Environment Agency Rewards Lafarge Cement Cauldon Works with top prizes for water recyclingLafarge Cement UK has received two prestigious national awards from the public body responsible for the environment, the Environment Agency, for its commitment to save and recycle water at its Cauldon Works in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Objective To showcase the work Lafarge Cement has done to conserve valuable water resources at its Cauldon Works in the Moorlands.
Context The Water Efficiency Awards recognise businesses which have taken significant steps to lead by example in reducing water consumption and, at the same time, demonstrate that such schemes make good business sense as well.
Solution Lafarge has reduced its abstraction of water to by nearly 90 per cent. In 2006, it took nearly 64 million gallons of water (290,000 m3 cubic metres) from the nearby River Hamps; in 2008 that figure had dropped to only just over three million gallons (15,000 m3).
This huge water saving has been achieved through the development of a former shale quarry at the Works into a source for recycled water and a haven for biodiversity. Historically the plant's water system was supplied with water abstracted from the nearby River Hamps. By installing a water recycling system, the sale lake now forms the 'hub' of the gravity drainage system and a new floating pumps have been installed to pump the water the Works needs for cooling.
By changing to this system, Lafarge also saves around £14,000 per year in electrical costs and has significantly reduced ongoing maintenance requirements by decreasing the number of pumps by five. And the additional good news for local residents is twofold - this system has reduced the flood risk to property in nearby Waterhouses Village; plus it has provided an attractive public amenity.
Results As part of the Environment Agency Water Efficiency Awards, Cauldon Works has won the top prize, the Chief Executive's Award; and also the Gold Award in the Water Save category. Lafarge's awards focus on the development of a former shale quarry at the Works into a source for recycled water and a haven for biodiversity.
Location Lafarge Cement UK, Cauldon Works, Staffordshire.
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