Work is scheduled to start this month on upgrades at a County Durham sewage treatment works that will help to protect river water quality.
Northumbrian Water’s £2m investment at Bishop Middleham Sewage Treatment Works (STW) will see enhancements to the existing site, alongside the installation of a new settlement tank and mechanical and electrical upgrades.
Work on site is scheduled to last eight months and is being carried out by the water company’s partner, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB). The project will help to protect and improve water quality in the River Skerne, by reducing phosphorous levels in the cleaned water that is returned to the environment.
While all activity is contained on the STW, the project team is liaising closely with archaeologists in advance of, and throughout the work, due to the proximity to the Middleham Castle site.
David Groark, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “This investment will see the treatment works upgraded to ensure it continues to serve the local population, while also ensuring the best quality water is returned to the environment.
“All of our work will be contained on the site, however, customers living in the village may occasionally see an increase in traffic headed to and from the site.
“We will be keeping customers updated at www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk as the project progresses.”