AWP 2.0: Always in operation

Waterboard Brabantse Delta is working on the renovation and renewal of the existing wastewater pressure pipeline (AWP) in the coming years. The pipeline runs from the Moerdijk industrial estate to the sewage treatment plant in Bath. An interview with project manager Adrie Giljam of integral main contractor GMB Water Quality & Installations about the project and the challenges.

Formally, GMB is the main contractor and the other parties, are subcontractors. In practice, there is not much evidence of this and they are all partners.

Multidisciplinary approach and cooperation

GMB Water Quality & Installations is carrying out the work as the main contractor, together with partners Van der Kamp for the temporary pumping plants, Pentair Nijhuis for the pumps, Hoppenbrouwers for the E&PA and RHDHV for the design under the name PAUW (Pressure Stations AWP Ultimate Operation). "In July 2018, we were awarded the project based on EMVI," says Giljam. "Increasingly, traditional contract forms are giving way to agreements that are tailor-made around the client's demand. As the leading integrated water quality contractor in the Netherlands, we can maximize our multidisciplinary approach with process technology knowledge. And that is necessary, because the biggest challenge for this project is that the work must not bring wastewater transport to a standstill under any circumstances. the discharge capacity must remain guaranteed. We combine inventiveness with predictability, certainty and safety. The latter is in our DNA."

PAUW devotes considerable time and attention to optimal collaboration with the client, as this forms the basis for a successful project. For example, a comprehensive ProjectScooperationStartUp (PSSU) was initiated in June 2018 followed by ProjectFollowUp's (PFU) quarterly; thus, project objectives are regularly reviewed and discussed. At the end of August, the implementation teams of PAUW and the Brabantse Delta Water Board paid extensive attention to mutual cooperation during the realization phase in a PSSU Implementation with a strong focus on safety. Various themes were addressed here. Naturally, the continuity of the AWP was also the recurring theme here. Investments were also made in internal team cooperation.  

Formally, GMB is the main contractor and the other parties, are subcontractors. "In practice, there is not much evidence of this and we are all partners," says Giljam. "Together we therefore go for the project interests and thus also the interests of the client. Central control takes place from GMB's IPM team." GMB's scope includes, in addition to project management (IPM organization), all activities in the field of structural renovation,  civil modifications, infra and piping work and mechanical engineering activities. 

Formally, GMB is the general contractor and the other parties, are subcontractors.
In practice, there is not much evidence of this and they are all partners.

Rotary

The pressure stations are being renovated in phases, for which GMB has planned the necessary decommissioning operations (UBNs). Giljam: "Meanwhile, we have already had one UBN to perform inspection work. For each UBN  a comprehensive roadmap will be prepared and coordinated with the Brabantse Delta Water Board. Of paramount importance is that these UBNs are carried out in a safe and predictable manner within the set preconditions." 

At location Bath, the emergency spillway has already been modified in June of this year. At the Roosendaal pressure station, work is now in full swing. Construction work has been carried out to install the new transformers and adjustments have been made to the existing odor installation. In March 2020, the first new pump line in Roosendaal will be ready. "Together with the Water Board, we are on track to realize a beautiful project. In September 2022, the entire project will be completed," Giljam concludes.