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Case studies

Premier Tech refurbishes a sewage treatment plant for a mobile holiday home park

Camping vans at a leisure park in the United Kingdom.
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Project

  • septic refurbishment for a mobile holiday home park
  • Surrey, United Kingdom
  • serviced in 2024

Project

  • septic refurbishment for a mobile holiday home park
  • Surrey, United Kingdom
  • serviced in 2024
Premier Tech challenge icon.

Challenges

  • poor effluent quality
  • sludge accumulation
  • faulty components and structural deterioration

Challenges

  • poor effluent quality
  • sludge accumulation
  • faulty components and structural deterioration
Premier Tech solution icon.

Solutions

  • tank emptying and cleaning
  • repair, maintenance, and commissioning
  • prevention of future blockages

Solutions

  • tank emptying and cleaning
  • repair, maintenance, and commissioning
  • prevention of future blockages

A mobile holiday home park in Surrey operates a sewage treatment plant to process wastewater on site. Following concerns about effluent quality, including feedback from the Environment Agency, the park required a service visit to restore compliance and improve system performance.

Premier Tech attended the site and carried out a full service, including a 3-year internal tank inspection, mechanical checks, and an electrical assessment of the control systems.

The service addressed sludge buildup, faulty equipment, and operational inefficiencies, significantly improving the plant’s performance and compliance. A follow-up visit is planned to empty the remaining tanks, further enhancing efficiency.

This case study highlights the importance of routine maintenance in keeping sewage treatment plants compliant, efficient, and environmentally safe.

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

During the inspection phase of the project, Premier Tech identified several issues that could impact the sewage treatment plant’s performance and environmental compliance:

  • Effluent quality concerns
    The Environment Agency reported elevated levels of suspended solids and ammonia in samples of final effluent, posing a risk of non-compliance and potential environmental harm.
     
  • Faulty pumps and blowers
    Several critical components were malfunctioning, including a pump in the dual pumping station and the airlift blower used in the nitrification process.
     
  • Sludge accumulation
    Excessive sludge buildup was found in key areas, including the nitrification outlet chamber, primary tank, and secondary holding tank. This accumulation was likely contributing to poor effluent quality.
     
  • Structural deterioration
    The blower housing for the nitrification plant was weathered and deteriorating, requiring replacement to prevent further damage.
     
  • Debris and potential clogging
    Overhanging branches from a nearby acorn tree were shedding leaves and acorns into the system, potentially clogging equipment and disrupting the biological treatment process.

Premier Tech's service objectives

After inspecting the sewage treatment plant, Premier Tech focused on the following objectives:

  • Ensure operational efficiency and environmental compliance
    The primary goal was to enhance the sewage treatment plant’s efficiency while ensuring it meets environmental standards. This would address the issues raised by the Environment Agency, such as high levels of suspended solids and ammonia in the final effluent.
     
  • Mechanical and electrical maintenance and repair
    Another key goal was to ensure the plant's mechanical and electrical systems were fully functional and reliable. This would involve addressing any faults within the pumps, blowers, and other critical components.
     
  • Preventative maintenance to enhance long-term performance
    The final objective was to prevent future issues and improve the plant’s longevity. This would involve replacing the weathered blower housing and managing debris from the acorn tree. These steps would help to reduce the risk of system failure and ensured the plant’s smooth operation.

How Premier Tech implemented its service plan

Service for the mobile holiday home park was carried out in a series of phases, each designed to address specific issues, improve the sewage treatment plant's efficiency, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Premier Tech's commercial services technicians at a mobile park home.

Phase 1: Emptying and cleaning of tanks

Objective: Clear sludge and effluent to improve system function and reduce issues impacting treatment.

Tasks completed:

  • Emptied the primary and secondary tanks, humus tank, and nitrification plant using a vacuum tanker. Approximately 14,000 gal of liquor was initially removed.
     
  • Removed heavy sludge from the nitrification outlet chamber and the thick sludge in the primary tanks.
     
  • Cleaned and washed down the nitrification plant.

Phase 2: Repair and maintenance

Objective: Address specific equipment issues and ensure operational safety.

Tasks completed:

  • Replaced damaged diaphragms in the airlift blower and installed new air filters.
     
  • Replaced the blower housing for the nitrification plant, which was weathered and at risk of compromising performance.
     
  • Replaced a faulty pump in the dual-pump station and installed a residual current device (RCD) for electrical safety.
     
  • Ensured all electrical controls and pumps function correctly and have been properly tested.

Phase 3: Addressing debris and potential clogging

Objective: Prevent future blockages and system inefficiencies caused by external factors.

Task completed:

  • Recommended removing or cutting back the tree above the sewage treatment plant to prevent leaves and acorns from falling into the system, which could clog it and disrupt biological treatment.

Phase 4: Final emptying and system commissioning

Objective: Complete system emptying and ensure the plant is fully operational.

Tasks completed:

  • Emptied the system and removed all sludge from the tanks, nitrification plant, and humus tank.
     
  • Scheduled additional tanker visits to remove the remaining liquor and sludge from the humus tank and the sewage treatment plant. The quantity was estimated at 8,000 gal.
     
  • Ensured proper operation through final checks and commissioning.

Phase 5: Monitoring and follow-up

Objective: Ensure improved performance and continued environmental compliance.

Tasks completed:

  • Advised the site to monitor effluent quality and retake samples in 4 to 6 weeks to assess improvements after the service.
     
  • Followed up on scheduled works for additional emptying of the system to ensure long-term efficiency and compliance with Environmental Agency standards.

Project outcomes

Premier Tech’s commercial services for the mobile holiday home park delivered significant improvements:

  • Improved sludge management and effluent quality
    Removing sludge from key sections of the plant restored operational efficiency. As a result, effluent quality is expected to improve, with future Environment Agency sample reports likely showing lower levels of suspended solids and ammonia.
     
  • Restored functionality of pumps and blowers
    Repairs and replacements ensured that the aeration and pumping systems are fully operational, improving biological treatment and reducing the risk of future disruptions.
     
  • Enhanced system longevity and compliance
    Replacing the blower housing and installing an RCD spur improved system reliability, reducing the likelihood of failures and ensuring ongoing compliance with safety and environmental standards.
     
  • Environmental protection
    By recognising and addressing the issue with the site's acorn tree, Premier Tech prevented debris from clogging the system. This ensures uninterrupted treatment performance.

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