When the Philadelphia Zoo began planning a new flamingo habitat, they needed more than just a splash of pink — they needed infrastructure. That’s where Oldcastle Infrastructure — Telford plant — stepped in, transforming what started as a small add-on into a custom-built drainage system that would quietly support the vibrant life above it.
The project for the Philadelphia Zoo originally involved a series of large precast slabs that were delivered and installed in succession. Then, partway through the project, the contractor returned and explained that, in order for the products to function properly, drainage components also needed to be installed.
“We try to make it so that we are as much of a one-stop shop around here, so, of course, it was no problem to do this smaller project,” said Jeff Barndt, the field services manager at Oldcastle Infrastructure – Telford Plant.
This was a unique project for the team because it required them to create smaller drainage and filtration components, which were different from their usual large-scale projects with products like box culverts.
And it’s not every day that you get to help contribute to an animal habitat.
“I had guys coming up to me saying, ‘We’re really doing what now?’” Barndt said. “Then they heard it was for flamingos, and it became a punchline.”
Despite the jokes that the project inspired, the crew got to work.
The task at hand was to help manage the runoff that entered the flamingo habitat. This was done using a series of trench drains equipped with specialized filters. These filters were installed on site and incorporated small catch basins — technically referred to as such by the team. The Oldcastle crew fabricated the drain systems, which varied in size. Some were quite large, while others were relatively compact — tall but only about a foot by a foot internally.
Each drain was fitted with a grate, and the end sections included a finished grate to prevent debris from falling into the drain. These grates also allow for easy access during cleanouts. Beneath the grates, a special filter media was installed to capture impurities and prevent unwanted materials from entering the stormwater system once runoff exits the pen.