Scottish Water Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works

Delivering comprehensive facilities management for large-scale industrial sites.

Scottish Water’s Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) exemplifies the intricacies of managing a complex Facilities Management contract within a large-scale industrial site, encompassing considerations such as its expansive footprint, comprehensive asset management, logistical complexities, large-scale manufacturing processes, vehicle movements, and workforce management. 

 
Seafield WwTW is Scotland's largest wastewater treatment facility, processing an impressive 300 million litres of wastewater daily. Located in Edinburgh, this critical infrastructure serves nearly one million people in the city and the wider Lothians region, making it a cornerstone of Scotland's waste management system.

In 1999, Veolia was awarded a performance-based contract to operate and maintain the Seafield and other related facilities, involving the operation and maintenance (O&M) of 15 sites across Edinburgh and the Lothians. This included five treatment works, 11 stormwater sites, one trunk sewer, one pumping station, three combined heat and power (CHP) plants, and an advanced digestion plant.

The challenge

Seafield faced the challenge of implementing a comprehensive and integrated facility management solution to address its complex operational demands. The facility required a strategy that could manage its vast scale, ensure regulatory compliance, maintain operational efficiency, implement sustainable practices, and integrate advanced technologies.

Additional challenges included coordinating diverse services, ensuring safety, maintaining cost-effectiveness, and guaranteeing continuous operation while future-proofing the facility.

These factors combine to create a multifaceted operational environment that requires sophisticated planning, execution, and oversight to maintain the efficient and effective operation of this vital component of Scotland's waste management system.

The solution

Veolia implemented a comprehensive facility management solution, integrating wide-ranging services, advanced technology, and sustainability initiatives. The strategy encompassed Hard FM, building maintenance, energy management, soft services, site management, and specialised services (including CAFM & Helpdesk).

It featured a state-of-the-art CAFM system, 24/7 monitoring, and real-time performance tracking. Regulatory compliance and safety were ensured through rigorous measures, while sustainability efforts focused on energy efficiency and waste reduction.

This holistic approach streamlined operations, enhanced efficiency, and maintained high performance standards for this critical infrastructure.

Veolia implemented a wide-ranging FM strategy encompassing:

Comprehensive FM Offer & Scope:

• Hard FM Services: Mechanical; Electrical (inc HV); Plumbing; Instrumentation & Control
• Building Maintenance: Internal fabric, fire systems, lighting, safety signage
• Maintenance Activities: Statutory, regulatory, planned, and reactive
• Energy Management: Domestic and industrial energy centres, including biogas and CHP
• Soft Services: Catering, cleaning, waste management
• Site Management: Roads, parking, security, grounds maintenance
• Specialised Services: Fuel management, HGV licensing, weighbridge management, lab sampling and testing
• Chemical and Instrumentation Management
• Project Delivery and Performance Monitoring

Advanced Technology Integration:

• State-of-the-art Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system
• 24/7/365 monitoring control centre with SCADA integration
• Real-time performance monitoring using eSight & BI platform

Regulatory Compliance and Safety:

• Comprehensive licence management (SEPA, Waste Management, Odour, Emissions)
• Rigorous operational safety measures and assessments

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Energy efficiency and self-sufficiency programmes
• Waste reduction and landfill avoidance strategies

The result

Veolia's FM services at Seafield WwTW have demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple areas. Seafield achieved 100% compliance with all regulatory requirements and licences, while significantly improving operational efficiency by reducing chemical consumption by 50% and achieving 108% energy self-sufficiency. Safety performance has been high performing, with 100% compliance and five years without any lost time incidents. Sustainability efforts resulted in 99.99% landfill avoidance for site waste outputs. Financially, Veolia’s committed investment of the 30-year scheme is forecast to be £950m and the project has outperformed the model predictions through improved efficiency and outstanding asset care and management. 

Value added

Veolia's comprehensive FM services at Seafield WwTW have added significant value to the facility's operations and Scottish Water's overall waste management system:

1. Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The 50% reduction in chemical consumption and 108% energy self-sufficiency have not only reduced costs but also improved the facility's environmental footprint.
2. Risk Mitigation: Perfect regulatory compliance and safety performance have minimised operational risks and potential legal liabilities.
3. Environmental Stewardship: Near-total landfill avoidance demonstrates Veolia's commitment to circular economy principles and reduces the facility's environmental impact.
4. Technological Advancement: The integration of advanced CAFM systems and real-time monitoring has improved decision-making and operational responsiveness.
5. Investment Value: Demonstrates how significant investments in water treatment can ensure long-term viability, serve as a model for future projects, and yield both environmental and financial benefits.
6. Workforce Development: Contributing to a well-trained and competent workforce, exemplified by the safety record, adds value through human capital development.

Anthony McKenna, Assetco Director of Sterling Water, a Special Purpose Company contracted with Scottish Water, adds, "Veolia’s innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies have not only ensured optimal performance and sustainability but have also created a more resilient infrastructure. We've seen significant operational and financial benefits, and importantly, improved relationships with our community. This project exemplifies how modern FM can transform critical infrastructure for the better."  

Veolia's commitment to innovation and environmental excellence extends beyond current achievements, with ambitions to improve Seafield's environmental impact through further decarbonisation efforts, including exploring fuel switching, expanding district heating, and reducing CO2 emissions.