Work to begin on sewerage system

Feb 21 2008 By Caireen Kelly

WORK will start later this month on a £1.2m scheme to improve New Lanark’s sewerage system.

Scottish Water say they have been working closely with the New Lanark Trust on the six-month project.

It’s hoped the work will protect the quality of the River Clyde, near the historic site.

The work will, however, lead to traffic hold-ups for village residents and visitors.

Scottish Water say the improved wastewater facilities will help the village cope with their half a million visitors every year.

And the utility organisation insist they will make every effort to keep disruption caused by the work down to an absolute minimum.

They say, however, that some traffic management may be necessary when construction of the rising main begins. However, access will be maintained at all times.

Scottish Water’s project manager Patricia Melly said the project aimed to improve the sewerage system and ease demand on the current septic tank structure.

She added: “Specialist directional drilling techniques will be used in order to cut down on any disruption and reduce any possible impact on the community.

“A new pumping station will be constructed near the existing septic tank, which will be retained for storm storage volume.

“A new rising main will also be constructed, transferring the flows to an existing tank, and then on to Lanark Wastewater Treatment Works.”

Jim Arnold, New Lanark Trust director and village manager, said: “New Lanark is delighted that the new measures being introduced by Scottish Water will mean that the River Clyde is even cleaner.

“This is an important issue for World Heritage Site visitors.

“The six-months construction phase is going to be difficult, but I am sure it will be worth the short term inconvenience.”

Scottish Water have announced other projects to improve the environment and the quality of the River Clyde.

Carstairs junction will see an investment of £600,000.

At Ferniegair, around £3.5m will be spent on expanding sewerage capacity, as well as improving the quality of the River Clyde as it flows through Lanarkshire.

NEW LANARK: the £1.2m project will improve both Clyde water quality and the village’s sewerage system.