Works to build a new storm storage tank in Sidmouth have been completed as part of a major project by South West Water to improve the town’s sewage network and reduce the use of storm overflows.
The new underground tank, which was completed this month, has been built beneath The Ham. It provides 100,000 litres of additional storage, will capture excess flows during periods of heavy rainfall and store them until there is capacity at the treatment works for full treatment.
This will help to reduce storm overflow spills from The Ham and safeguard water quality at Sidmouth Town Beach, which has consistently been rated “Excellent” by the Environment Agency.
The project is part of South West Water’s record programme of investment in wastewater infrastructure, with similar schemes already delivering strong results.
On Wednesday (July 1) South West Water’s teams met with representatives from Sidmouth Town Council to hand the area back to the town ahead of its annual Folk Festival and Regatta which attracts lots of visitors every year.
In September, South West Water’s teams will return to The Ham to complete further reinstatement works.
Further improvements are planned as part of the wider programme in Sidmouth, including surface water separation works, which will help reduce the amount of rainwater entering the sewer network.
Chris Bradford, Project Manager for Sidmouth, said: “This investment is really important for the Sidmouth area and I’m really pleased we’ve been able to complete the first phase of these vital improvements.
“This new storm storage tank will help to reduce the use of storm overflows in the area, particularly during heavy rainfall, and will play a key role of protecting the quality of local bathing waters which we know are very important to residents.
“We have more works planned for the future which will enable us to make further improvements to the town’s sewage network and help us to reduce spills.”
Ben Norris, Framework Director for the project’s contractor, Network Plus Envolve JV, added: “This project has been a success as its delivered a real enhancement to the water management in the Sidmouth area.
"We received a Gold Site Pride award from South West Water for our work on this scheme and this is a testament to the hard work of the site team and supply chain who worked collaboratively to deliver a complex project ahead of programme.”
For more information about South West Water’s projects and investments visit https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/about-us/what-we-do/engineering-projects