A solution to overflow problems in the River Eea at Cartmel is in sight, thanks to a £1.5 million collaboration between United Utilities and Holker Group.
Cartmel-in-Cark Pumping Station is overflowing too frequently into the river due to high groundwater levels in the area.
Work will start soon on land next to the pumping station to create a new 20 square metre compound containing additional treatment units which will increase capacity for the system and also treat the water.
Local residents have been invited to a public exhibition on Wednesday, May 15, between 2pm and 5.45pm at Cartmel Village Hall, to find out more about the £1.5m project.
When Holker Group, which includes Cartmel Racecourse, was approached about the plan it was able to work with one of its tenant farmers to release some grazing land for United Utilities for the project.
Holker Group chief executive Allen Gibb said: “We have been working with United Utilities on this for about a month.
“When United Utilities explained their plan we were only too happy to help as this has been an issue for the local area for some time.
“Our tenant farmer has sacrificed a parcel of land which was used for livestock grazing and we are close to finalising a lease for United Utilities to operate on the land. We are delighted to help facilitate a solution to the problem.
“We are also in discussions with United Utilities about a longer-term solution to this issue which could involve a reed bed filtration system. We have also worked with them on facilitating some borehole investigations into the groundwater.
“All the businesses within Holker Group take our responsibilities to the environment very seriously. We live here too and the estate is involved in some ground-breaking work to ensure we play our part in giving back to the land from which we earn our living.
“So we have been pleased that we have been able to play our part in helping United Utilities find a solution to an issue which has been of such concern to us and all residents in the Cartmel area.”
Sean Knox, delivery manager at United Utilities, said: “This is good news for the local community and the local environment and we’re very pleased that Holker Group has been willing to work with us to make the project happen.
“The land is the key element in this scheme, providing the space we will need to treat more of the groundwater that infiltrates into the sewer network in the area, reducing the frequency of the system overflowing into the river.
“We hope local residents will come along to the exhibition and talk to our team who will be on hand and happy to answer any questions.”
Mr Gibb said Holker Group was also involved in a number of environmental projects including research into pioneering alternative farming techniques which includes developing Sphagnum Moss, which is pivotal to water retention on peat soils.
The estate’s farming operation has also recently entered into a scheme that funds winter cover crops on stubble fields which helps to reduce water runoff and soil erosion.
It is also working closely with South Cumbria Rivers Trust and the Community Forest in developing techniques to improve environmental ecosystems through the re-establishment of a watercourse to its natural state.
