Strathaven to get £1m refurb for waste water

Jan 20 2011 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

STRATHAVEN will benefit from an investment in waste treatment water works as they are undergoing a £1 million upgrade.

Scottish Water's ongoing investment in South Lanarkshire is coming to Strathaven, where the waste water upgrade is costing £1,114,000.

Situated on Stonehouse Road on the outskirts of the town, the Strathaven waste water treatment facility serves a population equivalent of over 11,100.

This includes households and nearby businesses.

Work is scheduled to start on January 31, 2011, with contractors Clancy Docwra on site until late 2011.

The works will undergo a brief commissioning phase before being handed over to Scottish Water and entering day-to-day service.

Gavin Noble, project manager, Scottish Water Solutions, said: “The works serve the town of Strathaven by treating waste water flows and returning the treated water safely to the Powmillon Burn where it flows into the Avon Water.

“The investment will ensure that the works continue to comply with the European Freshwater for Fish and Water Framework directives.”

The project aim is to refurbish and replace various pieces of kit with the end result being that Scottish Water treat the waste water to an improved standard, future proofing the works and subsequently protecting the water quality in the Powmillon Burn and Avon Water.

Mr Noble added: “There will be a small increase in traffic as the various construction works are carried out. The majority of the work will be taking place within Scottish Water's land so there will be minimal disruption for local residents.

“The work will ensure this waste water treatment facility continues to comply with the strict European environmental directives that are enforced by SEPA, our environmental regulator.”

Scottish Water said that they are committed to protecting Scotland's natural environment.

This essential work is part of the important maintenance and upkeep that keeps facilities like this running smoothly.

Between 2010 and 2015 Scottish Water are investing £2.5billion in the water and waste water infrastructure across Scotland.

Rob Mustard, general manager for waste water, said: “Since forming in 2002, Scottish Water have invested heavily in Lanarkshire. £140million was invested in 2006-2010 in water and waste water infrastructure for North and South Lanarkshire.”

Another project at Harthill is part of the continuing improvements planned for the 2010-2015 investment period.

Mr Mustard added: “Scottish Water’s investment will continue to deliver clearer, fresher drinking water and reducing interruptions to supply by improving our network of water mains.

“The natural environment will continue to be protected as we plan to invest over £1billion across Scotland on pumping stations, waste water treatment works and the waste water network.

“This will safeguard and improve the quality of rivers, burns and coastal waters across Scotland.”