We are proud to provide a sustainable, affordable, clean and safe water supply and to manage and treat the waste water returned to us in a way that protects the environment.
14/10/2009
Essential improvement work in South Shields will improve water quality to the River Tyne.
Northumbrian Water is investing £500,000 on a five-month upgrade of the sewerage network.
Work is now underway on the scheme, which will involve installing 30 metres of new sewer pipe and building a screened combined sewer overflow in land opposite the Shields ferry terminal.
Combined sewer overflows are consented by the Environment Agency to discharge wastewater into watercourses in times of very heavy rainfall, to protect properties and surrounding land from flooding. The screened overflow will have a positive impact on river water quality to the River Tyne.
Graham Watson, project manager for the scheme, said: “This work is part of an £85 million investment between 2005 and 2010 to upgrade and screen 481 combined sewer overflows throughout the region, which will further improve river and bathing water quality.
“Customers should be reassured that we will do all we can, through careful planning with South Tyneside Council, to reduce the impact on residents and ferry passengers. We thank customers in advance for their patience during the course of the work, which is due for completion by the end of February 2010.”
In order to carry out this essential work safely, it will be necessary to close the public footpath between Ferry Street and the Shields ferry landing until Friday, December 18 2009. A signed diversion to the ferry landing is in place.
The grassed area at Harton Quay will also be fenced off for the entire duration of the work.
Construction traffic will need access to the sites where the work is being carried out, and the site compound, located off Harton Quay.
Residents in the Harton Low Staithes area have received prior notification of the work in writing.
It is very unlikely that Northumbrian Water employees will need to access customers’ homes while the work is carried out and people should be vigilant of bogus callers.
For further information and advice, or to register any special needs, customers should ring the Northumbrian Water Customer Centre on 0845 717 1100.
For more information contact Leanne Clough on 0191 301 6733.