Millport Aire Questions continued

[irnbru]

Following on from my how much would you pay thread, now for some more in depth Qs perhaps some of you can answer. Please bear in mind its on a small island, although only an 8 min ferry ride from mainland. The more information I can give them the better.

I'm thinking DavidG58 GJH Jim might know a bit.

1) Would they need a septic tank for black waste? If so any ideas of costs involved to install , and have emptied.

2 )What size are legal marked pays for "Parking"

3)What are the reasons why caravans are not allowed to use aires

4)Any other suggestions you have you can add to these....Would an entry barrier set up or a coin operated aire service thingy be most cost effective and easier to run. Any ideas of costs involved.

Any OTHER USEFUL info that's needed please comment.

 

[jongood]

Imho the simpler it is the more chance of success. Even a basic mh should be able to do a 2-3 days, and convert that to weeks for a black tank.

I would focus on getting the overnight parking and the payment sorted as that is the main sticking point. anything else is a bonus

 

[Lenny HB]

Problem with a septic tank is how to you stop people emptying who use chemicals in there toilets.

Caravans are not self contained, most do not have internal waste & water tanks also a caravan & car takes up much more space.
Aires in France came about exclusively for Motorhomes as Motorhomes were not allowed on campsites.

 

[Potty]

As it is a Communty group who are looking into this this site may give them some ideas

Loch Clash Stopover

WEATHER ADVICE The Stopover is located on an open pier. Although most days are fine, sometimes we have gales. If high winds are combined with high tides, it is possible for the water to…

klbcompany.wordpress.com

This is for the stopover in Kinlochbervie, owned and run by the local community.

There is an email contact on the site.

The price I think is a bit high, was £10 when it first opened a few years ago, before the NC 500 arrived.

 

[Grianan]

I think black tank is an issue.
Green Elsan is ok with sceptic tank.
Mains drainage better as not sure how you monitor chemicals,

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[TinaLes]

As it is a Communty group who are looking into this this site may give them some ideas

Loch Clash Stopover

WEATHER ADVICE The Stopover is located on an open pier. Although most days are fine, sometimes we have gales. If high winds are combined with high tides, it is possible for the water to…

klbcompany.wordpress.com

This is for the stopover in Kinlochbervie, owned and run by the local community.

There is an email contact on the site.

The price I think is a bit high, was £10 when it first opened a few years ago, before the NC 500 arrived.

Kinlochbervie is now £15 per night, has risen every year from £8 to£10 now £15!!!
We were there in April and did not need to use it, however I think they made the mistake of offering inclusive electric, maybe if it was offered at £10 with either no electric or maybe a metered supply payable with coins it would be more economical for us that dont need an EHU.
They say they have 5 spaces for caravans & motor homes but as others have said a car towing a caravan takes up too much space IMO as there is not a lot of room on the harbour front.

Septic tanks will inevitably lead to misuse with Blue additives, so I would suggest that if any Elsan point is offered it would have to be connected to the mains sewerage system, so their sewage water treatment plant can hopefully cope.

Its difficult isn't it?, looking at from a council run prospective, making it reasonably charged and with low to easy maintenance, there are conflicts between the two before its even built.

Another Aire/ MH parking arrangement which does work and we used this year was at Hawick.
It was great as a stopover, and we like many others sent the local council a big thank you for its provision as it was free!

Thanks again irnbru, keep us posted.
Les

 

[funflair]

Hi Sandra

I think I heard that all waste had to be tankered off the island so that would make it relatively more expensive to deal with, they might also have to be careful that their facility doesn’t get used and abused as I believe a fair number wild on the island.

Martin

Martin

 

[Busman]

I thought these where a good idea on Harris.
Just pop a couple of quid in and the waste lid unlocks and you can also get 50ltrs water. Other motorhomes not using Aire can also access it at the same charge

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Scottish Islands may have different rules, but in England & Wales installing a new septic tank arrangement will have a lot of rules to satisfy the Environment Agency. If there is a risk of discharge to a water course / water source it gets very stringent. Septic tanks in the old style rely on a set of chambers to separate solids and sediment and allow natural bacteria to attack the waste rendering it less harmful (the toilet chemicals, even bleach, can interfere with the bacteria).. The chambers need sizing to suit the expected flow so if that may vary with seasons there are added challenges. The sludge can need to be emptied periodically by tanker - in theory a well designed septic tank won't need that much emptying as the sludge breaks down. The sort of treated water will run away, usually to a land drain. Even an old style septic tank won't be cheap due to the excavations, chambers, and outflow drains.

But the septic tank is old hat and is, at best frowned upon. Most current installations will need a packaged treatment plant. Look up Klargester. Effectively these do a much better job, still reliant on natural bacteria, of treatment as there is electrically powered mechanical agitation. They will still need a hole in the ground and land drainage, but some can dishcharge to water courses. The mechanics may need maintenance. Effectively this is a very small sewerage treatment plant.

An alternative, where you won't have to worry about the wrong chemicals, is the cesspit. But this is really just a large tank. And that has a cost as it will need to be emptied by tanker who then drives to the treatment plant.

Regarding a barrier or something similar, don't go there. Big cost to install the system - remember it will also need power - and then ongoing maintenance. What if it fails, have you got breakdown cover, and even insurance when some numpty claims it closed early on their van? The site would need to be both busy and large to justify that cost.

Short term I would suggest this is all very complex. Keep it simple. Provide the hardstanding of an aire. But don't worry initially about services. If the aire is popular you can look at upgrades later. What is most important is location. Why would people want to use it. Will it attract spending visitors to a locality so the build cost is justified, or will it simply remove others from existing facilities, and encourage freeloaders?

 

[Ivory55]

Waste in what ever form liquid or solid is expensive. It is going to cost what ever they do.

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[Paddywack]

Keep it simple. Electric on a metered supply / included in fee. We stayed on a site in the Netherlands which was 10 euros- the supply only working on payment.

10 euros a night for first two nights, 20 euros for third night, 40 euros each additional night.

Forget sewage or barriers too much expense.

 

[irnbru]

Thanks to each one of you for your replies. I must say though I'm disappointed that "IT LOOKS LIKE "The 3 people I tagged thinking could particularly help couldn't even be A***ed to reply.

 

[irnbru]

So anyone in the working lines that can give constructive information.??? I'd love this to come to fruition.


Hi Sandra,



Just looking to pick your brains!



We have applied for funding to develop an area of hard standing within the Grounds of Garrison. Still at the early stages and I am looking into costs, initially in regards to the system we would need to deal with waste (I know you have sent me pictures), water points and possibly electricity hook ups – though you had said not necessary as motorhomes have solar panels.

Then there’s the preparing of the land as hard standing. Do you know anyone I could speak to about these points for advise/guidance and recommendations?