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Sewage upgrade protects shellfish estuarySouth West Water has started a project in the heart of the South Hams to protect the shellfish waters of the Kingsbridge Estuary in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
 Sewage upgrade protects shellfish estuary The company is investing over £700,000 to upgrade the sewage treatment process and install ultra violet disinfection at West Charleton sewage treatment works along with additional storm water storage. This essential project which is due for completion by the end of August is required to meet the European Shellfish Water Directive. The work will effectively safeguard the quality of West Charleston Marsh and the Kingsbridge Estuary. English Nature has protected this area because it is one of the country's very best wildlife and geological sites containing many precious habitats and beautiful landscapes. The additional treatment stage of ultra violet disinfection to be installed will involve passing the treated waste water under high powered lamps to give it a final polish and reduce any remaining bacteria. Work to upgrade the current secondary treatment process will be carried out on the existing site. Treated waste water is returned to the environment via a stream which passes through West Charleton Marsh and into the Kingsbridge Estuary. The capacity of storm water storage will also be increased to reduce the frequency of storm water overflows into the estuary from combined sewers. Additional storage will allow excess storm water flows to be stored and passed on for treatment after the storm has passed. Increasing the level of treatment will improve the quality of estuary waters and help support the work of South Hams District Council and other organisations which have put an environmental management plan in place to conserve the natural environment and prevent the loss of natural resources. "We are pleased to be able to increase the level of treatment at Charleton sewage treatment works and safeguard the quality of shellfish beds in the Kingsbridge Estuary," said Mike Court, South West Water's Project Leader. "The project should help improve the environment and encourage more visitors to this outstanding area". -ENDS- For further information please contact Dina Chandler, Communications Officer on 01392 443021. Published: 11 May 2004 |
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