Wessex Water at Somerton in running for two national Green awards

A PROJECT at Somerton sewage treatment works which aims to sustainably remove nutrients before they enter watercourses has been shortlisted for two national awards.

The Somerton Reedbed Project, which removes phosphorous through biochemical reactions between waste water, metal-rich materials and reeds, has been shortlisted in the Green Business Awards in the Green Technology category, which recognises initiatives or products which deliver real sustainability benefits.

The scheme has also been shortlisted for a Green Apple Environmental Award, an international campaign which recognises rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world.

Excessive levels of phosphorus in watercourses cause an imbalance in the natural ecosystem, promoting excessive algal growth and devastating aquatic life. The trial at Wessex Water's sewage works commenced in 2010 to find an alternative and sustainable way to remove phosphorus from treated sewage effluent.

Currently, in order to meet strict legal requirements, Wessex Water removes phosphorus from waste water using a traditional process which involves costly chemicals transported from Eastern Europe and South America.  The treated effluent is then returned to rivers.

But by creating a modified reedbed with a different substrate, which is capable of reacting with the phosphorus, Wessex Water can remove phosphorus without the use of additional chemicals or energy. This is a sustainable solution which helps to protect river water quality and aquatic life.

Ruth Barden, head of environment and conservation at Wessex Water:Wessex Water is committed to delivering sustainable solutions, which provide environmental improvements.

“Our Somerton Reedbed Project recognises the need to deliver a sustainable solution for phosphorus removal to help protect aquatic ecosystems, without compromising the wider environment.

“This trial has proved that there is an easy and sustainable option for phosphorus removal at a small scale which is very accessible to different organisations and individuals, and will provide wide scale environmental benefits.”

The Green Business Awards will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012 at Lord’s Cricket Ground and the Green Apple Awards will be presented on the same day at the Houses of Parliament.

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