A pioneering new trial for permits at sewage treatment works has been agreed with the Environment Agency and Wessex Water. The Bristol Avon catchment-wide permitting trial has been officially signed off, prompted by the need to reduce levels of phosphorus being discharged from sewage works into the River Avon to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive.

It aims to achieve these environmental improvements at a lower overall cost. A traditional individual site permitting approach would have meant expensive capital investment at all 24 sewage works where reduced phosphorus levels are required. However, by working with the Environment Agency to develop the catchment permit we will be minimising the risk of failing to meet the new tighter discharge standards and therefore better placed to meet the environmental objectives in the Bristol Avon – but with less upfront investment. To read more click here