Custom Safety Solutions for the Spontin Wastewater Treatment Plant: Aluminum Hatches and Stainless Steel Fall Protection

Study, design, and production of aluminum hatches and stainless steel fall protections

1) Context

As part of a broader environmental initiative, the Intercommunal Utility of Namur (INASEP) commissioned the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Spontin, Belgium. INASEP, a key player in water management and public infrastructure across Wallonia, aims to meet current environmental standards by implementing both secondary carbon treatment and tertiary nitrogen removal technologies.

The facility includes several critical zones: an intake chamber, a pumping station, a pretreatment system featuring a mechanical screen, a biological treatment line using activated sludge, and storage silos for treated sludge. Designed for durability, efficiency, and environmental compliance, the plant required technical equipment that could guarantee operational safety and longevity.

2) Partnership

MECAWA was brought into the project by a joint venture composed of Exelio — a specialist in turnkey electromechanical solutions for water, air, and energy sectors — and Socogetra, a subsidiary of the BESIX Group known for its expertise in civil engineering and large-scale infrastructure works.

Our role focused on the engineering and production of secure access solutions for the plant’s technical areas. MECAWA was tasked with designing, producing and delivering custom aluminum access hatches combined with stainless steel fall protection systems. 

3) Design, Production, Delivery

Following a detailed technical assessment of the site’s infrastructure and safety needs, MECAWA’s in-house engineering team developed customized aluminum hatches tailored to the plant’s layout. Each hatch was designed for precise integration into the concrete structures, ensuring mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance.

The hatches were complemented with high-grade stainless steel fall protection bars, essential for securing access points located at height or in confined zones. The choice of materials — aluminum for its light weight and corrosion resistance, stainless steel for its durability — was driven by both performance and safety objectives.

All elements were fully designed in our Belgian engineering office and manufactured in our own workshops, under rigorous quality control. This fully integrated approach allowed us to maintain strict oversight of technical precision and delivery timelines.

4. Results and Conclusion

The final result is a set of robust, custom-built components that seamlessly integrate with the infrastructure of the Spontin wastewater treatment plant. The aluminum hatches provide safe and reliable access for technical operations, while the stainless steel fall protection ensures compliance with occupational safety standards.

This project is a strong example of MECAWA’s ability to deliver specialized, locally engineered safety solutions for critical public and industrial infrastructure — with Belgian precision and a commitment to long-term performance.