The major upgrades will convert liquid treated waste into a sludge cake that offers a reduced risk of nitrate pollution run-off when introduced as a soil improver. Additionally, transporting sludge cake rather than liquid sludge off site requires fewer vehicle movements resulting in cost and waste management efficiencies whilst reducing the treatment centres’ impact on the environment and neighbouring communities.
The improvements will help ensure compliance with nitrate pollution prevention regulations that govern the application of nitrate containing fertilisers.
The upgrades will reduce the carbon footprint associated with the treatment of sewage sludge, while increasing the capacity of each to accommodate future population growth. Lorry movements at Basingstoke will be reduced by 50% and at Bracknell by 80%.
Thames Water head of capital delivery Lawrence Gosden said: “This essential work will help us maintain high performance at the plant, comply with new European regulations and reduce our impact on the environment by substantially reducing lorry movements to and from the site.
“These upgrades are part of our £5bn programme of essential works to improve water pipes, sewers and other facilities across London and the Thames Valley between 2010 and 2015.”
The facilities at Bracknell in Berkshire and Basingstoke in Hampshire form part of the Thames Water’s sludge management strategy. Most of it is used to fertilise farmland.
Black & Veatch contract manager Martin Ellis said: “These are innovative, high-profile schemes to enable Thames Water to meet their regulatory compliance while maintaining the continued high performance of each facility. We have set up an integrated UK/India design team which, combined with an experienced construction and management team, is focussed on delivering the agreed solution to accomplish this goal.”
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