Gondolin Land and Water was pleased to support Alvance Aluminium Group in securing the necessary approvals for their Recycling and Billet Plant at Fort William by preparing a comprehensive Drainage Design Basis Report, including sustainable surface water management.
Gondolin Land & Water's proposed Drainage Strategy.
Sustainable Surface Water Management & Drainage Systems (SuDS) Design Approach
Located on the outskirts of Fort William, the development occupies a complex site comprising former industrial land and adjacent peatland. Careful consideration was essential to develop a surface water management strategy that respected both the site's hydrology and wider environmental sensitivities.
At the core of the solution is a fully integrated Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS), designed to manage runoff efficiently and responsibly. Surface water from the new plant will be conveyed via a network of filter drains and linear drainage before reaching purpose-designed SuDS features: a constructed wetland and a SuDS pond. These features attenuate flows and enhance water quality prior to discharge into the local watercourse network.
Technical Compliance with CIRIA and SEPA Standard
Design work was underpinned by robust technical guidance, including CIRIA’s SuDS Manual and SEPA’s regulatory methods. Our drainage strategy not only replicates the existing natural drainage patterns but improves them by formalising runoff pathways and reducing discharge rates below greenfield conditions.
A draft maintenance strategy was also developed to ensure the long-term functionality of the system. All assets will remain under the private ownership of Alvance Aluminium Group, with operations integrated into the site’s maintenance routines.
The site is located at the foot of Ben Nevis. Photo Taken by our managing director, Zak Ritchie.
Protecting the Local Water Environment Through Thoughtful Design
This project highlights how thoughtful drainage design can deliver technical excellence while ensuring protection of the local water environment — an approach we’re proud to maintain through all our projects.
If you'd like to learn more about how Gondolin Land and Water can support your development with sustainable and pragmatic drainage design, feel free to contact us.
