MHB provided detailed design services to I&H Brown for civil, environmental, drainage and mechanical improvement works being undertaken on behalf of Scottish Power at their Longannet and Cockenzie sites. A key element of this was the regrading of the existing ash lagoons and subsequent capping to prevent the generation of windblown dust and create landscaped platforms for safe access to sensitive wading bird habitats. MHB also managed the design of mechanical and electrical elements for the pumping system associated with the site drainage including the installation of a new wind turbine to provide low maintenance power.
MHB’s services included topographic surveys, 3D modelling of the site contours and the proposed finished levels, volumetric calculations and development of the resulting bills of quantities, lagoon layout design and regarding options, landscape planting design, earthworks and design statements, ancillary details for paths, fencing, bird hides, outfall and pipework upgrades, turbine compounds and electrical services. Electrical and mechanical elements related to the new wind turbine, GRP enclosure and pumping systems were undertaken by SVM Glasgow.
The first requirement was the draining of the lagoons, followed by re-profiling, removal of dust suppression, ash slurry pipes, and other infrastructure. Material was then imported to cap off the lagoons. Once capping was complete, a nature reserve wetland will be created at Longannet with new footpath networks, benches and bird hides. Local sources of suitable material that met the specification, which ironically was a coal mining by-product in the form of colliery shale. The use of this locally sourced material significantly reduced road haulage distances and carbon emissions generated by the works, as well as being the most sustainable way to achieve the desired outcome.
