Success Snapshot: Water Treatment Plant

Force One was brought in to provide suction excavation services for the expansion of a water treatment plant in Cumbria. The work formed part of a wider upgrade to increase capacity and improve long-term reliability. As a brownfield site, it was heavily congested with both live and historic underground services, so maintaining safety, protecting infrastructure, and avoiding disruption to operations were key.

Project Challenges

Unmapped and Congested Services
The site contained a complex mix of underground assets, many of which were undocumented. These included water mains, process pipework, electrical and control cables, drainage, and communication lines. Traditional digging methods carried a high risk of damage, which could lead to disruption, environmental issues, and delays.

Restricted Working Areas
With the site fully operational, space was limited. Excavation had to take place close to existing structures and live equipment, limiting access for traditional methods. Force One used a rear-steer High Speed Twin Fan unit to work effectively in confined spaces while minimising disruption on site.

The Solution
Force One deployed a suction excavation team to safely expose and excavate underground services. Material was removed carefully, allowing services to be identified and exposed without damage before construction began. The works were carried out in a timely manner

Conclusion
This project highlighted the benefits of suction excavation on complex, live sites. Despite tight working conditions and a high density of underground services, Force One delivered a safe and efficient solution, helping the project move forward while protecting key infrastructure and maintaining operations.