HARDING PRIZE COMPETITION 2025 | BTS


4. CONCLUSIONS Through my own works at site on the Align project, delivering the Chiltern Tunnels and Colne Valley Viaduct for HS2, it has been possible to implement and optimise a site-wide water recycling network. This was achieved using the strict environmental discharge constraints, and having sufficient water to use in wheel washers and also dust suppression on sensitive ground within a Category 1 Source Protection Zone (SPZ1). This water source has also been used for production activities including the tunnels cooling water network and supplies into the concrete batching plants. This recycling initiative, in turn with the reuse of


water at the STP, reduced potable water demand to less than 15% of the total site requirements. The initiative


directly correlated with the UN SDG’s 6, 9, 11, 12, 14 & 15. This paper also delivers toward SDG 17, using the partnerships formed through the BTS network to share experiences and the possibilities achieved for water treatment, discharge and recycling within large scale construction thus ensuring its implementation across other projects. This will help to ensure that tunnelling remains at the forefront of innovation, improving its sustainability for future projects and gaining the benefits of being self-functioning, including removing the reliance on other industries and infrastructure. To rephrase Coleridge’s words from the Rime of the


Ancient Mariner “Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink”, (1798) I think a better use now would be ‘Water, water, everywhere, How to reuse, let’s think!”


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● Coleridge, S. T. (1798). ‘The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere.’ Dover Publications (1970) ● Evelyn, J. (1664). ‘Sylva, or A Discourse of Forest-Trees and the Propogation of Timber in His Majesty’s Dominions.’ London: Royal Society


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● Ofwat. (2024, 08 06). ‘Thames, Yorkshire and Northumbrian Water face £168 million penalty following sewage investigation.’ Retrieved from Offwat: https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/thames- yorkshire-and-northumbrian-water-face-168-million-penalty-following-sewage-investigation


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