Southampton Water has reached a critical phase in a £25 million scheme to upgrade Millbrook Wastewater Treatment Works in Southampton.

As part of a wider investment of £63 million to help protect shellfish in the area, the standalone £25 million initiative has already doubled stormwater storage capacity and resulted in the installation of a new ultraviolet treatment process to improve water quality.

The final phase of work which is now underway will increase the treatment capacity of the site – by adding new tanks, technology and pipework.

All of these steps will help to reduce the frequency of storm overflows in the area.

Meanwhile work is ongoing to improve other wastewater treatment works around Southampton Water including £13 million at Woolston Wastewater Treatment Works and more than £8 million at Ashlett Creek Wastewater Treatment Works in Fawley and £18 million at Slowhill Copse in Marchwood.

Director for Wastewater Operations at Southern Water, John Penicud, said:

“We recognise how important it is that we play our part to protect the environment and all of these project will play a crucial role in protecting shellfish and improving the health of Southampton Water in the coming years.”

The work is being carried out by contractor GTb, a joint venture between Galliford Try Environment and Binnies UK Ltd

Kennith Loftus, Project Design Lead for GTb, commented:

“Once all of this work is finished, the quantity of sewage treated and the quality of the final effluent leaving the site will be significantly improved. This will help to protect the important shellfish and other marine habitats in and around Southampton.”