Junction 4, M8 Distribution Park (light case study)

Where

Ponds and basins serve individual plots which are large distribution and logistics depots. These then drain to a network of swales which in turn flow to a large regional pond, before discharge under the motorway to the River Almond – formerly Scotland’s most polluted river.

Each unit has its own SuDS which are generally ponds or basins.  Some permeable block paving is used in some car parks while other car parking is drained directly to swales.

Each plot is then discharged to the swale network which acts as a (near) pipe-free drainage network and , in turn, to the large regional pond which acts as an attenuation pond prior to discharge to the water environment.

Reduction in peak flows to the River Almond where historic flooding has been a problem has been achieved.  In addition, treatment of diffuse pollution from the large areas of hardstanding (200+ loading bays) to protect what is a significantly improved watercourse that once received large volumes of poorly (and un-) treated sewage.

The swale network has delivered significant benefits through over 1 km of open channels that act to provide flood storage, excellent treatment and creates useful habitat to increase biodiversity across this, essentially industrial, landscape.