmental improvements.
“We hope that our investment will be boosted by working with others to ensure that river water quality continues to improve to the standard that we all want to see.”
Founded in 2008, Caulmert is on track to meet an ambitious growth and development plan.
Its expertise in a variety of engineering, environmental, planning, and project management disciplines is supported by its use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to ISO 19650 standard on many of its projects.
