Gondolin Land & Water supported Lairdmannoch Energy Park in Dumfries and Galloway with the detailed design of surface water and firewater management for the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
This project forms part of a wider energy park development which also includes wind turbines and solar generation. For our team, the focus was on ensuring that the BESS platform remains safe, resilient, and environmentally responsible throughout its operational life.
Taken by a member of our team during a visit to the proposed site location in Dumfries and Galloway.
Battery Energy Storage System Drainage Design
The BESS site is currently undeveloped greenfield land, and our challenge was to design a surface water drainage system that would manage additional runoff without increasing flood risk to surrounding areas.
Following national guidance (CIRIA C753) and local Dumfries and Galloway standards, our engineers developed a sustainable drainage (SuDS) solution including:
- A lined attenuation pond sized to accommodate extreme storm events with climate change allowances.
- Filter drains and swales to manage runoff from access tracks.
- A controlled discharge system ensuring flows are restricted to greenfield runoff rates.
- A robust maintenance plan to ensure long-term efficiency and environmental protection.
This ensures that the BESS compound will remain free from flooding while protecting downstream watercourses and habitats.
Drainage Design Details of the proposed Battery Energy Storage System for the Lairdmannoch Energy Park.
Firewater Management for Battery Storage Safety
In addition to day-to-day drainage, it was critical to address firewater risk management in line with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance for large-scale battery storage. Our Firewater Management Plan (FWMP) ensures:
- Full containment of any firewater within the SuDS attenuation pond (storage volume 406 m³).
- Installation of a remote-operated Firewater Isolation Valve to prevent contaminated runoff reaching local watercourses.
- On-site water supply tanks providing sufficient firefighting capacity, exceeding NFCC requirements.
- Clear operational procedures, monitoring, and emergency agreements for safe removal of contaminated water if required.
By integrating firewater planning directly into the drainage design, we ensured compliance with regulatory standards while safeguarding the local environment.
Delivering Resilient Design
Our work at Lairdmannoch Energy Park demonstrates how Battery Energy Storage System Drainage Design can meet both hydraulic performance and environmental protection objectives. By combining hydrological modelling, SuDS best practice, and firewater safety planning, the site can operate sustainably while contributing to Scotland’s renewable energy future.
At Gondolin Land & Water, we take pride in delivering solutions that balance technical rigour with environmental responsibility. If you'd like to find out more about us, don't hesitate to get in touch.
