A scheme to replace septic tanks in Cumbria has resulted in a £20,000 donation to two county organisations.
Eden Rivers Trust and Delta Academies Trust received the donation from Our Rivers, thanks to people in Eden who have taken up the offer of a free septic tank upgrade scheme.
Over the past 18 months, Eden Rivers Trust has worked with environmental consultants Our Rivers to promote the scheme, administered by Westmorland and Furness Council using money from the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund.
The fund helps Eden residents replace failing septic tanks for free with modern and efficient systems, creating a nutrient reduction to surface water and allows stalled housing development to progress.
As part of the project, Our Rivers reinvests a proportion of profits directly in local river conservation and their communities.
To mark the completion of Phase 1 of the septic tank upgrades, Our Rivers recently presented the trust with £20,172 at the former Patterdale Youth Hostel, currently being turned into a new outdoor education centre.
The site’s new owners, education charity Delta Academies Trust, has had a new sewage treatment system installed through the scheme.
It also received a donation to support it work in bringing children across Northern England to learn about, and explore Eden’s landscapes.
Our Rivers Group CEO, Sarah Belton said: “It is our choice, and a significant motivation for us, to share profits generated from this septic tank upgrade Contract with all the local rivers trusts we are working with across Cumbria on this scheme.”
Hilary Clarke, catchment management lead at Eden Rivers Trust, said: “This scheme is helping us tackle problem septic tanks across the catchment that leak concentrated nutrients into our becks and rivers all the time – usually without people realising there is an issue.
“We got involved because the Our Rivers scheme makes it easier for homeowners to replace failing tanks while reinvesting in the local environment.
“We’d like to thank everyone who attended our information sessions and chose to take part. They are helping protect Eden’s rivers for future generations.
“This money will allow us to expand our work with farmers, landowners and communities to improve rivers and habitats for people and wildlife, as well as sharing simple ways people can help at home, from saving water and nature-friendly gardening to only flushing the 3Ps (pee, poo and paper).”
The scheme aims to make upgrades straightforward for local residents. Project partners manage the application process, provide support with legal requirements, and offer advice on caring for systems.
Householders benefit immediately from a new septic tank, and longer-term also helping to protect local waterways by reducing pollution. The scheme also supports the local economy and helps address constraints on housebuilding in areas affected by Nutrient Neutrality rules.
In the Upper Eden catchment, upgrades have so far been installed at several properties close to watercourses, including Morland Beck, the Lowther and the Eamont. Together, they have delivered 51.72kg of Total Phosphorus mitigation.
The partnership is currently planning the second phase of septic tank upgrades in selected parts of Upper Eden. Visit ourrivers.co.uk to check for eligibility and to register interest.
