Background
During the upgrade works at Cumberbatch WwTW, Barhale required robust noise and vibration monitoring to ensure compliance with the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and maintain good community relations.
The site’s layout included two main work areas – the Shaft site and the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) site – both close to residential receptors. However, no permanent mains power was available at the CSO site, creating a need for fully autonomous and reliable monitoring equipment.
What We Did
Monitoring Strategy
We deployed Class 1 precision noise monitors and triaxial vibration sensors, installed at representative receptor locations across both sites.
- Noise 1 & Vibration 1 (Shaft site): Operated continuously from April 2024 to March 2025 (51 weeks);
- Noise 2 (CSO site): Operated from October 2024 to March 2025 (23 weeks).
Each unit was configured for unattended 24/7 operation with live telemetry to provide instant alerts for exceedances, enabling rapid contractor response.
Solar-Powered Resilience
Because grid supply was unavailable at the CSO compound, we engineered a solar-powered monitoring system to maintain uninterrupted operation across varying weather conditions.
Each noise and vibration monitor was paired with:
- A dedicated high-capacity solar panel array;
- A deep-cycle battery backup for overnight operation;
- Remote diagnostics for power and performance assurance.
This approach avoided the need for generators, reducing carbon footprint and preventing additional noise sources
Data Integrity and Reporting
All systems were calibrated before deployment and maintained at scheduled intervals. Continuous data streaming allowed live access via the AA Live platform, supporting:
- Daily automated alerting (email/SMS) when noise or vibration thresholds approached site action levels;
- Periodic review reports summarising exceedances, trends, and compliance performance;
- The system provided traceable, high-resolution records suitable for submission with Section 61 consents and local authority verification.
Outcome
- Zero downtime of monitoring network due to autonomous solar design;
- Full data coverage across 51 weeks of construction;
- No regulatory exceedances recorded;
- Positive feedback from Barhale and local environmental officers for proactive monitoring and sustainable power design.
Through an entirely solar-powered monitoring network, we delivered continuous noise and vibration assurance without reliance on mains power – demonstrating innovation in sustainable environmental compliance.
Project Progress
The works were completed September 2025.
