This means that the water is then fit for discharge or re-use.


Once full, the de-watering bags are removed and the solid contents are transferred to an on-site crusher. The material is then reincorporated into the project across a number of applications such as fill material for beneath hard standings, car parks and pathways.


Achievements By using the RCW, the project has been able to:


• Treat all concrete wash-water produced on-site, some 177,000 litres in total.


• Capture and reincorporate 192m3 of concrete into permanent works on-site via the RCW and on-site crushing, thus avoiding expensive off-site processing costs.


• Avoid costly off-site treatment of large volumes of water by treating it on-site.


• Avoid the discharge of high alkaline cementitious waste water polluting the ground.


In July 2010, the project also won the Constructing Excellence Wales Award for Innovation for its use of the RCW as a best practice solution for cementitious waste water control and treatment.


Iona Hughes, Waste Manager for ASH Waste Services, one of the supply chain companies on the project, has worked full time on the North Factory project site since December 2008. Iona comments: “99% of all waste materials used are recycled or reused on-site and best practice is always sought to resolve potential environmental issues. The RCW provides suitable containment for the concrete wash-water within a confined area and then treats it to the appropriate pH level to discharge. This system has enabled us to treat large quantities of concrete wash-water, using minimal labour and manual handling. During the larger pours on-site, it has enabled us to carry out this activity without having to bring in the estimated 15 skips that we would have required had we used the skip storage method.”


Richard Coulton, Managing Director at Siltbuster, adds: “Our RCW system has once again proven to be robust and reliable on a large scale project that is using extremely high volumes of concrete in a short space of time. The project has recognised its value and the potential return on investment, as well as the many environmental benefits associated with applying waste


ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY MAGAZINE |145|


Trucks reverse up to the RCW and wash off the concrete delivery chute directly into the front end of the RCW unit


management best practice.


“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when companies and their contractors put environmental best practice high up on their agenda. With the construction sector becoming increasingly competitive, companies have to adapt and respond by taking steps to distinguish themselves from their competitors. The project team has achieved this through its commitment to delivering exceptional best practice on the Airbus North Factory construction project.”


The concreting works on the North Factory project are scheduled for completion by December 2010, with the building being handed over to Airbus UK for final completion of the manufacturing installation.


Key benefits of the RCW – Concrete Wash-water Treatment System • It provides a simple solution for the handling of wash-water from concreting operations, minimising pollution risk and its potential adverse environmental impact.


• It combines solids removal and pH adjustment in a single integrated unit.


• The automated process reduces manpower on-site and takes the guesswork out of pH adjustment.


• It is compact and easily transportable. • It enables controlled neutralisation of the water before discharge or reuse.


• Its small footprint and battery powered operation means it is also ideal for small inner city or remote sites.


• It enables the concrete solids to be captured for recycling on-site if necessary.


• Health and safety concerns are reduced by the use of carbon dioxide, meaning plant operators are not required to work with strong acids to adjust pH levels.


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