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.
Latest Project News
What a Difference a Year Makes – 16th July 2010
With the last concrete being poured in our 90 million litre Clear Water Tank, it seemed like a good time to reflect on the progress of the Glencorse Project. Just last summer, the area where the tank sits was nothing but a deep hole in the ground. Since then the floor, walls, roof and an astonishing 490 internal columns have been constructed.
The Main Treatment Building has grown up from the initial foundations into a virtually complete building with its very own grass roof underway. The photos below highlight the amazing transformation in the last 12 months.
Track the progress of the construction site in pictures by clicking here.
Update on Glencorse Grass Roof – 12th July 2010
The laying of the grass roof has been progressing well and the team recently received a helping hand from Lothians MSP, Robin Harper.
Mr Harper commended Scottish Water’s efforts and environmental considerations in constructing the new water treatment works:
“It is vitally important that Public Utilities set an example and do all they can in respect of sustainability, and it is good to see Scottish Water achieving this in respect of their new development at Glencorse. Green roofs deliver biodiversity as well and it is benefits such as this that we need to aim for in all our developments now and in the future.”
The turf is being transplanted successfully and is establishing very quickly. The photographs below illustrate how well the roof is blending with the surrounding fields and hills. The Clear Water Tank and other treatment buildings will be grass seeded later this year.
On The Ball - 2nd July 2010
In-keeping with World Cup season, Glencorse WTW has been getting its very own turf make-over. This week sees the first grass being laid on the main treatment building. The green roof will be completed over the next month, ensuring the large water treatment building blends and merges with the beauty of the surrounding Pentland Hills.
Gerry McCready, Black & Veatch Site Foreman was quick to point out that no ball games are being allowed but was happy to comment on the transformation of the treatment building:
“The grass was cultivated on the shores of Loch Leven, and turf is being transported and placed as it arrives. In a continuous operation, the growing medium and turf are being lifted and placed by crane, and irrigation systems are ensuring the new green roof is well watered until it becomes established.”
Click here to read our article about the Glencorse Green Roof (pdf).
Check back soon for new aerial photographs of the roof!
Information on Road Closure - 11th June 2010
An essential part of the Glencorse Project is the new water mains that will carry clear, fresh water from the treatment works to the existing water network. To allow this work to take place, a section of Pentland Road in Damhead will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians for three weeks commencing Monday 14th of June. Diversions will be signposted.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The work planned to finish on 5th of July will be extended by approximately one week.
Apologies for any disruption.
New Pipelines Page - 8th June 2010
We have created a new section of the website for pipeline part of the project. This page will be dedicated to providing the most up-to-date and accurate information on the 15km of new pipeline we are installing.
Click here to view the new page or find it on the navigation bar to the left.
Glencorse Progress- 3rd June 2010
Each month we have aerial photographs taken of the main site and the pipeline. One of the latest developments on site is the steel roof being fitted on the main treatment building in preparation for the grass roof being laid later in the summer.
Click here to view the latest pictures and see how the project has progressed over the last 18 months.
Frogston Road Crossing - 2nd June 2010
Our works due to end on the 28th of May have been extended due to unforeseen technical difficulties. There is currently three way traffic management in operation on this road. The restrictions will be removed on Saturday 5th June. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.
Glencorse Supports Local Energy Fair - 15th May 2010
On Saturday 15th May, Edinburgh Transition held an Energy Fair at Fairmilehead Parish Church. The fair was organised to enable people in the community to move from high energy consumption to low energy consumption. Robin Harper, MSP and Ian Murray, MP opened the event.
Bethan Emmanuel and Bill Elliot, members of the Glencorse Project Team were delighted to attend and explain how energy consumption has been minimised in the design of the new Water Treatment Works. Attendees were particularly impressed with the initiative to have a mobile pipe production factory set up to manufacture large diameter pipes for the project. In this world first, the project managed to save 1500 Tonnes of Carbon Dioxide by choosing not transporting the pipes from abroad.
"I am highly impressed with technology being put to good use" commented local resident, Ms. Comrie.
Members of the public were interested to learn about the hydro turbine which will generate power for the finished works using the force of the water. The grass roof which will reduce solar reflection was also well received.
Going for Gold – 23rd April 2010
The Glencorse Project has scooped a Gold Award at the Considerate Constructors Awards in Edinburgh. The project staved off competition from around 7600 entries across the UK, with only a small percentage of entrants walking off with the top prizes.
Kenny Naylor, Scottish Water’s Senior Project Manager at Glencorse said: “This is fantastic news for the whole team, and in particular our contractors Black and Veatch, who have worked closely with all stakeholders to ensure this considerable project to run smoothly.
Andy Old, Site Manager for Black and Veatch (pictured below) added: “Every effort and consideration has been taken with the Glencorse project. Scottish Water ran the largest consultation programme in its history ahead of site selection, and the neighbouring community have been kept up to date at every stage, working closely with the team on the ground. This Gold Award is a tribute to the hard work of everyone on site.”
The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a national 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
Information on Edinburgh Roadworks - 21st April 2010
In order to connect our pipeline into the existing water distribution network, we are now laying some sections of pipe in Edinburgh. We are currently working in Frogston Road West. The road will remain open but there will be three-way traffic lights in place from 19th April for a period of five weeks. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Roadworks at Damhead - 20th April 2010
We are pleased to announce that the work we were carrying out on the A703 at Damhead was completed a week ahead of schedule. We had to close this road in order to lay the pipe that will carry clear, fresh drinking water from the completed Water Treatment Works into Edinburgh. In order to minimise disruption to our customers, we planned the work to coincide with the School’s Easter break. The work was completed over two weeks and the road closure was lifted early on Saturday morning.
For more information on the pipeline work in your area please click on the fact sheets below.
General Pipeline Fact Sheet (pdf)
Summer Working Hours - 30th March 2010
The clocks have gone forward and British Summer Time has begun (despite the weather not reflecting this!). The site will now be operating extended summer working hours. Taking advantage of the extra daylight will allow the new Water Treatment Works to progress as planned. Similarly to last summer, this means that work may take place from 7.30am until 7.30pm during the week and 8.00am until 5.30pm on Saturdays.
Click here to see the latest photos of how the project is progressing
World Water Day - 22nd March 2010
Nursery pupils in Edinburgh have been raising money for Water Aid in conjunction with World Water Day. Children from The Grassmarket Nursery School are putting on a play today which will raise money for the water charity. They have been learning about how important it is to have access to clean water and the money they raise will help to provide drinking water and sanitation in the world's poorest communities. In recognition of the nursery's efforts, the Glencorse project team have donated water bottles so that the children can enjoy clear, fresh drinking water from the tap.
Pipeline Update - 17th March 2010
As part of the project, we are installing 15km of new pipelines. The pipelines will take the clear, fresh drinking water from Glencorse Water Treatment Works into the existing water supply network in Edinburgh. This part of the project has been underway for a year and we are now preparing to lay pipes in the areas of Damhead, Fairmilehead and Alnwickhill. The majority of the work will take place in agricultural fields but we do need to cross public roads at some points. We will tunnel the pipe under the City Bypass to avoid disruption of this major road.
For more information on the work in your area please click on the fact sheets below.
General Pipeline Fact Sheet (pdf)
Pipeline Fact Sheet - Damhead (pdf)
Pipeline Fact Sheet - Fairmilehead (pdf)
Pipeline Fact Sheet - Alnwickhill/Liberton (pdf)
Archaeological Open Day - a historical success! 16th March 2010
The Glencorse Project Team held an Open Day on Saturday 13th March to promote the rich heritage that is being unearthed during construction. Working with the City of Edinburgh and CFA Archaeology, we were hosts to 170 visitors to the site of a World War II camp, thought to have been founded in the wake of the Allies’ defeat at Dunkirk in 1940. Occupied by the Durham Light Infantry, the camp then became home for ‘displaced persons’ for a few years after the war.
Lynsey Tweedlie, Scottish Water’s Project Manager for the Glencorse Pipelines commented, “We were always aware of the local interest surrounding historical finds, and took the opportunity to invite neighbours to visit our working areas and see first hand the evidence of earlier occupation”. Lynsey continued, “The local community turned out in great numbers and everyone recorded their appreciation to learn more about their area. We had lots of discussions about the local history as well as many opportunities to answer questions on our new construction activities”.
Further information was shared regarding the finds of musket balls which are believed to have originated from the 17th Century when Oliver Cromwell resided with a local landowner. Further evidence of the Cormwellian camp will hopefully be revealed during on-going preparations for the pipeline construction.
Kenny Naylor, Senior Project Manager for the Glencorse Project commented, “The local community were involved in the project at the very beginning in 2008 when we unearthed evidence of a Roman marching camp, and working with near neighbours, we repositioned the new Water Treatment Works to everyone’s satisfaction which allowed the Roman Camp to remain intact”.
Kenny concluded, “The numbers attending the Open Day are testament to the value placed on local history and it provided a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about the 15km of pipelines and new Water Treatment Works we are building which will link with Edinburgh’s existing water infrastructure next year.”
Click here (pdf) for photographs of the Open Day.
Glencorse Time Team - 11th March 2010
Over the last few weeks, our archaeologists have been investigating the site of an old World War II camp, which was situated near the Edinburgh City Bypass, just off Frogston Road.
The findings are to be displayed at an open event on Saturday 13th March between 11.00 - 3.00. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the recent history of the Mortonhall area. The camp is located on the route of the new pipeline which will take clear, fresh drinking water from the finished Glencorse Water Treatment Works into the City.
Those participating in the event will have the chance to view the excavated remains of site huts, as well as artefacts which include belt buckles and uniform buttons, and learn more about the other discoveries made during the course of this project. Future work hopes to find evidence for the remains of a Cromwellian encampment close to the site of this WWII camp. This is a one off opportunity to view artefacts which could even date back as far as the early 16th century.
Click here (pdf) for full details of the Open Day.
Richard Anderson Bids Farewell - 17th February 2010
The start of any New Year always brings a sense of fresh starts and this year in particular brings about a change to the project team at Glencorse as Richard Anderson moves to pastures new and Kenny Naylor takes over as the lead of Scottish Water’s Glencorse Project Team.
Kenny commented; “I am looking forwards to maintaining the great performance of the team and getting to grips with the challenges of commissioning the new Works and pipelines.”
Richard added; “With Kenny having spent many years working with the Black & Veatch team during the construction of the Milngavie Water Treatment Works, it is a really smooth handover as Kenny meets with colleagues who are now delivering the Glencorse project.”
Richard Anderson is pictured ‘handing over the reins’ to Kenny Naylor, Senior Project Manager, Scottish Water.
New e:Letter Released
The latest edition of our e:Letter is now available. Click below to read the latest news on how the project is progressing.
Click here to view the e:letter (pdf).
Happy New Year From Glencorse
The site re-opened on the 4th of January after the traditional two-week shutdown for the festive period. With the snow and ice almost gone, the construction site is back to full operation. Equipment for the treatment building is arriving daily and excellent progress is being made on the Clear Water Tank.
Click here to see the latest photographs from the construction site.
Glencorse gets VIP Visitor
The Project Team welcomed a VIP guest when the new President of the Institution of Civil Engineers visited the project as part of his first formal engagement in the role.
Professor Paul Jowitt, Professor of Civil Engineering Systems and Heriot Watt University and a former board member of Scottish Water, was among 30 members of the ICE who toured the site. The visit coincided with the Scottish launch of a major report by the ICE into the challenges of reducing the carbon footprint of major infrastructure projects across the UK.“The Glencorse project is a great example of using cutting edge innovation in both the sustainable construction and operation of the plant and the visit proved extremely interesting for our members – despite the bad weather!” said Professor Jowitt.
Information on Road Closure - 6th November 2009
An essential part of the Glencorse Project is the new water mains that will carry treated water from the treatment works to the existing water network. To allow this work to take place, a section of Glencorse Kirk Road will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians for three weeks commencing Monday 9th of November. Diversions will be signposted.
The road has now been re-opened. Apologies for any disruption.
Click here to see a map of the road closure (pdf).
