The Wimborne St Giles Slurry Lagoon project aimed to transform waste management practices on a large-scale farm in Dorset. By constructing a custom-designed lagoon, AMS (Avon Material Supplies) enabled St. Giles Farms to store waste digestate, which is used as an organic fertiliser.
Client: St Giles Farm
Contractor: AMS (Avon Material Supplies)
Project Partners: DG Yeatman Surveying, Enviroseal Lining Contractors, Ridge Consulting
Focus of project
This project focused on reducing the farm’s reliance on inorganic nitrogen fertilisers while increasing soil organic matter. To achieve this, they conducted a trial using a small amount of digestate from a food waste Biogas Anaerobic Digestion Plant. The trial was successful, though limited by the plant’s current production capacity of only 300-400m³ per week, compared to the farm’s need for around 3,000m³ at a time. With a larger digestate supply, they could extend its use to more crops throughout the year, rather than just Spring barley
As a result, they anticipate a reduction of 380 tonnes of manufactured fertiliser, leading to an estimated annual saving of £26,300.
Why AMS?
AMS was selected for this project due to our strong track record of successfully delivering similar slurry lagoon projects for other farms in the region. Our experience in working with farms and expertise in managing environmental and regulatory requirements made us the ideal choice for the project.
Planning and Environmental Considerations
Once planning permission was granted, we prioritised using inert arisings from approved donor sites to build the lagoon. These materials were collected in accordance with the CL (Contaminated Land: Applications In Real Environments) protocol, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
Given the proximity of local residents, it was essential for us to ensure the construction process was clean and minimally disruptive. Special attention was paid to managing noise, dust, and vehicle traffic to mitigate the impact on the community.
Challenges and Solutions
From the outset, weather posed the biggest challenge. The project took place during one of the wettest winters and springs in recent years, complicating excavation and construction activities. AMS had to adopt a flexible approach, with frequent pauses and adjustments to accommodate adverse weather conditions.
A major logistical challenge was sourcing suitable material from donor sites. All donor sites underwent a rigorous testing process, including chemical analyses and soil reports, to verify that the material was inert and fit for use in the lagoon. Regular site inspections and the use of a LiDAR surveying drone ensured that construction adhered to the design specifications and planning requirements.
Construction and Key Materials
AMS used a combination of heavy machinery, including a D65 Bulldozer and Volvo Excavator, alongside advanced surveying technology, such as laser levels and a LiDAR drone. The core structure was built using inert spoil sourced from approved sites.
Once the structure was completed, the specialist lining contractor, Enviroseal, installed a high-specification liner to ensure the lagoon was leak-proof. A more complex leak detection system than initially planned was installed, following consultations with the client and the lining contractor.
In addition to the lagoon, we constructed a permanent hard track to provide access from the road and built a custom headwall using our proprietary Canford Blocks to house the delivery and collection pipes.
Environmental and Safety Measures
AMS implemented several environmental safeguards throughout the project. Each load of material was inspected upon arrival, with samples sent to labs for verification to ensure compliance with inert material standards. Regular road sweeping was carried out to reduce dust and debris on approach roads, minimising disruption to the local area.
Safety was paramount, with weekly inspections conducted by a qualified manager to ensure the construction site met all health and safety standards.
Project Management and Collaboration
AMS maintained an active presence on-site with daily supervision and oversight. The senior management team visited the site weekly, and regular meetings were held with the client to review progress and address any design changes. External consultants DG Yeatman provided aerial surveys during the works, while Enviroseal installed the liner, and Ridge Consulting oversaw other aspects of the project.
Completion and Client Feedback
Despite the weather-related delays, the Wimborne St Giles Slurry Lagoon project was completed on time and to the client’s satisfaction. Once the construction was finished, AMS repaired and reinstated all approaching haul roads, leaving the site in excellent condition.
The client was highly pleased with both the quality of the work and the professionalism shown by the AMS team throughout the project. Feedback from the local community was positive, with minimal disruption reported during construction.
Long-term Benefits
The lagoon provides St. Giles Farms with a sustainable solution for waste management, allowing them to recycle digestate as a fertiliser across their arable fields. The use of organic fertiliser is expected to result in annual cost savings of approximately £26,300. This not only contributes to the farm’s economic sustainability but also reduces its environmental impact.
Conclusion
The Wimborne St Giles Slurry Lagoon project is a prime example of how AMS delivers customised, environmentally conscious solutions that meet client needs while adhering to regulatory standards. Through careful planning, expert management, and collaboration with trusted partners, we completed the project on time, ensuring long-term benefits for the client and the local environment.
If you’re considering a similar project then please contact our professional and friendly team on 01202 579579 or email enquiries@ams-group.co.uk to discuss how we can help.