They last three times as long as steel lagoons and, size for size, they cost about the same price.

Ireland’s Macrete has introduced an above ground concrete slurry lagoon constructed from pre-cast panels which interlock with each other to form the sides of the lagoon.

The panels – each of which measure 5m high by 2m wide and weigh 4t – are craned into position on to a concrete base. Capacity is determined by the size of the base and, when the construction is complete, a plastic coated steel cable is tensioned around it, and the joins sealed with bitumen. A 1m gallon lagoon is expected to cost about £90,000.

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