Work underway to protect the River Leven

Work is underway to protect water quality in the River Leven in North Yorkshire by increasing the capacity of a rural sewage treatment works.

Northumbrian Water is investing £3.5m at Great Ayton Sewage Treatment Works (STW) to install a storm tank that will hold up to 317m³of combined rain and wastewater, reducing the likelihood of spills to the river.

Storm tanks hold water back from the treatment works at times of heavy rainfall, so that the STW doesn't exceed its capacity. This water is then treated once there is space for the works to take in the extra flows.

Work is due to continue on the project until August 2025, with the storm tank set to come into operation by the early summer.

Northumbrian Water's partner, Esh Stantec, is carrying out the work.

Jonathan Shaw, Northumbrian Water's Project Manager, said: "Increasing the Great Ayton STW's capacity to hold excessive storm and wastewater for treatment is an investment in the site's resilience against climate change and in protecting the River Leven.

"Due to the rural location of the STW, between Great Ayton and Stokesley, we don't anticipate any disturbance for people living in the area, but we have been in contact with those living closest, so that they understand what we are doing and the benefits."

People can follow progress on the project at www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk.