Potteric Carr Substation

Reinforcing the electrical network infrastructure

Phase 2 of a £40 million investment scheme to upgrade and improve the electrical infrastructure for South Yorkshire residents included the construction of a new 132/33kv Primary Substation next to Potteric Carr nature reserve. Northern Powergrid appointed us as Principal Contractor to deliver the civils and construction works contract for the new substation site.

The project involved the construction of a new primary substation on an existing brown field site.  The site was located adjacent to Potteric Carr nature reserve and a watercourse which fed the reserves water habitats. The site was situated above an aquifer which also fed into the nature reserve. The existing ground strata above the aquifer contained high levels of oil contamination and carcinogenic substances. In consultation with the client, to ensure no impact to the existing habitats, it was agreed the level of the new substation site would be raised to ensure the protective aquifer capping layer was not penetrated during the intrusive excavation works.  The excavated layer of contaminated material was segregated on site and disposed of as hazardous waste at a licensed disposal facility. All site staff were briefed on the existing ground contamination issues and suitable PPE and material handling procedures were  successfully adopted.