United Utilities runs a variety of capital works and maintenance programmes to ensure its network is safe and efficient, while continuously improving drinking water quality and environmental protection.
Since 2007, TEP has supported United Utilities with ecological and arboricultural services via framework consultancy contracts. This includes habitat and protected species surveys associated with waste water treatment plant extensions and upgrades, and new pipeline projects. These lead on to environmental assessments and mitigation measures to ensure compliance with UU’s corporate environmental policy.
TEP has managed over 300 ecological schemes for UU, including long sea and coastal outfall upgrades, flood defence enhancements, wastewater treatment facility upgrades, reservoir de-risking, low-flow alleviation schemes and numerous minor engineering works that affect trees and habitats.
We have surveyed for great crested newts, voles, bats, crayfish, birds and invasive species. TEP’s ecologists have been seconded into UU’s project teams to enable them to rapidly respond to queries generated by UU’s planners and engineers.
UU has a corporate commitment to increase generation of renewable electricity, and TEP has assisted with surveys and mitigation method statements for several solar installations, most notably the 2.7GwH/yr floating array at Godley Reservoir in Greater Manchester.
In respect of arboriculture, TEP carries out surveys to BS5837 (2012) of trees affected by engineering works. This includes tree protection plans, root investigations and pro-active arboricultural surgery to ensure safe access for UU’s plant in tight urban areas.
TEP’s ecologists and arborists also negotiate relevant consents and licences with Environment Agency, Natural England and (where relevant) Natural Resources Wales.
