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High quality sustainable water management products designed and manufactured in the UK

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What is Sustainable Drainage?

Sustainable drainage, also known as sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), refers to a set of practices designed to manage surface water in a way that is environmentally friendly and sustainable. These systems aim to mimic natural processes to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and enhance the biodiversity and amenity value of the environment. The core principles of SuDS include:

Reduction of Flood Risk: SuDS help to slow down the flow of surface water, reducing the risk of flooding. This is achieved through features like permeable surfaces, retention basins, and detention ponds which store and gradually release water.

Water Quality Improvement: By filtering and treating water naturally, SuDS reduce pollution and improve the quality of water before it enters watercourses or groundwater systems. This can be accomplished through methods like swales, wetlands, and bio-retention areas which filter out pollutants.

Enhanced Biodiversity: SuDS can create habitats for wildlife. Features such as ponds, wetlands, and green roofs provide environments for various species, promoting biodiversity within urban and suburban areas.

Aesthetic and Recreational Benefits: SuDS can enhance the visual appeal of an area and provide recreational opportunities for communities. Green spaces integrated with drainage systems can serve as parks, gardens, and play areas.

Components of SuDS

  • Green Roofs: Vegetated roofs that absorb rainwater and provide insulation.

  • Permeable Pavements: Surfaces that allow water to infiltrate through the ground.

  • Rain Gardens and Bio-Retention Areas: Landscaped areas designed to capture and treat runoff.

  • Swales: Shallow, vegetated channels that slow down runoff and allow it to infiltrate into the ground.

  • Ponds and Wetlands: Basins that hold water, allowing sediments to settle and providing habitat for wildlife.

  • Detention and Retention Basins: Structures that temporarily store runoff and release it slowly.

Benefits of SuDS

  • Environmental: Enhances water quality, reduces runoff, recharges groundwater, and increases biodiversity.

  • Economic: Reduces the costs associated with flood damage, and can be more cost-effective in the long term compared to traditional drainage solutions.

  • Social: Improves the aesthetic quality of urban areas, provides recreational spaces, and can improve the overall quality of life for residents.

By incorporating these principles and components, SuDS offer a comprehensive approach to water management that benefits both the environment and society.

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Innovative Drainage Solutions & Quality Assured Installation

SEL have 21 years experience in the execution of SuDS installations and can provide a valuable liaison between Client, Engineer and Groundworker. Working closely with all parties SEL can provide peace of mind that the job is done right
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Site Installation

Quality Assured Installation

All works carried out under our strict Quality Assurance protocol as part of our ISO9001 accreditation. All our operatives are CSCS certified

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Engineering Support

Design Review

Using industry leading software we can undertake catchment analysis, offer advice on drainage layouts, the positioning and sizing of attenuation tanks and criteria for flow restrictions

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Engineering Support

Value Engineering

Value, quality, maintenance and life expectancy are key factors we use to determine which solutions will best meet the needs of the project. Our recommendations can lead to long-term savings

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Sel Environmental Ltd

Canal House, Bonsall Street, Blackburn, BB2 4DD
01254 589987 or sales@selenvironmental.com