ABOUT £9million is to be invested in upgrading sewage facilities in the Gaunless Valley.
The work will ensure that effluent released into the river Gaunless from three Northumbrian Water sewage plants meets stringent new Environment Agency standards.
Plans have already been submitted to Durham County Council for permission to upgrade Ramshaw Sewage Treatment Works.
The application asks for consent to erect a motor control centre kiosk at the site
The water company states: “The kiosk has been designed to be fit for purpose, but is as small as possible whilst meeting operational needs on site. The materials and finishes used for the kiosk have been designed to help it ensure that it blends into the surroundings causing minimal visual intrusion.
“The proposed kiosk would be constructed on an area of grassland within the sewage treatment works site which is of low ecological value.”
Along with the control centre, the water company has plans for a new ferric sulphate and sodium hydroxide storage and dosing plant, new chemical storage bunds, emergency shower and eye baths and a new filter recirculation system.
Depending on planning permission, Northumbrian Water said the work is scheduled to start this year and would take about 18 months to complete.
Meanwhile, project manager for Northumbrian Water Dean Thompson confirmed investment will also be made at the sewage treatment works at Butterknowle and Cockfield.
He said: “The proposed work would involve the upgrade of various assets and processes at our sites. This will ensure treatment meets the latest regulations and returns water back into the environment at the highest standards possible.
“We are working closely with customers to ensure they are kept fully informed about our improvement work and to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.
“A further drop-in event will be held in the next few months where customers will get a chance to talk with our project team about any concerns or questions they may have.”
Under the new National Environmental Programme sewage treatment plants plant must achieve a national average phosphorous consent of 1mg/l and iron of 4mg/l.
