How we replaced an RHS cottage septic tank to meet standards

Project

septic installation for the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley
Surrey, United Kingdom
installed in 2024

Project

septic installation for the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley
Surrey, United Kingdom
installed in 2024

Challenges

variable wastewater flows
limited installation area
property near a sensitive riverside ecosystem

Challenges

variable wastewater flows
limited installation area
property near a sensitive riverside ecosystem

Solutions

Rewatec Solido Smart sewage treatment plant
maintenance and monitoring
ongoing training and support

Solutions

Rewatec Solido Smart sewage treatment plant
maintenance and monitoring
ongoing training and support

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Wisley in Surrey, England, is renowned for its diverse plant collections and commitment to sustainable practices.

Premier Tech has provided ongoing servicing and maintenance for the garden’s sewage treatment plants and pumping stations for several years.

As part of its environmental stewardship efforts, the RHS identified the need to upgrade the wastewater system at Riverside Cottage, a property within the garden's grounds. The existing septic tank, while previously maintained, no longer met environmental standards and required replacement with a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly solution.

Challenges identified during Premier Tech's initial site inspection and assessment

During the inspection phase of the project, Premier Tech identified compliance issues with the existing septic system and key requirements for its replacement:

Environmental compliance
The existing septic tank discharged into the nearby River Wey, violating the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules. The system's final effluent also had high levels of suspended solids and ammonia, further complicating compliance with regulations.
System capacity
The old septic system struggled to handle fluctuations in wastewater flow, often becoming surcharged during peak usage, which impacted its effectiveness.
Faulty mechanical components
The system's pump was found to be faulty and the airlift blower was malfunctioning, which hindered overall operation and performance.
Energy efficiency and operational costs
The RHS required a more energy-efficient system with low operational costs to align with its sustainability goals and reduce long-term expenses.
Space constraints
The limited installation area at Riverside Cottage required a compact sewage treatment system with a minimal footprint.

Premier Tech's project objectives

After inspecting the site's septic system, Premier Tech set the following objectives for the project:

Ensure compliance with regulations
The primary goal was to replace the outdated septic tank, which discharged into the River Wey and no longer met regulations. This involved installing the Rewatec Solido Smart sewage treatment plant to bring the system into compliance with current standards.
Improve biological treatment reliability
Another key objective was to enhance the system's biological treatment processes. This would improve the consistency and effectiveness of sewage management, ensuring the system could handle fluctuations in wastewater flow and maintain optimal performance.
Future-proof the system
The final objective was to ensure the newly installed septic system would meet future demands and comply with potential regulatory changes down the road. This would involve selecting equipment and technologies that are adaptable to evolving needs.

How Premier Tech implemented its plan for the RHS Garden Wisley

Premier Tech carried out a phased plan to resolve the issues with the site's existing septic system. Each phase was designed to tackle specific items identified during the initial assessment and ensure the new installation met environmental standards and operated efficiently.

Premier Tech technician excavating a site for a septic installation.

Phase 1: Preparation and site setup

Objective: Ensure safety, proper setup, and groundwork for the installation.

Conducted a site survey to confirm conditions and drainage requirements.
Identified and marked the location of underground services to avoid damage during excavation.
Established drainage levels to ensure accurate installation.
Erected safety fencing around the work area and set up a storage compound for equipment and materials.
Installed warning signage to alert workers and others nearby of the construction site.

Phase 2: Excavation and drainage preparation

Objective: Prepare the site for the sewage treatment plant, focusing on the drainage system.

Excavated the area at the upstream foul drainage chamber.
Exposed the existing chamber and installed a new inspection chamber for the direction change.
Laid a new 100 mm drainage pipe with a 10 mm shingle bedding to the planned sewage treatment plant location.
Ensured all drainage lines were correctly aligned and met required specifications.

Phase 3: Installation of the Rewatec Solido Smart

Objective: Lay the foundation and install the new sewage treatment plant.

Laid a 150 mm C30 concrete base to support the new treatment unit.
Ensured the base was level and structurally sound.
Delivered the Rewatec Solido Smart treatment plant to the site.
Lowered the unit onto the concrete base and backfilled with C30 ready-mix concrete up to the inlet and outlet levels.
Connected the inlet foul drainage, ensuring proper alignment and sealing.
Installed a gravity overflow to safely discharge final effluent into the nearby river.

Phase 4: Electrical and power connections

Objective: Ensure the sewage treatment plant is powered and ready for operation.

Connected the Rewatec Solido Smart to the property’s power supply.
Laid a 2.5 mm 3-core steel wire armoured cable underground to the control panel.
Commissioned the system to NIC EIC Part P standards for electrical safety and compliance.

Phase 5: Backfilling and site restoration

Objective: Restore the site, ensuring it is tidy and functional.

Backfilled the old septic tank and other disturbed areas using surplus soil from the excavation.
Levelled and dressed the site with topsoil to restore the area to its original state.
Cleaned the site and removed debris and unused materials.
Ensured the area was safe, tidy, and ready for use.

Phase 6: System commissioning and handover

Objective: Ensure the sewage treatment plant is fully operational and hand over the site to the client.

Commissioned the system and performed tests to verify proper operation.
Confirmed that the effluent discharge met all environmental standards.
Provided the client with operational instructions and warranty documentation.
Ensured the client was satisfied with the installation and system performance.

Project outcomes

Premier Tech's collaboration with the RHS Garden Wisley resulted in significant positive outcomes for the site:

Regulatory compliance
The new system meets the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules for discharge into the river, resolving the compliance issues posed by the old septic tank.
Improved wastewater treatment
The outdated septic tank was replaced with a modern sewage treatment plant, ensuring efficient and reliable treatment.
Enhanced system reliability
The new system can handle fluctuating wastewater flows during peak seasons and it remains effective even during heavy rainfall. The blockages and surcharging that plagued the old septic tank are no longer an issue.
Minimal disruption
The installation was completed with minimal disruption to the RHS Garden Wisley. The site was fully restored, including backfilling the old septic tank with topsoil and levelling the area to its original state.
Client satisfaction
The new septic system was fully tested and commissioned, providing a long-term wastewater treatment solution that gives the client peace of mind. The project was completed on time and within budget, with all necessary electrical and drainage connections seamlessly integrated.

Premier Tech continues to support the RHS Garden Wisley

Following the installation of the Rewatec Solido Smart sewage treatment plant, Premier Tech continues to provide support to ensure the system operates efficiently and complies with regulations.

Regular maintenance and inspections
Routine service visits help prevent potential issues, ensuring the system continues to run smoothly. During these visits, technicians inspect key components and perform necessary cleaning.
Compliance monitoring
Regular monitoring confirms that the system’s effluent discharge consistently meets Environment Agency regulations. If any adjustments or optimisations are needed, Premier Tech provides recommendations to maintain compliance and environmental responsibility.
Training and technical support
Premier Tech ensures that on-site staff receive necessary training to operate the new sewage treatment plant. Ongoing technical support is available to assist with troubleshooting, optimising performance, and addressing any operational concerns.
Future-proofing and system upgrades
If site demands change or environmental regulations evolve, Premier Tech is ready to make changes to accommodate increased capacity or stricter discharge limits. This may involve adding more chambers or implementing additional treatment stages to improve effluent quality.

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Last update:
October 25, 2021