Northumbrian Water has started work on an £8 million scheme to upgrade the sewer network in Sunderland.

The one-year project, which will be carried out by the water company’s framework partner, Esh-MWH, will improve the performance and resilience of the water company’s sewer network in Roker, Seaburn, Cleadon and St Peter’s.

Jonathan Chambers, Esh-MWH Construction Programme Manager, said:

“This is a major project for Esh-MWH which will provide vital improvements to the sewer network in the Sunderland area.”

“When complete the project will reduce the amount of surface water that enters the sewer network which increases its capacity. This is particularly important during times of rainfall.”

The work involves reducing the amount of surface water that enters the sewer network and will free up capacity within pipes, particularly important in times of rainfall. Sustainable drainage solutions, including rainwater gardens and grassed detention basins, will also be installed in the Fulwell Road and Roker Park areas. Two underground storage tanks will be constructed as part of the scheme.

As a result, the amount of times that waste water is discharged into the sea at Whitburn Steel pumping station, and into the River Wear, near St Peter’s Church, will be reduced. Flood risk will also be reduced in parts of Roker and Seaburn.

Northumbrian Water’s project manager, David Groark, said:

“Looking after the environment and reducing flood risk are two of our top priorities. We are very pleased that we have been able to incorporate sustainable solutions, such as rainwater gardens, into this scheme as they have wider social and environmental benefits. “