Scottish Water is getting ready for the next phase of work at Seafield Waste Water Treatment Works - the significant investment will further improve the odour performance of Scotland's largest waste water treatment works.
Plans have been prepared in recent years to improve the way that sludge is stored at the site, building on earlier efforts to reduce, contain and treat potential sources of odour emissions from works.
Challenging market conditions globally hampered progress, but it is now expected that construction will begin this summer, subject to final approvals, with completion by the end of 2027.
Scottish Water’s Director for Planning, Environment and Assurance, Professor Simon Parsons said:
“While there is no single solution to challenges with odour, a combination of investment and sustained operational effort has delivered real progress. This latest investment builds on that and prepares for the site’s longer-term future - continuing to serve a flourishing Capital, protect our environment and maximise the generation of green energy.”
Mark Wilson, Director of Northern Region at Veolia added:
“"Veolia is proud to work in collaboration with Scottish Water and local stakeholders to continuously improve the site. These improvements will directly benefit and reduce any impact on local residents and businesses. 2025 was a record year for Seafield, with more green electricity generated than ever before, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and ecological transformation.
“We have been working closely with Scottish Water to secure final approvals for the latest plans, and will ensure the work is delivered safely, whilst continuing to serve customers and protect the environment."
Seafield WwTW is Scotland's largest wastewater treatment facility, processing 300 million litres of wastewater daily. Located in Edinburgh, the critical infrastructure serves nearly one million people in the city and the wider Lothians region, making it a cornerstone of Scotland's waste management system.
In 1999, Veolia was awarded a performance-based contract to operate and maintain the Seafield and other related facilities, involving the operation and maintenance (O&M) of 15 sites across Edinburgh and the Lothians. This included five treatment works, 11 stormwater sites, one trunk sewer, one pumping station, three combined heat and power (CHP) plants, and an advanced digestion plant.
The site is expected to return to Scottish Water ownership in 2029.
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