The phosphorus removal programme at Dewsbury Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) has been completed by BarhaleEnpure JV, delivering a 90% reduction in phosphorus levels in final effluent and exceeding Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) targets.
Delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Water, the £18 million upgrade supports improved water quality in the River Calder and forms part of wider investment to reduce nutrient discharges across the region.
Phosphorus removal programme modernises settlement and monitoring systems
The phosphorus removal programme replaced fourteen existing primary settlement tanks with three new 45-metre diameter tanks, each 8.5 metres deep at the central desludge cone. Two new primary sludge pumping stations were also constructed.
Prior to installation, an existing beck was diverted to accommodate the footprint of the new tanks. The scheme incorporated off-site manufacturing techniques, with precast concrete wall sections assembled on site to improve construction efficiency and reduce programme duration.
A new chemical dosing plant was installed alongside a UMON4 monitoring device, upgrading compliance monitoring to MCERTS standards. The system confirms that the works treats permitted flows of up to 2,350 litres per second to full treatment during storm overflow operation.
The wastewater treatment works, which serves approximately 200,000 people in West Yorkshire, remained fully operational throughout construction.
Supporting River Calder water quality and biodiversity
Phosphorus occurs naturally in domestic sewage and can enter rivers via detergents, personal care products, agricultural run-off and soil erosion. While essential in small quantities, elevated concentrations can contribute to ecological imbalance and harm aquatic life.
In addition to process improvements, the project created a 2.5-hectare biodiversity and rewilding area to enhance habitat value around the site.
Brian Harrold, Contracts Manager at BarhaleEnpure JV, said the scheme progressed to design and construct phase in the third quarter of 2023 following early contractor involvement.
Philip Lister, Yorkshire Water’s Environmental Permit Compliance Lead, said the project adopted measures to reduce carbon impact while accelerating delivery. Yorkshire Water has committed more than £350 million over five years to reduce phosphorus levels at 85 wastewater treatment works across the region.
For further coverage on wastewater nutrient removal and environmental compliance, visit our Wastewater section.
