Plans to upgrade a East Devon sewage treatment plant responsible for 146 spills in a year could “improve water quality” in a nearby river, it has been claimed.
A proposal has been submitted by South West Water to make improvements to the waste water treatment works at Kilmington, in East Devon, in the hope that it could “reduce phosphate inputs into the River Axe”.
High levels of phosphates in water courses can lead to eutrophication, which is when there are too many nutrients in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries or the sea, causing excessive growth of algae and plants, according to the Environment Agency.
“This adversely affects the quality of the water and our uses of it, as well as damaging the local ecology,” the agency added in a report into the issue last year.
But a planning application by South West Water for its waste water treatment works (WWTW) in Kilmington would hope to address that issue.
The company said in the year to 27 April, there were 146 spills at the site.
The proposal has been submitted to Devon County Council, which oversees planning applications linked to waste and minerals.
“The primary objective of the proposed development is to reduce the phosphate inputs into the River Axe and thus reduce pressure on the Special Area of Conservation (SAC),” a letter from SWW’s agent, Ben Gilpin of Aardvark Environment Matters, stated.
“Overall, the proposal seeks to install new equipment on land to the north of the existing sewage treatment works to improve water quality and the management of pollution risks, therefore contributing to phosphate reduction,” Mr Gilpin added.
“Overall, there is an urgent need for the proposed development and the development as detailed would assist with the delivery of improved water quality; the development is suitable to the site and its surroundings; it accords with national and local planning policy and all relevant material planning considerations.”
A spokesperson for South West Water said: “The application is to upgrade Kilmington wastewater treatment works so it can better remove phosphates from wastewater and protect the local river environment.”
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