Yorkshire Water’s Hollym  Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) project is to be awarded the Edmund Hambly Medal at the 2023 Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Annual Awards.

The ICE’s Edmund Hambly Medal recognises excellence in civil engineering. This year it sought to recognise the creative design of an engineering project that contributed to mitigating and adapting to the significant effects of climate change.

The scheme was developed to relocate the at-risk coastal treatment works away from the shoreline near Hollym village in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Stantec designed the treatment works as part of the wider scheme, which included a new long sea outfall and modifications to the terminal pumping station and rising main. The project was developed and constructed in collaboration with Yorkshire Water, Ward and Burke, and Gurney Environmental.

The works was at risk due to its location at the fastest eroding coastline in the UK and is now safely located 2 kilometres from the shoreline. The replacement facility consists of a low energy, carbon efficient aerated facultative process treatment works. The project team developed the scheme whilst considering economic, environmental, and social benefits.

The largest scheme of its kind in the UK, it is now delivering significant operational cost savings for Yorkshire Water - a 70% decrease compared with the plant it replaced. Data shows the site is exceeding water quality targets and meeting bathing water standards and has removed the previously existing storm overflow located at the former works.

Hollym, Myers Lane Wastewater Treatment Works was recognised by the Awards Committee as a “fantastic feat of civil engineering.” The group praised its credentials in operating with minimal environmental impact and savings in carbon and energy, as well as the project’s approach to community engagement.

Ross Anderson, operations director, Water, Stantec, commented:

“Relocating this plant safely and sustainably was crucial for Yorkshire Water and this coastal community. I’m delighted the project team and their creativity have been recognised with such a prestigious industry award.

“This a fantastic example of low carbon solution that protects bathing water quality. Hollym, Myers Lane Wastewater Treatment Works proves the value of blue green infrastructure when it comes to supporting communities, utilities, and the environment.”

Simon Hudson, lead project manager for Yorkshire Water added:

“Hollym, Myers Lane WwTW is an innovative low carbon solution, the first of its kind for Yorkshire Water, together with being the largest of its kind in the UK. The new Aero-Fac Wastewater Treatment System at Hollym is a dramatic change from conventional sewage treatment, with the benefits of being an ultra-low carbon solution when compared to conventional methods with greater process resilience and at a much lower capital cost and operating cost.”

The annual ICE Awards Ceremony is one of the highlights of the Institution's calendar. It celebrates excellence within civil engineering and technical writing, and the outstanding commitment of the award winners.

This year the event will take place on 13 October at ICE's headquarters, One Great George Street, Westminster.