Following 4 years of joint work by Yorkshire Water, Gurney Environmental and Stantec, work has now started on the construction of the new wastewater treatment works at Withernsea.

In what is described as a significant departure from the past, Yorkshire Water has selected the innovative and low OPEX Aero-Fac® technology in place of the activated sludge plant that had been initially proposed.

The team of Gurney Environmental and Stantec worked with Yorkshire Water worked in partnership to develop Yorkshire's first Aero-Fac system - the 15,000 PE WwTW at Withernsea will be the largest in the UK.

Key features of Aero-Fac include an extremely low carbon footprint, dramatic energy savings, no sludge production or handling, plus energy-free disinfection, thereby making effluent suitable for irrigation water re-use or safe-bathing waters whether discharged to river or sea.

As an example, the UV system typically required by the Environment Agency was engineered out of the Withernsea plant as a result of monitoring carried out by Stantec at other Aero-Fac wastewater treatment plants around the UK which demonstrated that the plants had met the discharge requirements without the need for UV.

The unique combination of inherent disinfection provided by stabilisation ponds, enhanced by the continual mixing provided by Gurney Environmental's unique wind powered SERIES 3s aerator/mixers ensure that cell contents are repeatedly exposed to the sun for natural UV kill.

Combined with longer retention/stabilisation times this produces an effluent that is safe for irrigation reuse. It also has the advantage where wastewater treatment systems can operate with better disinfection capabilities and require smaller or even no tertiary disinfection.

In addition, the new Withernsea works will have no need for sludge removal, meaning no tanker movement and the impact on traffic this brings.

The Withernsea Aero-Fac® will be the first new WwTW constructed by Yorkshire Water in about 20 years and underscores their commitment to using highly sustainable technology that can reduce total 20-year operating costs (OPEX) by 70-90%, compared to conventional activated sludge options.

Yorkshire Water’s Communications Advisor John Bond commented:

“Our proposal is a step away from traditional treatment works and means we are opting for a much greener, more environmentally friendly option. The new proposal means construction times will be reduced, traffic movements can be minimised and once finished, the site will be virtually noise free. In addition, visual impacts and the risk of odour will be greatly reduced.”

“Our existing facility in Hollym, near Withernsea needs to be replaced as it is now only 40 metres from the sea due to rapid coastal erosion in the area. By building a new treatment facility inland, we’re able to look at new, alternative options for treating the town's wastewater, and we feel Gurney Environmental’s experience and track record provide us with the best solution for both ourselves and our customers for the future.”