The upgraded wastewater systems improved the quality of life, stabilise revenue and reduce pollution for a whole city.
The client urgently needed to finish a 1970s central sewer tunnel, so it could decommission and rehabilitate a much older tunnel and serve the growing population of Braila, in east Romania.
It needed to upgrade water system facilities to give a consistent level of service across the city and meet urban wastewater treatment directive (European Union) standards for treating Braila’s wastewater. It also wanted to ensure a more consistent revenue stream.
Outcomes and achievements
- 38km of new road and sewer, a new pumping system and an upgraded pumping station, plus a new terminal pumping station and wastewater treatment plant to serve a population of 230,000.
- a 235m link between the upstream and downstream sections of the central sewer tunnel
Water services have been introduced to three areas of the city and, because sewers follow the road network, better roads have improved access to homes here.
Halcrow’s role
We were the lead in a joint venture, as client adviser and engineer, with some design responsibilities.
Halcrow reviewed and updated the master plan and some design, as well as the employer’s requirements for two contracts. We prepared tender documents and carried out construction supervision.
We also provided technical support to the project implementation unit, training teams and giving support for a public awareness campaign.
Our work on the sewer tunnel resolved the technically difficult task of linking the existing upstream and downstream pieces. We also helped the client prioritise its investment in other aspects of the system.
Halcrow brought the client a solid technical proposal and a team of experts able to cover all the aspects required, including master planners, contract specialists and water engineers.
Our ability to take the project from concept to completion was important, achieved using in-house expertise, based locally, with minimal sub-contractor involvement. The client valued the high level of continuity and ownership this approach enabled.