Specialist drainage engineers WCI have proved the value of using a specially trained and approved supplier of wastewater treatment systems.
For their review of the specification of a One2Clean wastewater treatment system manufactured by Graf UK resulted in the client, a Somerset vineyard, making a 10% cost saving.
WCI were called in by Graf UK when the management of sewage became a major issue for David Bailey and Lexa Hunt and their family when they bought one of Somerset’s oldest vineyards, Wraxhall Vineyard, complete with an events building for up to 70 people and three rental cottages that sleep up to 14 people.
With visitors numbers forecast to be 5,000 to 10,000 per year, a modern, compliant wastewater treatment system was required to replace an ageing septic tank, and following an environmental review by the vineyard’s own contractors, the Graf One2Clean was selected.
But given this was brand-new technology, expertise was sought regarding its installation and ongoing maintenance, and that’s when Graf UK called on its approved installer WCI.
The specialists were asked to review the suitability of the recommended system, guide the contractor on the installation process, check the installation and initial operation of the system, assist with the application for the relevant Environment Agency permit, and provide ongoing six-monthly serving and system testing.
WCI’s initial review suggested alternative configurations of the Graf system which led to cost savings on the system itself and the installation.
Following a site meeting to determine the best location and drainage solutions (near to the old septic tank, allowing for falls, space and aesthetics), help and guidance from WCI was at the end of a phone for the contractor to ensure a speedy installation. Commissioning was straightforward and the system was fully operational within two to three hours. And some nine months later, the system has functioned perfectly and effluent is fully meeting regulatory requirements.
David Bailey said: ““Our development of the vineyard, and in particular visitor numbers and overnight stays, was critical to the longevity of the vines and the wines that we produce. It was really important to us that whatever we did, we were very kind to our very rural and special environment.
“The new GRAF system, allied to WCI’s expertise, knowledge and help, has allowed us to achieve this. The six-monthly system tests and checks give us peace of mind that everything is working properly. We know about grapes and wine – but nothing about effluent management! WCI have been invaluable in guiding and supporting us through this process.”
WCI marketing manager Jonathan Wall said: “This project was challenging due to the limited space adjacent to a beautiful vineyard. It needed to be completed sympathetically while still maintaining falls from upstream and downstream drainage.”
From its establishment in 1974, Wraxhall Vineyard now offers tours and tastings, stays, and events such as business meetings, celebrations, workshops and retreats.
Aliquam erat volutpat. Donec ac porta mi. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Donec id diam condimentum, ornare diam quis, venenatis arcu. Pellentesque et velit quis tortor sagittis feugiat ac a ligula. Suspendisse sed pulvinar massa. Cras sagittis ac ipsum ac ultrices. Ut felis lorem, ultricies vitae consectetur vitae, finibus eget dui. Etiam auctor posuere facilisis. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Nulla vel metus vitae sapien suscipit congue.
