Project brief

Doocey Group were awarded the contract from Western Power Distribution for the installation of two new 11kV circuits to supply the HS2 Bromford Tunnel (Eastern Pportal, Water Orton). Doocey Group supplied 45MVA to a standalone package substation which was the main power source for the slurry removal element of the drilling activities. All works are in agricultural land as per drawings included in this tender.

Doocey Group were required to excavate and reinstate all excavations. In addition to the conventional methodology of the works Doocey Group were also required to undertake a horizontal directional drill. Doocey Group also provided a full programme of works to allow WPD to programme their own resources as required.

Doocey Group worked closely with WPD an appointed Environmental Agent and the WPD nominated project manager, for this scheme.

We collaborated with local and stakeholder partners, including Balfour Beatty, Vinci, HS2, Environment Agency, Resident Committees and the local authority. To ensure a safe and well delivered programme while at the same time ensuring the environmental impact were mitigated.  These were secured by:

• Multistage cut and search of the grass and agricultural area of the earmarked site using an environmentally trained individual as the area has been highlighted as a zone of interest for the Greater Crested Newt.

• Installing ‘Dura Base’ track matting for the access and egress of plant, thus protecting the subsoil layers within the safety zone, inclusive of edge protection. This was created around the matting ensuring single point of route within the site.

• The ‘working’ zone has been secured using Heras fencing which protects the flora and fauna outside the working zone and with the additional matting edge protection in place for the risk of access/egress of the GCN’s.

Doocey Group were responsible for:

• Track matting installation

• Topsoil strip
– Excavation of the Track & Joint Bays
– Installation of the HDD (Horizontal Directional Drill)
– Installation of HV ducting
– Cable Laying
– Reinstatement
– Clear Site
– Program Management
– Engineering Solutions

Specific engineering difficulties:

• Environmental Constraints:

– Doocey Group employed the use of DURA BASE MATTING:

Enhanced Site Safety and Stability:

• They create a stable and safe working platform on uneven or unstable terrain.
• Their interlocking design distributes weight evenly, reducing ground pressure and preventing equipment from sinking.
• They minimize slips, trips, and falls, contributing to a safer work environment.

Cost Efficiency

• They reduce project costs by minimizing the need for extensive ground preparation and remediation.
• They decrease equipment downtime and maintenance costs by providing a stable working surface.
• They are reusable, offering long-term cost savings compared to disposable alternatives.

Environmental Protection

• They minimize ground disturbance and soil compaction, protecting sensitive environments.
• Their non-permeable design prevents contamination and the spread of invasive species.
• They are made from recyclable materials, reducing environmental impact.

Durability and Longevity:

• They are made from high-density polyethylene, making them resistant to weather, chemicals, and wear.
• They have a long service life, providing a durable and reliable solution.

Improved Logistics and Handling:

• They are lighter than traditional timber or steel mats, making them easier to transport and handle.
• Their design allows for efficient deployment and retrieval.

Versatility:

• They can be used in a wide range of applications, including construction, oil and gas, utilities, and event management.

Horizontal Directional Drill:

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method of installing underground pipes, ducts, and cables along a predetermined bore path by using a surface-launched drilling rig with minimal impact on the surrounding area. It offers numerous benefits across various applications:

Environmental Benefits:

• Minimal Surface Disruption: HDD significantly reduces or eliminates the need for extensive excavation and trenching. This preserves the existing landscape, including green spaces, trees, and natural habitats.

• Reduced Environmental Impact: By avoiding open trenches, HDD minimises soil erosion, sedimentation of waterways, and disruption to sensitive ecosystems like wetlands, rivers, and forests.

• Protection of Sensitive Areas: HDD allows for installations beneath environmentally sensitive areas without disturbing their ecological balance. This includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), root protection zones, and ancient woodlands.

• Reduced Waterway Impact: Pipelines and utilities can be installed under rivers, streams, and lakes without disturbing the water or aquatic life, preventing sediment runoff and harm to ecosystems.

• Mitigation of Noise and Air Pollution: Compared to traditional trenching, HDD often utilises more compact and quieter equipment, reducing noise pollution and minimizing air emissions from machinery.

• Decreased Habitat Fragmentation: By keeping the surface intact, HDD helps maintain continuous habitats for wildlife, preventing fragmentation caused by open trenches.

• Reduced Carbon Emissions: The efficiency of HDD, with faster installation times and less heavy machinery movement, can contribute to lower overall carbon emissions compared to traditional methods.

• Preservation of Agricultural Land: HDD allows for the installation of utilities under agricultural land with minimal disruption to farming activities and soil structure.