A series of innovative carbon cutting methods have been at the centre of a multi-million pound Scottish Water project to tackle sewer flooding in Giffnock.
Over 1,000 tonnes of low carbon concrete was used to construct a 13m deep storm water tank and overspill chamber, whilst hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) was used as fuel, ‘huge’ electric batteries came in place of generators, and recycled aggregates were utilised.
Scottish Water’s corporate affairs regional manager for the west, Georgina Reid, said, “We are committed to delivering net zero emissions by 2040 and beyond and every project we undertake is a step towards achieving that aim.
“The carbon saving in Braidholm Road is the equivalent of 220 return flights from Paris to New York and important lessons have been learned that we can apply elsewhere.”
The new offline underground storage tank has been installed beneath the grassed open space on the south side of Braidholm Road next to the junction with Whitton Drive and Graffham Avenue.
Scottish Water explained that it will provide extra capacity for storm water storage during extreme water events, which will alleviate pressure on the waste water network which has also been upgraded. The excess water will be pumped back into the network when capacity allows.
Residents in Braidholm Road faced up to a year of restricted access to their properties as well as construction work being ‘literally on their doorstep’. As a result, Scottish Water and delivery partner, George Leslie, are to host a public drop-in event to say thank you to the local community.
Georgina added, “It will be an opportunity for the community to feed back to us about what has worked well and where we can perhaps look to improve.
“We could not have achieved the delivery of such a large and complex engineering project if it wasn’t for the patience and co-operation of residents and road users and we are extremely grateful to them.
“I hope as many people as possible can come along to this event so that we can thank them in person.”
