Sustainable Drainage Systems 
The need for sustainable drainage
The inadequacy of conventional drainage
systems to deal with surface water run off in a sustainable way has
been well researched, on-going development and the effects of
climate change will place further burden on existing surface water
drainage networks, resulting in the need to make changes in our
approach to the management of surface water.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) aim to
reduce flood risk by controlling the rate and volume of surface
water run off from developments, in addition to managing the
quantity of surface water more effectively one of the primary
benefits of SUDS is the potential enhancement of water quality.
SUDS improve water quality by mirroring nature in providing
filtration and allowing for natural bio-degradation of hydrocarbons
and the dilution of other contaminants as water passes through the
system.
The SUDS concept adopts a management train
approach to minimise the impact of surface water run off on the
environment, this typically incorporates a series of techniques to
drain, filter and store surface water run-off at source.
SUDS are now recognised as one of the most
effective ways to reduce flood risk and pollution transfer; this
has been confirmed through Government Legislation and Planning
Guidance such as Planning Policy Statement 25 ‘Development and
Flood Risk’.
PPS 25 sets out Government policy in England
on development and flood risk. The main aim is to ensure that
flood risk is taken into account at all stages of the planning
process to avoid placing developments in areas of flood risk or
exacerbating flood risk elsewhere as a result of development.
It identifies that SUDS can deliver improved surface water
management and requires that planning authorities should promote
SUDS at every level to attenuate runoff and improve water quality
and amenity. It requires local authorities to reduce flood
risk via the planning process in a manner that takes climate change
into account and also enhances the environment. It recognises
that SUDS can be used on any site.
Solution through innovation
System design, supply and installation
Aggregate Industries' SUDS solutions comprise a comprehensive
package of products and services:
- Design: Our specialist design service can
provide a cost-effective solution for your project
- Supply: A comprehensive range of Aggregate
Industries products are available that fully integrate to provide
validated sustainable drainage systems.
- Installation: Systems need to be installed in
accordance with Aggregate Industries' guidelines to assure the
client of the performance and integrity of the system. Installation
can be undertaken by our approved contractors or on site
supervision and training can be provided by our product
specialists.