WYG Wins Framework Agreement Extension From Severn Trent Water

International consultancy WYG has won an extension of a framework agreement to supply ecological services to Seven Trent Water until June 2012, as part of the utility’s upgrade of its water infrastructure. WYG is one of a number of companies helping to provide this service.

The Asset Management Programme 5 (AMP5) includes the upgrade and replacement of sewers, flood alleviation schemes, pumping stations and storm water retention tanks, and the upgrade and enhancement of water pipelines, water treatment plants and sewage treatment works across the region.

Rossa Donovan, Regional Director at WYG said: “Our ecology experts will continue to provide Severn Trent, and their contractors, with a client-focused ecological service which has been tailored to the needs of STW drawing on a large team of experienced and accredited ecologists.

“In the past we have produced innovative solutions to problems both in terms of timescales and working methods. We have given toolbox talks to construction workers, providing them with photographs of protected wildlife that they might happen to find during works. We also provide a 24 hour phone number so that they can contact us for advice at any time.”

It is anticipated that the work under the extended framework will continue to include services such as:

• Ecological scoping surveys to identify potential ecological constraints
• Directed surveys for bats, badgers, newts, reptiles, otters, water vole, white clawed crayfish and rare plants
• Protected species licence applications & mitigation
• Recommended alterations to construction methodologies & timings to avoid disturbing European protected species such as bats roosting in pumping stations and other buildings
• Trapping and translocation of newts and reptiles
• The creation of a ponds and enhanced wildlife areas to serve as a receptor areas for great crested newts and reptiles
• Ecological clerk of works services during construction

WYG also provides geotechnical, arboriculture and landscape services to Severn Trent Water.

Photograph: A grass snake that was successfully translocated away from a pipeline route in Leicestershire during works. Photo credit: Richard Penson MIEEM.