The system, aims to provide an underground stormwater storage facility to offer better access to stormwater, whilst also reducing the volume of the water stored using a slow-release mechanism.

It will be trialled by Wessex Water, which is working with developers to test the system, which is made from recycled PVC to form an ultra light honeycombed preformed modular structure.

Development engineer for Wessex Water, Peter George, said the water company is currently trialling the GEOlight system from Sustainable Drainage Systems (SDS) in a number of sites over a significant period of time, and until new legislation is implemented that brings a design guide on board.

Mr George said: “We were asked to approve the use of SDS systems by various developers on adoptable drainage and agreed to trial the system in a variety of sizes at various locations where the design, installation and operation of the system will be assessed for general acceptance.”

SDS sales & marketing director Richard Averley, said that it is working with a number of utility companies around the country, as the system’s high void rate and compressive strength make it a maintainable and cost efficient solution.

He said: “We are pleased to be working on this trial with Wessex Water. As designers, manufacturers and installers of these cellular structures, we are able to quickly adapt to different site conditions and any new criteria recommended by developers and utility companies.”

Wessex Water is also trialling systems such as Stormcell and Stormblock by Hydro International, to manage stormwater.

Carys Matthews

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