WRc Group

A series of key regional workshops to introduce the

NEW 7^th edition of Sewers for Adoption

DUE TO PUBLIC DEMAND, A NEW WORKSHOP HAS BEEN ARRANGED, SEE BELOW.

LAST DAY TO BOOK YOU PLACE

Question: What do you get if you put authoritative speakers from Defra, Welsh Government, sewerage companies and WRc together in a room?

Answer: The opportunity to find out what's new in sewer adoption and the chance to put your specific questions to the experts!

On 1^st October 2011, responsibility in England and Wales for existing gravity private sewers and lateral drains that connected to the public sewer system was transferred to the water and sewerage companies. This has nearly doubled the length of sewerage assets for which water and sewerage companies are responsible.

To avoid the creation of new private sewers and laterals, Section 42 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 will, once it is brought into force, amend the Water Industry Act 1991 to make adoption of any new sewers or lateral drains a condition of any future connection to the sewer system. To do this, it will require developers to enter into a new type of adoption agreement that will ensure adoption of these assets.

The effect of this change will mean that adoption agreements will now cover many more small laterals and sewers that were previously excluded.

Due to the changes in legislation, leading to a new edition of Sewers for Adoption being published - the 7^th edition (SfA7) in September 2012, WRc are holding a series of workshops that will: 

• clarify these changes for you,
• give you the opportunity to question the experts who drafted the new guidelines,
• help you identify any necessary modifications to your own internal systems and procedures
• allow you to network and discuss the new guidelines with fellow delegates. 

One of the key changes in the document is the inclusion of design guidance for smaller drain and sewer systems near to buildings, which have not previously been adopted. The changes are therefore some of the biggest changes made to SfA for many years.

To ensure everybody can attend, the Sewers for Adoption Workshops are being rolled out across the country to three different locations:

• 2nd October 2012 - Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff,  (in line with the Welsh Government implementation of the Mandatory Build Standards for Foul Sewers, which comes into force on 1st October 2012). SOLD OUT.

• 9th October 2012 - The Royal Geographical Society, London.  SOLD OUT

• 11th October 2012 - The Portland Hotel, Manchester.   SOLD OUT.

Due to public demand, a new workshop will be held on:

• 12th November 2012, - The National Build Centre, Swindon - BOOKINGS NO LONGER BEING TAKEN.

• Do you:

• Develop housing or commercial sites?
• Lay sewers or drains?
• Design or specify drainage networks?
• Adopt sewers and drains?
• Manufacture or distribute drain and sewer products?

If you are involved in the sewer and drain sector in any capacity you cannot afford to miss these workshops – they will unquestionably save you time and money. 

To confirm your place at a workshop simply complete the attached application form. Further information on the workshops can be obtained by contacting Martine Gibbons on 01793 865056 or emailing sfa7workshops@wrcplc.co.uk.