Toward the end of AMP6, AQT Global were instructed by one of our main clients to prepare a compliant SEMD outline and detailed design for an extensive multi million-pound expansion programme at a high-profile Water Treatment Works. The site had previously been classified as Designated and had now been re-classified at CAT 2 High.

As part of the compliant design, a fence line of some 400m was required to provide a sterile zone for the new assets, in compliance with DEFRA’s Protective Security Guidance (PSG). The security requirements also called for the installation of Perimeter Intruder Detection (PIDS) on the fence line together with CCTV for verification.

During the latter stages of the Detailed Design Phase, AQT Global noted the presence of deer in the outer confines of the existing site. AQT immediately raised a concern with our in-house Chartered Environmentalist and the client, that the presence of deer could compromise the new site security. Deer are known to rut their antlers against fences in the mating season which would cause the PID system to be falsely and repeatedly activated.

On confirmation that the deer could not be removed from the environment, AQT Global prepared a revised Detailed Design Proposal that eliminated the requirements for PIDS and introduced Analytical CCTV within the new sterile zone.  Whilst not fully compliant with PSG due to the CCTV sitting directly after the physical barrier, AQT Global made representation to DEFRA and gained approval to proceed in this manner with DEFRA agreeing that the proposal was both appropriate and proportionate in view of the exceptional circumstances.

On completion of the Detailed Design, AQT Global are now successfully delivering the project and carrying out SEMD policing of the security upgrade programme at this site.

AUGUST

CCTV,DESIGN,PID

AQT Global