Phosphorus Removal Enhancement Programme (PREP)

Client Requirement

United Utilities needed to upgrade five wastewater treatment works across North Manchester to meet new, tighter phosphorus discharge permits under the WINEP programme. The scale and pace of the programme required a delivery model that could be repeated across multiple sites with minimal redesign.

They specifically needed standardised, easy‑to‑operate MCC and ICA systems that could be manufactured off‑site to reduce installation time and improve quality. Achieving the lowest whole‑life cost was critical, including the potential to avoid expensive tertiary treatment if enhanced chemical dosing alone achieved compliance.

United Utilities therefore required a partner capable of delivering consistent, modular MCC solutions at speed.

BGEN’s Solution

BGEN developed a templated, modular MCC kiosk strategy that formed a core part of the programme’s efficient delivery approach. Working collaboratively with United Utilities, Advance‑plus and operational teams, we created standard MCC kiosk templates in three scalable sizes to suit different dosing and sludge treatment requirements. Each kiosk was developed with operator input to ensure safe, reliable and maintainable layouts.

Using a DfMA approach, BGEN delivered the MCCs fully assembled, wired and factory‑tested within their kiosks. The units were supplied on raised, transportable bases, eliminating the need for extensive civil engineering and enabling rapid installation once on site. This allowed electrical works to progress independently of site constraints and significantly reduced interface risks. The same MCC template was deployed across all five treatment works, integrating seamlessly with dosing systems, sludge storage facilities and ICA requirements. This programme‑wide repeatability supported a consistent asset base for United Utilities and simplified long‑term operations.

BGEN also contributed technical insight through joint design reviews, helping refine standards and remove unnecessary elements such as sludge tank stair access by enabling remote instrumentation maintenance. This collaborative approach reduced cost, improved operability and ensured the templates aligned with the wider AMP7 standardisation strategy.

Client Benefits

• Faster installation through off‑site manufactured, plug‑and‑play MCC kiosks.
• Reduced whole‑life costs thanks to standardised designs and shared components.
• Improved build quality and reliability due to full factory testing.
• Lower on‑site risk with fewer civil works and shorter installation durations.
• Greater operational consistency across all five sites with uniform MCC layouts.
• Simplified maintenance and operator training through repeatable asset design.
• Enhanced programme predictability, supporting on‑time delivery across the batch.
• Standardised templates now used across wider AMP7 projects, improving long‑term efficiency.