Construction Surface Water Management Planning

 

What is CSWMP?

CSWMP is the use of mapping, site knowledge and experienced professional judgement to anticipate the likely issues associated with the movement of surface waters across site during the construction period, and to plan accordingly. Unmanaged, surface water can result in operational and regulatory issues, with the following being typical examples of problems that can occur during the construction phase:

Ground becoming dangerous and un-workable

Every construction site is unique with its own set of topographical, hydrological, and environmental characteristics. Surface runoff across stripped sites often results in the creation of slurry conditions, which are time consuming and difficult to manage. As working conditions deteriorate, an expensive stop on works can be required and may be enforced. Waterlogged and overworked ground conditions also have the frequently unanticipated economic consequence of damaging the internal structure of valuable site soils.

 

 

 

Flooded Works

Managing stormwater runoff is essential for preventing flooding and minimising soil erosion. Uncontrolled surface waters will frequently flood site works, delaying the programme and potentially compromising integrity and safety, so that works may risk becoming non-compliant.

 

 

 

Surface Water Contamination

Where construction surface waters are uncontrolled, these can enter unprotected surface water drainage systems via gullies, chambers or drainage channels, and will inevitably enter adjacent rivers and streams. This can extract a high environmental price as habitats become choked with silt and debris. A stop on works is likely and may be followed by an Environment Agency fine. In 2021 a major / national Contractor  was fined almost £500,000 for failing to implement appropriate measures to prevent multiple pollution incidents.   

 

 

 

 

 

Professional CSWMP Services

Mayer Brown Ltd have staff experienced in flood risk, drainage design and construction environmental management. These skill sets are brought together to examine the local hydrological, topographical and geological conditions. Once these elements are understood, a dynamic plan can be collated to work alongside the contractor’s programme, to manage sites surface water and protect receiving systems. 

 

Why Choose Mayer Brown?

 
Mayer Brown Ltd has been working in the area of Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP) and Surface Water Management since the early 2000s. In this time we have amassed considerable knowledge in the area of CSWMP on large, and small scale projects based in both urban, and rural environments. One of our particular areas of expertise is in the management of surface water adjacent to areas of high ecological value.

 
A well thought out and implemented CSWMP will work towards Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Protection, whilst minimising risks, providing overall costs savings and demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility.

Whether your works are well progressed, or still at the inception stage, we would be pleased to bring our experience to your project.