Rehabilitating vital drainage infrastructure in a busy coastal area requires meticulous planning and precision.
This project, undertaken for a pharmaceutical client in Cork, focused on the restoration of c1km of 900mm diameter process lines and 14 manholes along a public coastal walkway.
The challenge was to carry out the drain rehabilitation work while minimising disruption to both the public and the sensitive coastal environment.
Challenges:
- Unpredictable Coastal Weather: The coastal location posed challenges with fluctuating weather conditions, requiring flexible scheduling.
- Restricted Access: Some work areas required adjustments to ensure equipment could access the pipes and manholes.
- Environmental Sensitivity: The use of heavy machinery had to be managed carefully to prevent damage to the surrounding landscape.
- Confined Space: Certain manholes required confined space entry for the drain rehabilitation work.
Works Completed:
- Trenchless Technology: UV lining was used to rehabilitate the process lines, reducing excavation and limiting disruption. Over 900 metres of 900mm diameter pipe were rehabilitated, preserving the integrity of the environment.
- Traffic Management: McBreen Environmental oversaw traffic management to maintain public safety while minimising delays.
- CCTV Inspections & Integrity Testing: Post-repair inspections and integrity tests ensured compliance with industry standards and the quality of the work.
- Reinstatement: The area was carefully restored to its original condition after work was completed.
Equipment Used:
- CCTV
- Jet Vac
- Jet Vac Recycler
- Lining Truck
- Manhole Relining Truck
- Manhole Spraying Unit
- Integrity Testing
- Robotic Cutting
- Support Vehicles
Bryan McEntee, McBreen Environmental Project Manager said: “This was a technically challenging project due to several factors. The large diameter lines carried a high volume of effluent, which required careful management. By implementing a well-planned overpumping strategy, we were able to control flows from our client’s site as well as external sources, ensuring that all effluent was handled safely and in full compliance with site requirements.”
EDAC Environmental Compliance, part of the McBreen Group, provides expert project management for complex environmental and infrastructure projects. Working closely with McBreen Environmental, EDAC ensures seamless coordination, risk management, and compliance, delivering high-quality solutions with minimal disruption
Rebecca Lambe, EDAC Project Manager said: “This project required a proactive approach to risk management, safety, and environmental responsibility.”
Rebecca continues, “By conducting thorough risk assessments, enforcing stringent safety protocols, and maintaining open communication with the client, we ensured the rehabilitation work met all necessary standards. Careful planning and collaboration allowed us to navigate challenges like restricted access and public safety concerns while keeping the project on track and compliant with all regulations.”
This coastal walkway drain rehabilitation project for a pharmaceutical client successfully restored vital infrastructure while prioritising public safety, environmental sustainability, and minimal disruption to the community.
Through effective planning, trenchless technology, and careful execution, the project achieved its goals, ensuring long-term functionality of the walkway and surrounding areas.
