A £1.7 million scheme is underway to help improve water quality in West Cumbria.
United Utilities has started work on the project at Scad Beck in Crosby, near Maryport, to reduce the number of times that the storm overflow in the area operates.
Work has begun on the construction of a new 65m box culvert sewer, providing 130m³ of stormwater storage capacity.
Once complete, the scheme is expected to reduce storm overflow operations into Scad Beck by 96%.
The firm has already delivered £1.4 million-worth of work in the Maryport area, including recent upgrades at Bullgill Wastewater Treatment Works, where additional storage has helped reduce overflows and improve water quality in the River Ellen.
Joss Low, delivery manager at United Utilities, said: “Investing in projects like this at Eastland Farm is about delivering lasting improvements for the communities we serve around Maryport.
“By significantly reducing storm overflow activity into Scad Beck, we’re helping to protect and enhance the local environment, supporting healthier rivers and wildlife.
“This work builds on the progress we’ve already made in the area and is part of a wider programme of investment that will continue to improve water quality across the catchment.”
