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Tafarnaubach Trunk Main Renewal

Project Location:

Tafarnaubach, Blaenau Gwent

Client Name:

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

Project Description:

OCU delivered the emergency replacement of the Tafarnaubach trunk main after a landslide during Storm Dennis caused failure of a 600mm water main supplying the local network.


OCU developed an open-cut route along an adjacent roadway. Works included installing over 800m of 560mm HDPE pipeline between high-pressure mains, with testing and commissioning. The scheme was delivered under challenging conditions to restore supply to 39,000 local customers and essential public infrastructure, including two hospitals.

Key Stats:

  • 800m+ of 560mm HDPE SDR9 pipeline installed

  • 3.9km of trunk main commissioned

  • 39,000 customers supply protected

  • 2 hospitals maintained water supply

  • Working 24/7 to meet programme

3 Months

Duration

Challenge

  • Failure of a trunk main following landslip requiring urgent response

  • Original pipeline located on an unstable embankment, preventing reinstatement

  • Ground conditions unsuitable for HDD, requiring redesign to open-cut solution

  • Installing pipeline between two live high-pressure mains in unknown condition

  • Compressed programme to restore supply and protect critical customers

  • Delivery during COVID-19 with increased demand and operational constraints

Solution

  • Undertook ECI works including boreholes and trial pits to inform design

  • Redesigned from HDD to open-cut installation along alternative route

  • Installed over 800m of 560mm HDPE pipeline within accelerated programme

  • Implemented 24/7 working with structured handover processes

  • Coordinated closely with DCWW and design partners to manage live interfaces

  • Installed temporary commissioning systems including pumps, tanks and dichlorination

Outcome

  • Trunk main successfully replaced and brought back into service

  • Supply protected for over 39,000 customers and two hospitals

  • Over 10 million litres of water safely flushed and treated during commissioning

  • Works delivered within accelerated programme despite challenging conditions

  • Safe delivery maintained throughout COVID-19 restrictions

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