Ross-on-Wye Golf Club were experiencing drainage problems in several locations on their course. Greens and fairways had saturated areas caused by a combination of the increasing rainfall and the reduced drainage capacity of the clay-based subsoil. The course was unplayable, forcing temporary closure which impacted on club revenue and members’ satisfaction.

The design called for several retaining walls, yet access to the site was severely restricted. Additional problems included friable soil and very tight deadlines.

High costs for excavation were expected, and site access for multiple deliveries posed problems. The original proposed soakaway was designed to be 65m long, 2.1m deep and 1.8m wide to accommodate the required drainage for this particular location.