Yorkshire Water has started work on a major £3.5 million upgrade at its Normanton waste water treatment works.

Built in the 1950’s, equipment at the works, which treats waste from over 42,000 customers and businesses in the area, is now coming to the end of its life.

The improvement project is focussed around primary and secondary treatment and the various settling tanks onsite. During primary treatment the sewage flows through large tanks where particles settle to the bottom and are removed and the grease and oils rise to the surface and are skimmed off. Secondary treatment is designed to degrade the biological content of the sewage which is derived from human and food wastes.

Contractors Mott MacDonald Bentley will upgrade the mechanical and electrical equipment, including the scrapers, filters and cleaning systems within the tanks, in order to ensure the site can continue to treat waste water efficiently.

The investment will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the treatment process, and guarantee the treated water that is discharged back into the River Calder exceeds stringent legislation and remains of a very high standard.

Michael Toy, Project Manager commented:

 "We collect, treat and return one billion litres of waste water safely back to the environment every day and recognise we have a big part to play in ensuring the quality of water courses. Our investment in the region’s waste water treatment works and network, including the investment at Normanton, ensures we are protecting and enhancing biodiversity in the region’s water environment.”

The work is expected to take nine months to complete.