Northumbrian Water is investing £8m in work on its sewer network in County Durham to help improve water quality.
Plans are being developed for the project, which will streamline and add flexibility to the sewerage treatment provision at Plawsworth and Pity Me and associated networks.
The project involves constructing around 6km of new sewer pipes and two new pumping stations and will help to improve water quality in Blackdene Burn.
The two new transfer pumping stations will be located at the company’s sewage treatment works (STWs) at Plawsworth and Pity Me and transfer flow to the River Wear at Brasside STW.
Initially both the Plawsworth and Pity Me sites will continue to treat sewage to meet strict environmental standards.
The new pipeline will provide a more flexible network, designed and constructed to accommodate the transfer of future flows for treatment. This includes larger volumes generated by population growth in the area.
Work will be carried out by Northumbrian Water’s partner, Esh-Stantec.
Paul Davison, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “This investment will help protect the environment by adding a layer of protection to the Blackdene Burn, and futureproof our network and sites in this area. However, it is only the first part of our plans for the area as it will be followed by further work in our 2025–2030 operating period, to expand Brasside STW. This will allow the eventual abandonment of both the Plawsworth and Pity Me works and for the transfer of sewage for full treatment at Brasside, ultimately improving both capacity and efficiency across the network.
“We have written to customers to outline our plans for the project, which is expected to begin in June 2023, subject to final business approval, and take up to 18 months to complete.
Customers can stay informed about the project by visiting www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk. Follow the link to the WINEP Durham Transfer page.