Our role in the engineering analysis of existing drainage assets was integral to managing legacy risks and securing planning for ongoing development plans at one of the UKs most significant regional aviation hubs.

On behalf of Southend Airport Burroughs reviewed their existing drainage infrastructure, initially in terms of discharge quality compliance and management of Glycol de-icing fluids. The project comprised the detailed assessment of contributing drained areas, active Glycol operations, system surveying and review of operational procedures. There was a concern regarding the potential of accidental discharge of de-icing contaminated surface water to the local SSSI rated receiving water courses, that the Client wished to pro-actively address.

Our specifically trained engineers led, managed and undertook a confined spaces entry survey to large underground attenuation tanks and penstock control chambers, addressing both dimensional concerns and asset condition. Burroughs were involved in the appraisal of risk resulting from previous as-constructed drainage system and developed a low-cost solution to remove pockets of retained contamination within the network, therefore removing the potential for de-icing liquid to be inadvertently discharged during the following storm event. Burroughs led the appraisal process working collaboratively with the client’s operational division to both update operational procedures and satisfy the local planners.