Thames Water appoints Black & Veatch for upgrade

Thames Water has appointed Black & Veatch as principal contractor for a program of works that will enhance and expand sludge treatment operations at its Basingstoke and Bracknell Sewage Treatment Works.

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 while 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.

Lorry movements at Basingstoke will be reduced by 50% and at Bracknell by 80%.

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.

Lawrence Gosden, Thames Water’s head of capital delivery, said: “These upgrades are part of our £5bn program of essential works to improve water pipes, sewers and other facilities across London and the Thames Valley between 2010 and 2015.”

Martin Ellis, Black & Veatch Contract Manager said that Thames Water recycles all of its sludge for beneficial re-use purposes, the majority of which is used as a nutrient-rich fertiliser for agricultural land use.

The facilities at Bracknell in Berkshire and Basingstoke in Hampshire form part of the utility’s sludge management strategy.