South West Water is bedding in new water pipes on the Isles of Scilly with crushed recycled glass from the islands to reduce its impact on the environment.
Over 800 metres of new water mains have been secured using the innovative technique, to reduce the high costs and environmental impact from transporting tonnes of traditional materials from the mainland, requiring boats, small planes and even helicopters.
This new approach, developed in partnership with Glanville Environmental, involves glass already on the Isles of Scilly being crushed and smoothed to a sand-like texture to safely surround new pipework. This has led to 80 tonnes of recycled glass being utilised – the equivalent of around 240,000 empty bottles of wine!
The purpose of pipe bedding is to secure the pipe in the ground so even pressure is applied to the pipe, helping to protect it against leaks.
Richard Price, South West Water’s Chief Engineering Director, said: “The varying landscapes that we work in across the Isles of Scilly make it a special place to look after, but not always the easiest. By reutilising this glass from the Isles, we have saved it from needing to be transported around for recycle-processing and dramatically reduced our need to get resources sent over from the mainland.
“We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways of working across our entire region and having this beautiful natural environment surrounding us pushes us to leave places better than we found them, with minimal impact.”
Glanville Environmental’s Engineering Manager, Geoff Willcocks, who discovered the ability to use recycled glass in this approach, said: “Repurposing the used glass on the Isles means we have made our work more environmentally friendly, reducing the need for materials from the mainland being brought across the sea by using what is already at hand.
“This has significantly reduced South West Water’s environmental footprint, and showcases both companies’ commitment to working more sustainably.”
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