The Greater Glasgow Sludge Main (GGSM) network is one of Scotland’s most critical wastewater infrastructure systems. It transports 6,700 cubic metres of waste daily from Dalmuir, Laighpark, Shieldhall and Dalmarnock Wastewater Treatment sites to the Daldowie Sludge Treatment Centre. There the waste is converted to dried biomass, providing a sustainable fuel source and diverting waste from landfill.
We supported Scottish Water in delivering a strategic, multidisciplinary study to strengthen the continued reliability of Glasgow’s 34-kilometre sludge transfer network. Working through m2, our joint venture with Mott MacDonald, our pipelines, geotechnical, hydraulic, process, and digital specialists delivered a comprehensive desktop-based evaluation of asset condition and failure risk.
During phase one, we characterised the assets using as-built drawings, historical inspection reports, operation and maintenance manuals, design information, geographic information systems (GIS) and asset register data, operational data, and incident and maintenance records. This helped us identify any information gaps, key risks, and the most appropriate inspection and investigation strategies for the network.
In phase two, we carried out preliminary hydraulic, geotechnical, environmental, and septicity assessments, alongside impact scoring and investment prioritisation for each pipeline segment. We also developed an integrated digital document and data-visualisation platform using SharePoint and ArcGIS, enabling transparent, data-driven decision making.
Drawing on our findings from both phases, we developed clear, evidence-based recommendations for future targeted investigations, supporting Scottish Water in safeguarding the continued reliability of this vital sludge transfer network.
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