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The start of work on upgrades at a sewage treatment works (STW) marks the latest milestone in more than £100m of investment to protect and improve the River Wear in the South West of County Durham.
Northumbrian Water is investing £20m in enhancements to the treatment processes at Bishop Auckland STW, building on similar work that has already started at sites in nearby Low Wadsworth and Willington.
Additional projects are also being planned in all three areas to reduce spills from storm overflows, adding further protection and improvements to the river.
Upgrades at Bishop Auckland STW will see the treated water that’s returned to the environment via the river improved even further, with the introduction of processes that will increase the site’s ability to remove phosphorous and ammonia.
Work at Bishop Auckland STW is being carried out by Northumbrian Water’s partner, Costain, and is expected to run until early 2028.
Dean Thompson, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “Investment to protect and improve the River Wear is part of a £2bn programme of work to benefit the environment, and reflects our ambition for the North East to have the best coasts and rivers in the country.
“The treatment works will take place within our site, but as our plans to reduce spills from the storm overflows take shape, we will work to help the community know what to expect from those works when they take place.”