Radius has provided United Utilities with a data radio based telemetry system to ensure that their Water Treatment Works project was not affected by the discovery of an endangered native amphibian.

United Utilities, a joint water and electricity utility in the UK recently had their civil engineering works halted at their Watchgate Water Treatment Plant due to the discover of the ‘Great Crested Newt’, an animal protected by the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. The civil works was to provide a cable link between 2 buildings on their Water Treatment Site. Radius was able to provide a wireless data radio telemetry system in short notice, which kept the project going and ensured that the newts were not disturbed.

In May of 2006, UU was close to completing a multi-million pound water treatment works (WTW) at Watchgate when their ground works were stopped by the discover of rare Great Crested Newts on the site. Because this animal is protected by the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act it is illegal to kill, harm or injure them, cause damage to their habitat or to disturb these newts in any way.

UU quickly turned to Radius for help as they have a good history of working together on telemetry and digital data radio networks. Radius performed a site survey that included a radio propagation study. UU’s wish was to have a wireless solution in order to transport Digital and Analogue information between two large PLC’s in each of the buildings.