Overview of Works
CountyClean Environmental Services was appointed to provide a new high capacity sewage treatment plant to support the operational requirements of Bader College. As part of Queen’s University (Canada) and located within Herstmonceux Castle Estate in East Sussex, Bader College required a modern wastewater treatment solution that could support campus operations while respecting the estate’s heritage and environmental significance. The existing infrastructure required upgrading to accommodate hydraulic loadings of approximately 731 population equivalent.
As the work is within the grounds of a historic estate, the project required a solution that was operational capable and robust, environmentally compliant and carefully managed to minimise disruption where possible.
Scope & Capability
The proposal involved the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a new treatment system. The final configuration included three BioDisc secondary treatment units supported by a 79,000-litre upstream balance tank. The system was designed to match the client’s loading data and ensure compliance with the existing discharge consent requirements.
Delivering the installation required extensive civil engineering works. A 17m x 17m x 3.3m excavation was undertaken with reinforced concrete bases and structural surrounds constructed to house the new assets. The new inlet and outfall pipework was installed along with internal drainage chambers, manholes and associated infrastructure. Electrical ducting was also routed from the original plant area, allowing for integration of the college’s power supply.
The project brought together CountyClean’s in-house expertise across groundworks, drainage infrastructure, mechanical and electrical coordination and sewage treatment plant installation – ensuring a seamless, fully integrated delivery.
Our Approach
Given the site is within a historic and greenfield area, careful planning and consideration of environmental effects were central to the strategy. Temporary access trackways were installed to protect the surrounding landscape and the excavated spoil was sustainably reused on site to reduce vehicle movements and off-site disposal.
A structured HSEQ framework was implemented throughout the works, with dedicated site supervision to maintain quality and programme control. Once the installation was complete, the system was fully commissioned. This included filling the tanks and biological seeding of the BioDisc units using activated sludge to establish treatment performance from day one.
Outcomes & Benefits
The completed installation now provides Bader College with a modern, compliant and resilient wastewater treatment solution that meets current demand and supports long term environmental protection across the estate.
This project highlights CountyClean’s ability to deliver complex wastewater infrastructure in sensitive environments, combining technical knowledge, regulatory understanding and disciplined project management to create reliable, high quality environmental assets.