APPENDIX

J

Langwell Estate Hydro Electric Scheme

Outline Construction Method Statement

st

24 January 2014

Revision A

Eugene Craig
Eugene.craig@dhghydro.com
07786 401194

DHG Hydro Ltd

7 St Jamess Gardens
London
W11 4RB
0131 208 0525



INDEX

1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 3
2 SITE ESTABLISHMENT/COMPOUNDS/DELIVERY AREA ......................................................... 3
3 ACCESS TRACK IMPROVEMENT/CONSTRUCTION .................................................................. 4
4 DAM CONSTRUCTION ON LOCH A CHROISG ......................................................................... 6
5 INTAKE CONSTRUCTION ON GARBH-ALLT .............................................................................. 8
6 PIPELINE ...................................................................................................................................... 10
7 POWERHOUSE CONSTRUCTION .............................................................................................. 12
8 OUTFALL PIPELINE AND OUTFALL CONSTRUCTION ............................................................. 13
9 GRID CONNECTION ................................................................................................................... 14
10

ELECTROMECHANICAL INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING ...................................... 15

11

DEMOBILISATION ................................................................................................................... 16

Introduction

This document describes the Outline Construction Methods. Further detailed, specific
Construction Method Statements must be submitted by the Contractor (once appointed).

Some specific hazards and other considerations have been identified by the Designers.
These are listed under each activity and must be included in the Risk Assessment and
Method Statement for that section of the work. For the avoidance of doubt, this must not
be assumed to be a complete list and the team undertaking the Risk Assessment should
address any other hazards which could impact the work.

Site Establishment/Compounds/Delivery Area

2.1

Summary of Works/Methods

The site establishment consists of the following:

Temporary Delivery compound. This is to be located at Grid Reference
217610,902785 and will provide an area for the offloading of materials and for
articulated lorries to turn around. From this temporary delivery area, pipes and
materials will transported onto site in small loads by tractor and trailer.
Temporary Powerhouse Construction Area. This is to be located at Grid Reference
218770, 902090 and will be divided into two separate areas. The area to the west
will provide temporary pipeline and construction storage area. The area to the east
will provide office portacabins for the main contractor and client and welfare
facilities.
Temporary Intake construction compound. This is to be located at 220930,902669
and will consist of office portacabins for the main contractor and client, welfare
facilities and storage areas for materials, during construction of the intakes. It will
also provide a temporary storage area for materials excavated when laying the pipe.
Site notices

2.2

The Method Statements which have been identified for this work are:

Site Establishment Method Statement

Method Statements will be in place prior to any work commencing on this activity and shall
address, as a minimum:

the preparation for and delivery of plant and materials to the area in question
the establishment of the initial means of access to the site
the type and establishment of a temporary welfare facility (until such time that the
full welfare facilities may be established)
Public Access and Safety

Hazards which will be considered, as a minimum, in the associated Risk Assessment will
include:

the safety of road users when offloading plant

the safety of pedestrians
the prevention of debris being deposited on public highway
the prevention of debris polluting any nearby watercourse
the prevention of contact with the overhead power cables

Access Track Improvement/Construction

3.1

Summary of Works/Methods

The following sections give brief outline procedures for the access works.

3.1.1 Existing access track from Langwell Lodge to the intake area
This track is long established, is made of a firm gravel running surface and is generally in very
good condition. The following works are proposed:
Levelling and re-grading where required
Formalisation of existing passing place.
Creation of new passing places. These will be kept to minimum.

3.1.2

Temporary Pipe route Access.

A short new section of track will be installed from the existing track, near the intakes, at Grid
Ref 220395,902505 to the pipeline route. This will provide a direct access route for
positioning of the pipe and access by installation machinery.
The track shall be formed by stripping of the top soils and laying a temporary firm
running surface on taram.
This track shall be fully removed post construction and the area fully reinstated.

3.1.3 Installation of a temporary bridge crossing over Allt aChuaille:

This is to be used in place of the existing vehicle bridge as the weight carrying capacity of the
existing bridge is not known. The temporary bridge will require SEPA approval and will be
the subject of a separate registration application. The existing bridge is unlikely to be
sufficiently robust for construction traffic, and the ford crossing is inappropriate for
construction traffic.
It is anticipated that this temporary bridge shall be some form of metal platform that
will require minor preparation works at either end. This will be confirmed by the
appointed contractor.
This will be removed post construction.

3.1.4 Installation of a temporary bridge crossing over Garbh Allt:

Again this will require SEPA approval and will be the subject of a separate registration
application. There is currently no vehicular bridge, and the ford crossing is inappropriate for
construction traffic.
It is anticipated that this temporary bridge shall be some form of metal platform that
will require minor preparation works at either end. This will be confirmed by the
appointed contractor.

This will be removed post construction.

3.1.5 Access track to the powerhouse

There is an existing track from the buildings at Langwell Lodge to Glen Cottage. An
additional 320m of new track from Glen Cottage to the powerhouse shall be required.

This existing track is long established, is made of a firm gravel running surface and is
generally in very good condition. The following works are proposed:
Levelling and re-grading where required
Formalisation of existing passing place.
Improvement of one small burn crossing

The new section of access track runs alongside the River Canaird. This length of the river
bank was subject to canalisation at some point in the past and hence the river bank is
formed of secure, firm ground.
A formal track surface, approx. 3.5m wide shall be formed with locally sourced
gravel.
A low earth bank on the non-river side if the track will be formed so as to screen the
track from view at Glen Cottage.
The track shall be allowed to green over.
There are two small burn crossing that will require culverting.

3.2

The Method Statements which have been identified for this work are:

Access Track Method Statement

Method Statements will be in place prior to any work commencing on this activity and shall
address, as a minimum:

The repair and improvement of existing access track
The installation of temporary river crossing
The creation of new access track to the powerhose

Hazards which will be considered, as a minimum, in the associated Risk Assessment will
include:

the safety of road users
the safety of pedestrians
the prevention of debris being deposited on public highway
the prevention of debris polluting any nearby watercourse

Dam Construction on Loch a Chroisg

4.1

Summary of Works/Methods

The construction of the dam and intake on the Loch aChroisg present the greatest risk of
river contamination. However, correct procedures and construction methods greatly reduce
this risk. The SEPA guide Engineering in the water environment good practice guide:
Temporary construction methods (WAT-SG-29) has been applied to the methods.

The following sections give brief outline procedures for the dam construction.

4.1.1 Dam on Loch a Chroisg

The replacement dam is located at the site of the existing dam, at the natural mouth of Loch
a Chroisg. All access to the dam shall be from the north bank only.

The mouth of the loch at this point is approximately 15 m wide but the dam construction will
be up to 35m long with the required wing walls etc. The nature of the topography does not
lend itself easily to creating a full working bypass for the construction of the dam structure.
It is therefore proposed to use a half and half construction method where half the width of
the exit from the dam is coffer-dammed off and the flow diverted to one side, thus allowing
construction of half of the dam. The northern side of the river will be coffered off first and
this half of the dam, including chamber with a deep and large scour valve, will be
constructed. Following this the flow will be diverted to this side of the river, through this
scour valve, thus allowing the remaining southern half of the dam to be built in the dry.

This ensures both a secure construction and also greatly reduces the risk of sediment
contamination. The construction program will be as follows:

Prior to construction sediment protection shall be in place down stream of the dam
construction area.
The existing dam will be removed and the rock placed to one side
Dam construction PHASE 1 Dam sump chamber and scour pipe
- a coffer dam will be installed to divert the flow of the loch towards the south
bank
- Sandbags will be used to form the coffer dam (a combination of individual
sand bags and larger dumpy bags as appropriate)
- The coffer dam will be placed so as to maintain as much width as possible to
reduce restriction to the water flow
- If required, pumps will be used to keep the working area dry and this will be
discharged to a separate settlement pit dug away from the burn
- Excavation of bed rock if required some bed rock may need to be removed
to gain sufficient depth
- Rock dowels drilled and installed as required
- The floor slab will then be cast in concrete
- Once cured the remainder of the chamber will be shuttered and cast with
reinforced concrete, including being tied into the north bank
- Bank and bed scour protection (gabions and/or boulders in concrete) will be
completed

Once fully cured, the coffer dam will be moved to divert water through the scour
valve within the chamber in the northern side of the dam
- The entire flow will then pass through the scour valve.
Dam construction PHASE 2 southern dam wall and wingwalls
- Excavation of the dam area down to bed rock some bed rock may need to
be removed to gain sufficient depth
- Rock dowels drilled and installed as required
- The floor slabs will then be cast in concrete
- Once cured, the main dam wall will be shuttered and cast with reinforced
concrete
- Wing walls will be completed, tied into the banks
- Bank and bed scour protection (gabions and/or boulders in concrete) will be
completed
Installation of fittings
- Intake screens fitted
- Sluice gates installed and locked off
- Access hatch, safety railing and stilling wells fitted
Re-watering
- The working area will be cleared of any loose debris before re-watering
- The compensation plate can then be installed, thus completing the dam, and
the area upstream will fill up and then flow over the screens
Reinstate & make good

Outline construction drawings for the Dam are given in Appendix D1.

4.2

The Method Statements which have been identified for this work are:

Intake Method Statement River Diversion

Intake Method Statement Excavation/Construction/Fittings
Intake Method Statement River Diversion Removal

Method Statements will be in place prior to any work commencing on this activity and shall
address, as a minimum:

the flow diversion works associated with the dam
the excavation work for the dam wall and wells
the installation of formwork for the reinforced concrete walls and wells
the installation of the reinforcement steel
the mixing, placing and compaction of the concrete
the installation of the intake screen

Hazards which will be considered, as a minimum, in the associated Risk Assessment will
include

the prevention of falls into unattended excavations
the prevention of falls into watercourses

the prevention of pollution of the adjacent watercourses (slippage, sediment,
cement, refuelling). See Environmental Management Plan
the prevention of watercourses inundating the works
COSSH assessments for fuels and cement

Intake Construction on Garbh-allt

5.1

Summary of Works/Methods

The construction of the intake presents the greatest risk of river contamination. However,
correct procedures and construction methods greatly reduce this risk. The SEPA guide
Engineering in the water environment good practice guide: Temporary construction
methods (WAT-SG-29) has been applied to the methods.

The following sections give brief outline procedures for the intake constructions.

5.1.1 Intake on the Garbh-allt

The intake has been sited in an area where the stream-bed consists mostly of exposed bed
rock. All access to the intake shall be from the southern direction and from the river bank on
the west side..

The river at this point is approximately 6 m wide. Due to the limited width of the river at this
point it is not possible to fully divert the water from the working area. Therefore, it is
proposed to install a bypass pipe under the working area. This ensures both a secure
construction and also greatly reduces the risk of sediment contamination. The construction
program will be as follows:

Prior to construction, access to the intake area will be formed by a platform erected
with scaffolding above the intake area. Access to the intake will be from above.
The west side of the burn shall be coffer dammed off.
If required, pumps will be used to keep the working area dry and this will be
discharged to a separate settlement pit dug away from the burn
A short section of large diameter pipe will be installed within the dammed off area
as low as possible in the riverbed.
The coffer dam shall be adjusted so as to divert all the river water through the newly
installed pipe, therefore taking all water under the construction area.
Intake construction
- Excavation of bed rock if required some bed rock may need to be removed
to gain sufficient depth
- Rock dowels drilled and installed as required
- The floor slab will then be cast in concrete
- Once cured the weir will be shuttered and cast with reinforced concrete,
including being tied into the banks
- Wing walls will be completed, tied into the banks
- Bank and bed scour protection (gabions and/or boulders in concrete) will be
completed
- Large stones and boulders will be placed on the downstream side of the
intake to create a more natural appearance.

- Clean rock will be used to backfill the upstream side of the intake. This will
accelerate the natural process of sediment build up and bring forward the
time at which sediment is transported over the intake and down the river
again.
Installation of fittings
- Intake screens fitted
New replacement footbridge installed
- Small bridge landing pads cast
- Bridge lifted into place and secured
- Access ladder to intake installed
Re-watering
- The working area will be cleared of any loose debris before re-watering
- The compensation plate can then be installed, thus completing the weir
- The large diameter temporary bypass pipe will be blanked off to divert
water through the intake / constructed compensation notch
- the area upstream will fill up and then flow over the screens
Reinstate & make good

Outline construction drawings for this Intake are given in Appendix D2

5.2

The Method Statements which have been identified for this work are:

Intake Method Statement River Diversion

Intake Method Statement Excavation/Construction/Fittings
Intake Method Statement River Diversion Removal

Method Statements will be in place prior to any work commencing on this activity and shall
address, as a minimum:

the flow diversion works
the excavation work for the intake
the installation of formwork for the reinforced concrete walls and wells
the installation of the reinforcement steel
the mixing, placing and compaction of the concrete
the installation of the intake screens

Hazards which will be considered, as a minimum, in the associated Risk Assessment will
include

the prevention of falls into unattended excavations
the prevention of falls into watercourses
the prevention of pollution of the adjacent watercourses (slippage, sediment,
cement, refuelling). See Environmental Management Plan
the prevention of watercourses inundating the works
COSSH assessments for fuels and cement

Pipeline

6.1

Summary of Works/Methods

The pipeline installation shall follow these key guidelines:

The pipeline corridor will be kept as narrow as possible at all times
The pipeline will be fully buried
Where possible vegetation will be stripped off the line of the pipe carefully, with soil
and roots intact, so that it can be used in the re-instatement
During the excavation of the pipeline, trench top-soil and sub-soil material shall be
kept separate and backfilled in the same order
Where possible imported backfill material shall be avoided and a selective backfill
method used.
The trench shall be opened and closed as quickly as possible
Safe exit routes/ramps will be provided from the trench if a trench is left open
overnight for wildlife
The pipeline will not alter the drainage characteristic of the land. Clay stopper bungs
will be used as required

The whole pipeline shall be constructed using butt fusion welded HPPE material. The pipes
will be delivered to an area (grid reference 217610,902785) to the east of Langwell Lodge.
From this temporary delivery/storage area, pipes will transported onto site in small loads by
tractor and trailer. They will be stored on site in two locations the temporary laydown area
close the powerhouse (approximate grid reference 218770, 902090) and the temporary
laydown area near the intakes (approximate grid reference 220930,902669) until required
for use.

6.1.1 General installation of butt fusion welded HPPE pipe material

HPPE is an extremely versatile pipeline material. Amongst its benefits are flexibility and a
particularly strong jointing system. The flexibility of the materials allows it to bend and
follow the contours of the ground or avoid obstacles without the need for formal bends and
anchor blocks, thus simplifying the installation.

The pipe sections (usually 12m lengths) are joined using a technique called butt fusion
welding, where the ends of the pipes are heated to melting point and then pushed together
under pressure and allowed to cool. The resulting welded joint is then essentially as strong
as the pipeline material itself. This greatly reduces the risk of pipeline failure. The limit of
this pipeline is 16 Bar pressure, making it suitable for the total pipeline length.

The general procedure is that long sections of the pipe are pre-welded together above
ground. This is either done by moving the welding machine down the pipeline, welding as it
goes, or by leaving the welding machine in one place and pulling the welded pipe sections
through the welder. When the pipeline has been prepared a long section of trench is
excavated, generally 50m-150m. During this excavation the topsoil layer will be removed
and kept separate from any subsoil material. The pipe, which is now a single long section,
is then lifted and dropped into the trench where it can then be backfilled. Care will be taken
to ensure that only topsoil material will be restored at ground level.

10




HPPE is a relatively strong material, which, if the ground conditions are good, can be buried
directly without the need for imported backfill. If the ground conditions are poor, imported
backfill material might be required to prevent damage to the pipeline. The general ground
conditions are good at the site and the need for imported backfill is expected to be very
limited.

It is not expected that any pipeline trench section will remain exposed for more than 4-5
days. If a trench section is left open overnight a ramp access will be left to allow any animals
that may enter the trench to escape.

Care will be taken to ensure the pipeline does not affect the drainage nature of the land.
Where the pipe crosses under side streams or through any particularly wet areas, clay bungs
will be installed as appropriate to prevent running water scouring along the pipe.

6.2

The Method Statements which have been identified for this work are:

Pipeline Method Statement Polyethylene Pipe Laying and Backfilling

Pipeline Method Statement Polyethylene Pipe Welding
Pipeline Method Statement Pressure Testing

Method Statements will be in place prior to any work commencing on this activity and shall
address, as a minimum:

the excavation of pipe trenches and pits including temporary storage of materials
the measures to ensure trench stability
the procedures for inspection of trenches
the jointing of pipes
the laying of pipes
the bedding and backfilling of pipes
the reinstatement of trenches
the testing of pipework

Hazards which will be considered, as a minimum, in the associated Risk Assessment will
include

the prevention of falls into unattended excavations
the prevention of spoil or materials accessing the trench
the prevention of pollution of the adjacent watercourses (sediment, refuelling) see
Environmental Management Plan
the prevention of excessive crossings of watercourses by vehicles
the prevention of trench collapses due to vehicles working adjacent
the prevention of flooding of the trenches from ground or surface waters
the avoidance the disturbance to the designated areas of archaeological interest
(see Environmental Management Plan)
COSSH assessments for fuels and cement

11

Powerhouse Construction

7.1

Summary of Works/Methods

The powerhouse is sited away from the river and does not involve any de-watering works.
The following is the outline for method for the construction of the powerhouse:

Site preparation
- Removal and storage of vegetation and topsoil
- Excavation of foundations for pipe anchor block, turbine sump and
transformer compound, and for powerhouse wall footings
- If required, pumps will be used to keep the working area dry and this will be
discharged to a settlement pit dug several meters away from the burn.
Construction
- Cast foundations and main floor slab
- Cast the main retaining walls
- Build superstructure and roof
- Formalise hard-standing area
Reinstatement and landscaping

Drawings of the proposed powerhouse building are given in Appendix E.

7.2

The Method Statements which have been identified for this work are:

Powerhouse Method Statement - Slab Excavation

Powerhouse Method Statement - Slab Construction
Powerhouse Method Statement - Blockwork
Powerhouse Method Statement - Roof
Powerhouse Method Statement - Gantry

Method Statements will be in place prior to any work commencing on this activity and shall
address, as a minimum:

the excavation of the base and foundations for the building
the installation of formwork for the reinforced concrete slab and sump
the installation of the reinforcement steel
the mixing, placing and compaction of the concrete
the construction of the blockwork building walls
the construction of the roof
the installation of the overhead gantry
the installation of fittings (doors, vents, guttering etc)

Hazards which will be considered, as a minimum, in the associated Risk Assessment will
include

the prevention of falls into unattended excavations
the prevention of falls from height
the prevention of pollution of the adjacent watercourses (sediment, cement,
refuelling) see Environmental Management Plan

12

COSSH assessments for fuels and cement

the plant (incl. valid certification) to be used for lifting

Outfall pipeline and Outfall Construction

8.1

Summary of Works/Methods

The outfall pipeline runs from the powerhouse building to the outfall.

The outfall itself will be constructed behind a coffer dam. The following is the outline
method for the construction:

Prior to construction, a coffer dam will be installed to divert the burn towards the
south bank and away from the main construction area.
- Sandbags will be used to form the coffer dam (a combination of individual
sand bags and larger dumpy bags as appropriate)
- The coffer dam will be placed so as to maintain as much width in the river as
possible to reduce the restriction to the water flow
- If required, pumps will be used to keep the working area dry and this will be
discharged to a separate settlement pit dug several meters away from the
burn
- Hay bales/silt net will be placed immediately downstream of the working
area to capture any disturbed sediment
Outfall construction
- Excavation of the outfall area down to bed rock or solid ground some bed
rock may need to be removed to gain sufficient depth. Existing bed material
to be placed to one side for reinstatement
- The floor slab will then be cast in concrete
- Once cured the main outfall structure will be shuttered and cast with
reinforced concrete, around the pipes to the turbine sump
- Wing walls will be completed, tied into the banks
- River bed reinstated to original level
- Bank and bed scour protection (gabions and/or boulders in concrete) will be
completed
Installation of fittings
- Outfall screens fitted
- Safety railing fitted
Re-watering
- The coffer dam can then gradually be removed and water allowed to flow
slowly past the outfall structure
- Hay bales/Silt nets will remain in place until the water runs clean, and then
the coffer dam can be fully removed
Reinstate and make good.

Outline construction drawings for the outfall are given in Appendix F

13

8.2

The Method Statements which have been identified for this work are:

Outfall Method Statement River Diversion

Outfall Method Statement Excavation/construction/fittings
Outfall Method Statement River Diversion Removal
Outfall Method Statement Pipe Laying and Backfilling

Method Statements will be in place prior to any work commencing on this activity and shall
address, as a minimum:

the flow diversion works to accommodate the pipe and discharge chamber
the excavation for the pipe and discharge chamber
the jointing of pipes
the laying of pipes
the bedding and backfilling of pipes
the reinstatement of trenches
the installation of formwork for the discharge chamber
the installation of the reinforcement steel for the discharge chamber
the mixing, placing and compaction of the concrete for the discharge chamber

Hazards which will be considered, as a minimum, in the associated Risk Assessment will
include

the prevention of falls into unattended excavations
the prevention of falls into watercourses
the prevention of pollution of the adjacent watercourses (sediment, cement,
refuelling) see Environmental Management Plan
the prevention of watercourses inundating the works
COSSH assessments for fuels and cement
the prevention of spoil or materials accessing the trench
the prevention of excessive crossings of watercourses by vehicles
the prevention of trench collapses due to vehicles working adjacent
the prevention of flooding of the trenches from ground or surface waters
the avoidance the disturbance to the designated areas of archaeological interest.
See Environmental Management Plan

Grid Connection

9.1

Summary of Works/Methods

The grid connection is to be provided in full by SSE and all construction method statements
shall be provided by SSE..

9.2

The Method Statements which have been identified for this work are:

Grid Connection Method Statement Overhead Line Works (SSE)

14

Grid Connection Method Statement Buried Line and Substation Works (SSE)

Method Statements will be in place prior to any work commencing on each activity.

Hazards which will be considered, as a minimum, in the associated Risk Assessment will
include

the organisation and management of multiple sub-contractors on-site
the systems to ensure sub-contracted staff are competent and qualified
the exclusion of unauthorised or inexperienced persons in the work areas
the prevention of falls from height
the prevention of electrocution
the prevention of burns
the prevention of fire
lifting heavy machinery
manual handling

10

Electromechanical Installation and commissioning

10.1

Summary of Works/Methods

This work involves the installation of the turbine, generator, control system and grid
connection/protection equipment. This is specialist work and will be carried out by specialist
contractors. All works are contained within the powerhouse building and do not present any
environmental or public hazards.

10.2

The Method Statements which have been identified for this work are:

Electromechanical Installation Method Statement (specialist contractor)

Control System Installation Method Statement (specialist contractor)
System Commissioning Method Statement (specialist contractor)

Method Statements will be in place prior to any work commencing on each activity.

Hazards which will be considered, as a minimum, in the associated Risk Assessment will
include

the organisation and management of multiple sub-contractors on-site
the systems to ensure sub-contracted staff are competent and qualified
the exclusion of unauthorised or inexperience persons in the work areas
the prevention of falls from height
lifting heavy machinery
manual handling
the prevention of electrocution
the prevention of burns
the prevention of fire

15

11

Demobilisation

The site will be demobilised only after there has been consultation with the landowner and
stakeholders regarding the final reinstatement and timescales/standards agreed for any
matters requiring further attention.

Areas which will be discussed shall be

final condition of existing tracks
reinstatement of hard-standings formerly used for storage, welfare, etc.
reinstatement of fences and gates
reinstatement of pipe route
reinstatement of surface water control measures
general site tidiness (litter, etc.)
on-going safe visitor access

16