Cinque Ports Way WPS Rising Main

The Bulverhythe Challenge

Between 2021 and 2022, Southern Water Services (SWS) partnered with Cappagh Browne Utilities (CBUL) to address repeated failures of an 800 mm pressurised wastewater main. This aging CI pipeline, running across a beach, a railway, residential areas, and an industrial zone, had suffered multiple bursts. Each incident caused severe consequences, including:

• Internal flooding in homes and businesses
• Extensive external flooding in Bulverhythe
• Discharges into Hastings bathing waters and the Combe Haven River
• Disruption to highways and local access, with over 50 tankers required to manage flows during repairs

Given these challenges, a permanent solution was needed.

Phase 1: Finding the Right Solution

Initially, the plan was to rehabilitate the existing 800 mm main and install an overland pipe to divert flows during the works. However, detailed investigations revealed that routing the overland pipe over a mainline railway was impractical.

A revised approach identified a decommissioned 30-inch (760 mm) cast iron main running a similar route, allowing for a hybrid solution. The agreed design incorporated multiple engineering techniques to maximise efficiency and resilience:

• Connections: Installing valves and pipe connections to ensure seamless integration with the existing network.
• UV-Cured Lining: Strengthening 82 metres of the decommissioned main under the railway using ultraviolet-cured lining.

• Open-Cut: Excavating and laying 480 metres of SDR 17 polyethylene (PE) pipe.

• Overland Pipeline: Temporarily rerouting flows with a 500-metre above-ground 700 mm ductile iron and PE pipeline.
• Slip-Lining: Reinforcing 620 metres of existing pipeline by inserting a 710 mm SDR 26 PE pipe inside.

Phase 2: Overcoming Challenges in Delivery

The project required continuous collaboration between Southern Water and CBUL to navigate complex constraints. A key focus was valve testing to ensure the system could support planned diversions and commissioning.

One major challenge was high groundwater levels, influenced by tidal conditions. To counteract this, proactive water management strategies were implemented, maintaining stability even in fluctuating weather conditions.

A critical milestone was the safe shutdown of Cinque Ports Way Wastewater Pumping Station (WPS) to complete final pipeline connections. A Safe Control of Operations (SCO) permit was meticulously prepared, factoring in:

• Weather forecasts
• Tidal conditions
• Tanker availability
• Demand from other infrastructure
• Storage capacity and pipework modifications

Careful planning allowed the diversion to be completed in a single outage instead of multiple shutdowns, minimising disruption and demonstrating the strength of collaboration between Southern Water and CBUL.

Project Completion and Lasting Impact

 By the end of 2024, the transition to the new pipeline was successfully completed, with reinstatement and site demobilisation set for mid-March 2025.

This project represents a major step forward in infrastructure resilience, ensuring reliable wastewater services while protecting local communities and the environment. The successful delivery of this £11 million solution underscores the power of engineering expertise, strategic planning, and strong partnerships in tackling complex infrastructure challenges.