WORK on what is expected to be a nine-month upgrade of a waste water treatment plant begins later this month.

The major improvement scheme will see the wholesale refurbishment of Northumbrian Water’s Crookhall waste water treatment works, at Consett.

Having served the area for more than half-a-century, the regional water company hopes the £2m project makes it fit for purpose to serve future generations of townsfolk.

Contractors are due to begin initial working on the scheme on Monday, May 18, with a targeted completion date of Monday, January 18, next year.

But local people have been warned of occasional traffic disruption at times caused by contractors’ plant vehicles during the period of the project.

As well as increasing the plant’s treatment capacity, the upgrade will allow the various treatment processes carried out at the site to be greatly improved.

It is aimed at ensuring the regional water company continues to discharge high quality treated waste water into the neighbouring Stockerley Burn.

The site, now serving about 2,000 properties in nearby Leadgate and Crookhall, treats more than 2.5 million litres of waste water each day.

Project manager Nigel Watts, of Northumbrian Water, said: “Crookhall sewage treatment works has been treating waste water for more than 50 years.

“We are going to install new equipment and build an extra filter to ensure the site is fit for future generations.

“During the project, there may be occasions when construction traffic will need access to the site and we are working closely with construction company, Amey, to keep any disruption to a minimum.”

But he urged local people to assist the smooth running of the contract by following simple guidelines about what to flush and what not to attempt to flush away.

“Customers can help us to look after the treatment works by only flushing toilet paper, pee and poo down the loo and by putting grease and fat in the bin, rather than down sinks.

“We spend around £400,000 every year sending items such as nappies, sanitary products and cleaning and baby wipes to landfill.

“All of these should be put in the bin and not flushed down the toilet,” added Mr Watts.

Northumbrian Water treats up to 475 million litres of waste water every day. About £180 million is to be invested by the company, between 2015 and 2020, to upgrade and maintain its 412 sewage treatment works.

Further information is available from Northumbrian Water, on 0345-717 1100, or by tweeting @nwater_care.