issue two: may 2009 - Halcrow

Down, down,deeper and downalcrow is playing a leading role in theprogramme management of Thames Water’sHproposed London Tideway Tunnels – thecapital’s most ambitious project since its extensiveVictorian sewerage system was built in the 1850s.The 11-year scheme will ensure that up to 32 millionmetres 3 of untreated sewage no longer escapes intothe River Thames after rainfall. Such occurrences haveincreased in recent years with rapid urban development,an expanding population and changing weather patterns.Halcrow will work on the scheme – the utility’s singlebiggest investment – as associate to CH2M HILL.The London Tideway Tunnels will capture sewage thatwould otherwise spill from the combined sewer overflowsand transfer it to Beckton Sewage Treatment Worksfor processing.Ultimately, the scheme will ensure London’s seweragesystem fully complies with the European UrbanWastewater Treatment Directive.The scheme consists of two distinct and independentprojects: the Lee Tunnel – which will capture dischargesfrom a combined sewer at Abbey Mills, responsible forhalf the volume of sewage discharged into the tidal RiverThames every year. And the more complex 32km-longThames Tunnel, which will capture the flows of sewagefrom 34 combined sewer overflows. Up to 75m belowground, both tunnels will be the deepest in London.Halcrow played a major part in winning the commissionand will deliver around 50 per cent of the cross-business,multidisciplinary programme management services.Not only will it strengthen the company’s project andprogramme management capability, it will enhanceHalcrow’s relationships with Thames Water, and thestrategic alliance with CH2M HILL.The water and power business group’s managingdirector, Michael Norton, said: “This is a milestone inthe development of Halcrow’s water business – theprogramme management of probably its largest everwater sector project. Following the successful completionof High Speed 1, it ensures that Halcrow remains centrestage of London’s tunnelling projects and has theopportunity to work on the largest current Europeansewerage scheme.”Once completed, the work will not only benefit wildlife,but the river’s extensive leisure users. And it will ensurethat ‘Old Father Thames’ remains a continuing source ofpride for future generations of Londoners.12Vox | issue one two