Glencorse Water Treatment Works - Midlothian

Scottish Water is building a new water treatment works at Glencorse in Midlothian, as part of the Edinburgh Drinking Water Project; a strategic programme of capital investment to build a new water treatment works (WTW) and replace ageing mains and storage tanks providing water to Edinburgh and surrounding areas.

Our aim is to facilitate the city’s continued expansion and improve the quality of drinking water in Edinburgh. It will also allow us to provide 21st century water treatment facilities, to meet strict European guidelines on drinking water quality.

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Latest Project News

Fairmilehead Pipelines Update – 7th December 2011

December 2011

The tunneling works under Frogston Road West are being completed through harder rock than expected. Unfortunately, this has delayed the completion of tunneling operations. In turn, this has postponed the start of the remaining re-lining works.

All traffic management will be removed and excavations back-filled prior to the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

January - April 2012

The remaining sections of pipe re-lining within Biggar Road will be carried out together with final pipework connections.

During these works, temporary traffic management arrangements will be in place. A traffic contra-flow from the roundabout at Lothianburn will provide a safe working area along Biggar Road. Similar to work carried out in 2011, traffic management at Frogstone Road West will prevent a left turn into Biggar Road. These works will be removed as soon as pipework alterations are completed.

Alnwickhill, Liberton Park Update – 6th December 2011

Further to discussions with Liberton Association and City of Edinburgh Council Parks Department we have created a temporary access into Liberton Park from Alnwickhill Road.

The gaps in the existing boundary walls of the Water Treatment Works will be re-instated by Christmas.

Creation of a new footpath together with drainage works and re-seeding will continue throughout the spring 2012. To ensure proper growth of the new grass, the existing temporary fencing will remain in place until summer.

Fairmilehead Pipelines Update – 22nd September 2011

A major part of the Glencorse Project has been connecting the new Water Treatment Works to the existing water distribution network in the City. This has involved laying 15,000 metres of new pipelines through the Midlothian countryside as well as a programme of work in the Fairmilehead and Alnwickhill areas of Edinburgh.

Currently there are two large (30” and 33” diameter) pipes within Biggar Road which carry water from the reservoirs to the South of Edinburgh into Fairmilehead WTW where it is treated and made safe to drink. These two pipes were laid in 1904 and 1952. As part of the Glencorse project, rather than laying new pipes within Biggar Road, Scottish Water are re-using these two pipes and making them fit to carry the clean, treated water from Glencorse WTW to customers’ taps in Edinburgh. This approach avoids very disruptive pipelaying up the full length of Biggar Rd from the A720 city bypass to Fairmilehead WTW

Below is an outline of the work completed near Fairmilehead and the work still to be done.

Stage 1 (November 2010 to Feb 2011) – COMPLETED

Initial investigation work and utility surveys. Due to age of the existing pipes, extensive work had to be carried out to establish their depth and position in the road. Biggar Road also has a large number of other buried services such as gas, electricity and telecoms. During this stage we also removed an old flow monitoring device close to the crossroads (pictured below).

Stage 2 (March to June 2011) – COMPLETED

Investigation for pipeline rehabilitation. Part of this stage involved draining the water from the pipes and sending a camera up to film the condition of the insides of the pipes. We also cut out small sections of pipe in order to complete tests. Throughout this it was vital that we avoided disrupting the supply of water to customers’ taps.

Stage 3 (July to September 2011) – COMPLETED

Cleaning and testing of pipes. The pipe laid in 1952 was jet-washed and swabbed in sections to make it ready to carry treated water. Another camera was then used to film the inside of the pipe.

Stage 4 (August to October 2011) – Underway

Cross connections and re-lining on Biggar Road. A plastic liner has been pulled through the existing 1904 pipe. Cross connection pipework is also underway within the junction with Frogston Road West and Biggar Rd.

Stage 5 (October to November 2011) – To be completed

Tunnelling Works. A new section of pipe needs to be laid from the crossroads into Scottish Water’s compound. To minimise disruption this will be done via a tunnelling exercise.

Stage 6 (October to December 2011) – To be completed

Re-lining work at Fairmilehead Junction. This work was initially planned to finish in November 2011, due to ground conditions and existing services within the road, completion of the work will be extended one month.

Stage 7 (January to February 2012) – To be completed

Re-instatement of Biggar Road. To minimise traffic disruption over the festive period, final re-instatement work will be carried out early in 2012.

A similar update on work in the Alnwickhill area will be provided in coming weeks.

Now You See It……Soon You Won’t - 10th August 2011

Thousands of tonnes of soil are currently being moved in order to make the new Glencorse Water Treatment Works (WTW) become all but invisible to passers-by. Clever contouring of the landscape will see Scottish Water’s £130m development blend seamlessly into the backdrop of the Pentland Hills.

Already in place is Scotland’s largest green roof which covers the treatment building and the Clear Water Tank is about to get the same treatment. The 90 million litre water storage tank has just been covered with soil (this operation is pictured underway below). The huge tank will then be seeded with the same wild flower grass mix that can be found on the roof of the treatment building.

The project team have worked closely with local residents and Pentland Hills Regional Park to ensure that the new WTW will have minimal visual impact.

Click here to view the latest pictures and see how the project has progressed over the last 3 years.

Pipeline Activities on Biggar Road – 12th July 2011

Important work is currently underway on Biggar Road in Edinburgh. This is part of our 12 month programme of work that has been agreed with City of Edinburgh Council Roads Authority. There will be excavations on the road between now and November to allow essential pipe cleaning and re-lining work to take place.

We apologise for the inconvenience while we complete this crucial work.

Glencorse on Film - 9th June 2011

The Glencorse Project Team were delighted to assist Learning & Teaching Scotland with a new online resource about Scottish Engineering.

Wendy French of Learning and Teaching Scotland said;

"Engineering provides a rich, stimulating and challenging context for learning. The STEM Central website provides learning journeys created by teachers, starting from the experiences and outcomes, which make use of innovative, exciting projects such as Scottish Water's Glencorse WTW. The learning journeys that have been shared for the water treatment context highlight some of the innovative features of the Glencorse project such as the hydro power generator.

"By providing real life examples for teachers and videos introducing the different learning contexts, we hope young people will be given learning experiences which help them to understand more about engineering and its importance to our society."

Kenny Naylor and Lynsey Tweedlie from the project feature in the video. Click here to visit the STEM website and see the video which shows previously unseen footage inside the Water Treatment Works and the 90 million litre Clear Water Tank.

Glencorse Work within Scottish Water Complex – 8th June 2011

As part of the process to bring clearer, fresher drinking water to Edinburgh, the next phase of work within the Scottish Water complex at Fairmilehead is about to begin.

This essential work will be carried out in 4 phases and will run from Monday 13 June to mid August. During the work, up to 38 parking spaces will be unavailable to staff.

In order to minimise disruption to employees located on the site of our national Customer Contact Centre, this work has been planned to coincide with the summer months, when many employees will be taking annual leave. In addition, a temporary car park has been created for Scottish Water employees on Scottish Water’s land behind Tusitala Pavilion.

Please click here (pdf) to view the phasing of the trial pit work.

Building a World of Difference – 6th June 2011

The Glencorse Water Project has won the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management’s (CIWEM) coveted World of Difference Award.

The award (pictured below) recognises the practical application of innovative science and engineering for sustainable development.

As well as hosting the world’s first mobile pipe production plant, Glencorse is home to Scotland’s largest green roof, an efficient new water treatment process and a new hydro-electric turbine. These factors were all taken into consideration when the Glencorse Project was chosen as winner of the international competition.

Geoff Aitkenhead, Scottish Water’s Director of Asset Management, said: “We are delighted to receive this outstanding international accolade from CIWEM. Glencorse is proof that large-scale projects can be sustainable, non-obtrusive and built with the consent and consideration of the neighbouring community. Glencorse provides state-of-the art thinking in the delivery of renewable resources in the long term and the innovative use of new pipeline manufacturing methods in the short-term.”

Pipeline Activities on Biggar Road – 24th May 2011

Our 12 month programme of work on Biggar Road continues this week. There will be excavations on Biggar Road close to the crossroads with Frogston Road for the next 4 to 5 weeks. The road will remain open with traffic management in place. This will allow us to carry out further investigatory work in preparation for connections and re-lining work later in the summer.

The work on Frogston Road West, close to Mounthooly Loan, has been a success and the traffic management is due to be removed at the end of this week.

The Eagle Has Landed! 10th May 2011

It’s amazing the bird-brained ideas that we need to come up with sometimes! You will see from the latest aerial photos below that we have been laying a waterproof membrane on the Clear Water Tank in preparation for the green roof. Our recent activities in trialling the water-tightness of this membrane required large areas of the Clear Water Tank roof to be immersed with about six inches of water. The expanse of water proved highly appealing to many seagulls and very soon we had a nuisance on our doorstep.

To reduce the impact on our neighbours, we have adopted a very effective method of scaring the gulls – they do not like the menacing presence of our hawk kites! Provided by a specialist pest control company the hawk kites have been successful in keeping the area gull free, returning the environment to one of peace and harmony!

Class Dismissed – 11th April 2011

The Glencorse Project has recently completed its Education Programme. Over the last 3 years, the Glencorse team have worked with more than 350 young people from local schools and universities. A range of related topics have been covered, from health & safety in construction to the water treatment process and how to reduce water consumption at home.

To mark the completion of the project, pupils from three local primary schools have planted 60 oak tree saplings on the site, leaving a lasting legacy of their involvement in the project.

Project Manager in charge of the education programme, Lynsey Tweedlie said:“These oak saplings are further testament to the wider efforts of our project – to deliver a strong, long lasting construction which will enhance the natural environment of Midlothian, as well as providing an important legacy for future generations of people in Edinburgh and Midlothian.”

Click on the links below to read more about our work with local schools:

Cornbank St. James Primary

Glencorse Primary

Mauricewood Primary

The Midas Touch - 29th March 2011

The Glencorse Project has scooped a second consecutive Gold Award at the Considerate Constructors Awards in Edinburgh. Around 8500 construction sites across the UK are applicable for the awards with just a tiny percentage of entrants walking off with a top prize.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme is an initiative aimed at improving the image of the construction industry. Sites that register with the scheme are monitored against a Code of Considerate Practice. Construction sites are assessed on a number of factors such as whether they are good neighbours, environmentally conscious, respectful and safe. For more information visit www.ccscheme.org.uk

Andy Old, Site Manager for Black and Veatch (pictured below) added: “Winning the top prize two years in a row is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work of the Glencorse team. Over the last year we have continued to minimise disruption and keep the community informed about the project as well as provided learning opportunities for local schools and universities. Being described as a ‘credit to the industry’ by the Considerate Constructors scheme is something that everyone on site can be proud of.”

In addition, the Glencorse project has recently been short listed for a Green Apple Award. This national scheme recognises environmental best practice on built environment projects.

Alnwickhill Pipeline Update – 21st March 2011

Our planned pipe laying activities in the Alnwickhill area were affected by the adverse weather conditions experienced over Christmas and New Year.

Following the delayed start due to the weather, the crossing of Alnwickhill Road has been completed and pipe-laying continues in Liberton Park, adjacent to Alnwickhill Water Treatment Works. To ensure the continued health and safety of the public, pedestrian access into the park from Alnwickhill Road will be restricted until completion of pipeline testing and reinstatement works have taken place in mid May 2011. In the interim, the public should continue to use the two alternative access points to the Park from Liberton Gardens. Apologies for the inconvenience experienced during these necessary construction activities.

Looking ahead to Spring/Summer 2011, we plan to be completing pipe-laying in the Mortonhall area between now and the end of May. Re-instatement work will then take place in these fields throughout the summer and into autumn 2011.

Hat Trick of Awards from RoSPA – 16th March 2011

The Glencorse project has just received a third consecutive Gold Award from the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). These prestigious awards, which are presented annually, acknowledge the dedication of Scottish Water and construction partner Black & Veatch to having a safe working environment.

Pipeline Activities in Frogston Road West – 2nd March 2011

Beginning this week, pipeline work will be taking place on Frogston Road West in the area close to the T-junction with Mounthooly Loan. The road will remain open with traffic management in place for the next 8 weeks. This is to allow us to carry out the next stage of connections on the pipes that we laid across the road last year.

Good progress is being made with the associated work on Buckstone Terrace and Biggar Road.

Pipeline Update – 7th February 2011

The pipeline crossing of Alnwickhill Road was successfully completed within the planned three weeks. The road and footpath were re-opened on Friday 4th February. Pipe-laying activities are now progressing between the Alnwickhill and Mortonhall area of Edinburgh.

As highlighted on the website before Christmas, we are also working on Biggar Road as part of a 12 month programme of works to connect the new Glencorse Water Treatment Works with the existing water distribution network at Fairmilehead. The work being carried out presently is to assess the condition and position of the existing pipework in Biggar Road. This is in preparation for extensive pipe re-lining work later in 2011. Please check back soon for further updates on this essential work.

Glencorse Work at Scottish Water Complex – 21st January 2011

The Glencorse Project Team are working close to home starting from next week as we begin investigatory work in the car park of the Scottish Water complex in Fairmilehead. A series of trial pits will be completed between now and the end of March 2011 in order to establish accurate information about the existing water infrastructure.

This investigatory work will enable major pipeline modifications to be undertaken beginning in Summer 2011. During these operations approximately 50 car parking spaces in the complex may be out of use for an extended period, however further information will be provided ahead of any work commencing.

In order to minimise disruption to employees located on the site of our national Customer Contact Centre, a Planning Application to use the gated area on Scottish Water’s land behind Tusitala Pavilion as a temporary car park has been submitted. This Application will provide 45 temporary car parking spaces up until September 2011.

Please click here (pdf) to view the phasing of the trial pit work.

Alnwickhill Road Crossing – 14th January 2011

This month we need to close a section of Alnwickhill Road in the area adjacent to the water treatment works. This will allow us to lay a section of pipe across the road. The work was planned for before Christmas but had to be rescheduled due to the bad weather.

The closure of Alnwickhill Road will commence Monday 17th January and continue for a period of 3 weeks. Diversions will be in place via Liberton Gardens and Liberton Drive.

In association with the above works we need to close the access to Liberton Park from Alnwickhill Road for a period of 6 weeks from the 17th of January. This is to ensure the safety of the public and our operatives during pipelaying activities. The two alternative access gates to the park from Liberton Gardens will not be affected by the works.

Happy New Year – 10th January 2011

Happy New Year and Best Wishes from the Glencorse Team. As we leave the festive season behind and enter the third and final year of construction, the focus will be on making the new water treatment works ready to produce clean, fresh water. The pipeline activities in the Fairmilehead and Alnwickhill areas of the city will gain momentum and become apparent to residents and other road users. Throughout this vital work we will aim to minimise disruption and keep you informed via the project website.

Below is a selection of photos showing Glencorse transformed into a Winter Wonderland over the Christmas period!

All in a Week’s Work - 10th December 2010

Just before the onset of the severe weather, the Glencorse Project marked an important milestone as the first major connection with the existing water network was completed. Following months of planning and liaison, pipework construction to link the new pipeline with an existing large diameter main was successfully completed. The work was carried out just south of the A720 City By-Pass, and brings the programme of a new water supply to the City one step closer to completion. The Glencorse team planned the work carefully to ensure all contingencies were in place and were delighted that the work was comfortably completed within the 8 hour window.

A number of further large diameter connections will be completed over the next 6 months in and around the Fairmilehead and Alnwickhill area.

To prove life is not ‘all work and no play’, the Glencorse Project team accepted an invitation to the Institution of Civil Engineeers (ICE) Annual Dinner in Edinburgh, to collect their CEEQUAL Award from ICE Chairman, Bob McLeod, and new President, Peter Hansford.

Pictured below are Bryan Mackie and Neil McCulloch accepting the award and members of the Glencorse Project Team.