Scottish Water Invests £708k in Kirkpatrick Fleming

Scottish Water’s ongoing investment in Dumfries and Galloway (UK) is coming to Kirkpatrick Fleming, where the waste water treatment works is undergoing a £708,000 upgrade.

Situated off the B6357 on the outskirts of the town, the Kirkpatrick Fleming waste water treatment facility serves a population equivalent of over 300. This includes households and nearby businesses.

Work started on the 21st February 2011, with contractors on site until late 2012. The work will undergo a brief commissioning phase before being handed over to Scottish Water and entering day-to-day service.

Paul Sharp, Construction Manager, Scottish Water Solutions, said “The works serves Kirkpatrick Fleming by treating waste water flows and returning the treated water safely to the Kirtle Water.

“The investment will ensure the works continues to comply with the European Freshwater for Fish and Water Framework directives while allowing growth in the area.

“The project will aim to replace the current septic tanks and create reed beds which offer an enhanced level of treatment. The end result will be that we treat the waste water to an improved standard, future proofing the works and subsequently protecting the water quality of the Kirtle Water.

“There will be a small increase in traffic as the various construction works are carried out however we will aim to keep disruption to a minimum.

The work will ensure this waste water treatment facility continues to comply with the strict European environmental directives that are enforced by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), our environmental regulator. Scottish Water is committed to protecting Scotland’s natural environment.

“An additional benefit is that the reed beds will enhance the local flora and fauna.”

Between 2010 and 2015 Scottish Water is investing £2.5billion in the water and waste water infrastructure across Scotland.

Rob Mustard, general manager for waste water, said: “Since forming in 2002, Scottish Water has invested heavily in Dumfries and Galloway. £144million was invested in 2006-10 in water and waste water infrastructure for North and South Lanarkshire. This project at Kirkpatrick Fleming is part of our continuing improvements planned for the 2010-2015 investment period.

“Scottish Water’s investment will continue to deliver clearer, fresher drinking water and reducing interruptions to supply by improving our network of water mains.

“The natural environment will continue to be protected as we plan to invest over £1billion across Scotland on pumping stations, waste water treatment works and the waste water network. This will safeguard and improve the quality of rivers, burns and coastal waters across Scotland."