UCD Science Centre
As part of the UCD O’Brien Centre for Science redevelopment, a sustainable drainage solution was required that could integrate with the campus drainage strategy and perform within a constrained urban environment. The Downstream Defender® was selected as a compact, efficient pre-treatment device for the SuDS network, helping to provide effective pre-treatment by removing sediment, hydrocarbons and floatable debris before water entered the wider campus drainage network and nearby natural water bodies.
The drainage requirements for the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science redevelopment, centred on creating a sustainable, high-capacity system designed to manage surface water. The project incorporated "green" roofs, swales and open water drains to manage runoff, mitigate flood risk and enhance biodiversity. As part of these requirements, UCD had to incorporate a solution that treated surface water exiting the drainage network to meet strict water quality and sustainability requirements by removing pollutants before they reached the main campus drainage and local natural water bodies.
The Downstream Defender® was specified for use at UCD to treat this surface water runoff. Its role in UCD’S Drainage Strategy was to act as a pre-treatment device for the campus's Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), such as their large attenuation tanks and swales near the N11 entrance.
The Downstream Defender® is designed to capture and retain pollutants, such as:
- Fine and coarse sediment (Total Suspended Solids).
- Hydrocarbons (oils and grease) typically found in runoff from car parks and roads.
- Floatable debris, such as litter and organic matter.
Its compact footprint allows for high levels of treatment in constrained areas of the campus where traditional large-scale treatment ponds would not fit.
The Downstream Defender® was supplied in a plastic chamber in order to facilitate:
- Fast Installation
- Eliminate need for heaving lifting equipment and cranage
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The Downstream Defender® provided UCD with an effective, space-efficient surface water treatment solution that supports the campus's sustainable drainage strategy. By removing sediment, hydrocarbons and debris before runoff entered attenuation systems and local watercourses, it helped meet water quality and environmental requirements while reducing flood risk. Its lightweight plastic chamber enabled rapid installation with minimal lifting equipment. All cleaning is performed from ground level using a standard vacuum tanker, eliminating the need for staff to enter the confined space and its simple maintenance requirements ensure long-term operational efficiency with minimal disruption to campus activities.
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Downstream Defender® During Installation
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Downstream Defender® Installed
