Pump Station Rehabilitation Using Hermes Technologie M-Coat System

20 March 2026

McBreen Environmental were contracted to restore a pump station experiencing groundwater ingress through the joints of its concrete chamber rings.

The client required a permanent solution that would eliminate leakage, protect the structure, and minimise downtime.

The Problem

Groundwater was seeping through failed joints between the concrete rings, allowing external water to enter the chamber.
Increased inflow was driving up pumping demand and operational costs while accelerating structural deterioration.
The confined layout of the shaft limited manual access, requiring strict adherence to confined-space safety measures.
As the system remained live throughout the works, robust flow and waste management controls were needed to ensure compliance and site safety.

The McBreen Environmental Solution

A team of seven qualified drainage rehabilitation engineers was deployed for a five-day programme using Hermes Technologie’s M-Coat system, a proven, high-performance method that combines precision sealing with automated lining to deliver lasting protection and safer operations.

The works involved a two-stage rehabilitation process: dual-compound polyurethane resin was injected at 300mm intervals around the 7.5m circumference of the chamber to seal joints and stop active leakage, creating a watertight barrier, and the internal surfaces were then lined using M-Coat’s centrifugal spray technology, ensuring consistent coverage, a high-strength finish, and minimal manual entry.

Surface Reprofiling and Cleaning

Following the precision sealing stage, all internal surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and reprofiled using the TSSR ultra-high-pressure (UHP) cleaning unit.

This process removed residual deposits and ensured a sound, even substrate, providing the ideal surface for the subsequent relining works.

Automated Structural Lining

Once surface preparation was complete, the internal surfaces were lined using M-Coat’s centrifugal spray-application technology.

This fully automated system ensured a consistent, high-strength mortar coating, eliminating weak points and significantly reducing manual entry requirements.

Waste and Flow Management

To manage waste safely, McBreen Environmental supplied two 20,000-litre waste tankers and a KOKS mobile storage container with an additional 90,000-litre capacity. Certified operatives implemented traffic management, deploying “Stop & Go” controls when required to maintain safe site access.

Safety, Collaboration and Compliance

All works were delivered under current health and safety regulations, including confined-space procedures. McBreen Environmental maintained ongoing communication with the client to manage access, weather impacts and unforeseen conditions efficiently, ensuring transparency at every stage.

Outcome

McBreen Environmental successfully eliminated groundwater ingress, reinstated the structural integrity of the pump station, and extended the life of the asset. The application of Hermes Technologie’s M-Coat system delivered a durable, watertight lining, while the automated process enhanced safety, accuracy and project efficiency.

This project demonstrates McBreen Environmental’s capability to deliver complex rehabilitation works with precision, innovation and full compliance, protecting critical infrastructure for the long term.