Composite covers

On-site infrastructure changes included the building of a large underground tank to store rainwater during a deluge until slow-release back into the waste water network downstream was deemed safe.

Fibrelite's technical director David Holmes explained:  "The tank comprised a 3mx13m chamber with a fixed structural beam running down the centre so covers were needed over a large area and had to be quickly removable by water board operatives for regular maintenance and emergency work.

"In addition, given the siting of the tank in a residential area, the covers had to be both secure and safe to walk across with a negligible environmental impact, especially as the area is also home to the great crested newt, a protected species."

Lightweight, bolt-down, medium-duty composite trench covers were quickly identified as a solution to the various difficulties. The anti-slip material incorporated into the manufacturing process as standard also proved beneficial, as it meant that this relatively large area of covers would be safe for residents to cross on a daily basis.