Yorkshire Water unveils plans to cut discharges into the River Aire near Goole

Company says investment at Rawcliffe and West Cowick will improve water quality

Author: Gavin RutterPublished 24th Sep 2024
Last updated 24th Sep 2024

Nearly £3m is being spent on two new projects designed to improve water quality in the River Aire, near Goole.

Yorkshire Water has announced funding for two new storm overflows at Rawcliffe and West Cowick, which it says will reduce the number of discharges into the river after bad weather.

A £1.8m upgrade of the Royal Oak Rawcliffe sewage pumping station will see the installation of new valves, pumps and a new rising main.

The company says the works are expected to reduce storm discharge into the River Aire by 20% from the overflow.

£1m will also be spent at West Cowick sewage pumping station to increase storage of rainfall and wastewater during wet weather events.

Lumi Ajayi, project manager, said: “Increasing storage in our network is a key way we are reducing the frequency and intensity of storm overflows discharging into watercourses across the region.

“The projects in Rawcliffe and West Cowick, nr Goole will help us to limit the amount of rainfall going into the combined sewer network and allow us to store more wastewater during periods of heavy rainfall, before returning it to the full treatment process, in a measured manner. The volume and number of discharges flowing into the river Aire will be significantly reduced on completion of these works, helping to improve water quality in the area.

“We have liaised with the local highways team to ensure that the work can be carried out safely and with the minimum disruption to local residents and businesses whilst these important improvements are undertaken.”

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