Self-contained and easy to install, the new ACO SoakAway™ range offers the first complete, sustainable solution for managing surface water run-off from residential roofs, driveways or any domestic hard landscaped area. With Building Regulations set to become more restrictive regarding the use of sewers to remove run-off, the kits are the ideal way to avoid the cost and delay of having to apply for planning permission. There are three kits in the ACO SoakAway range: the ACO SoakAway Channel Kit, the ACO SoakAway and the ACO Soakaway Extension.

Launched this month, ACO Stabilisation Fabric is a new, non-woven separation membrane developed by water management specialist ACO Technologies. Designed to work with the award-winning ACO GroundGuard ground reinforcement system, the fabric improves the integrity and long-term drainage performance of the porous, high load bearing surface while reducing total installed cost.

The Construction Products Association (CPA) has recognised the manufacturing advances, unique properties and environmental benefits of ACO Technologies’ breakthrough recycled and recyclable material Vienite® in the 2009 edition its Construction Products Innovation and Achievement (CPIA). The publication showcases the most innovative products and processes created by the construction products industry over the last twelve months.

An easy to follow guide that explains the planning law changes for new and refurbished driveways is now available from water management specialist, ACO Technologies. Clearly setting out the design options for the sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) that are now be required, the guide also highlights the key benefits of a new range of SUDS systems that ACO has developed for driveway applications – systems that avoid the expense and time delays of having to apply for full planning permission.

Drainage and water management is one area of the construction industry that is undergoing significant change with new legislation and product technologies signalling a significant shift in the way surface water is regulated, considered and controlled. To help contractors, engineers and designers keep up to date with all the latest developments, ACO Technologies has published Civils_Link - a new magazine dedicated to all aspects of surface water management.

The first large-scale installation of the new ACO StormTank modular surface water attenuation and infiltration system has been completed at Perkins Engines’ manufacturing facility in Stafford. A key part of a sustainable drainage system (SUDS) designed by ACO Technologies, the 65m3 modular tank system attenuates and controls the discharge of surface water run-off from a new lorry park that has been created to ease vehicle movements across the site.

In a special presentation ceremony at Ecobuild 2009, Richard Hill, Managing Director of drainage and water management specialist, ACO Technologies, received the company’s ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems accreditation certificate from the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, Deputy Chairman of the Construction Industry Council and Vice President of the Town and County Planning Association. Also attending the event on ACO’s stand were Michael Ankers, Chairman of the Construction Products Association, and Gary Fenton, Operations Director of the British Standards Institution.

Launched this month, the updated version of the Part M compliant level threshold drainage system, ACO DoorWay Drain, has a new lightweight channel body that is more robust, easier to handle and faster to install than its predecessor. Manufactured using ACO’s patented HexTechnology moulding technique and 100% recycled material, the new plastic channel - together with its unique two-part stainless steel Heelguard™ grating - is designed to sit flush against the entrance brickwork, providing complete threshold protection without the need to cut or alter the doorframe.

The innovative design of ACO’s new MultiDrain™ MD channel gives it the highest strength to weight ratio of any drain in its class. Capable of withstanding loads from Class A through to Load Class D, the lightweight MultiDrain MD not only increases the number of applications that can be covered by a single system it also includes a range of new features that improve on site handling, finish quality and installed performance – it is the first drain in this category to be available with a sloping invert.

ACO StormTank provides long-term storm water management. ACO StormTank is the first modular storm water infiltration and attenuation system to fully overcome the problems created by silt build up and the provision of tank access for inspection and maintenance. Developed by drainage and water management specialist ACO Technologies, ACO StormTank’s unique ‘open-sided’ cell structure allows access to every part of the installed tank and, in combination with special geotextiles, can be configured to remove the risk of silt build up and blockage, ensuring the long-term, effective performance of the installed system – a major issue in securing site development approval.

Drainage specialist, ACO Fulbora, has launched ShowerDrain Plus, its new, all-stainless steel shower drainage system that is designed to provide optimum styling, performance and ease-of-use across a wide range of conventional and specialist applications.

ACO Building Drainage launches Anti-Flood systems. ACO Building Drainage, the newly launched built environment division of drainage specialist ACO Technologies, is introducing a new range of high-performance Anti-Flood systems that are designed to protect vulnerable properties from flooding caused by storm surges in the main sewer system.