Water Quality to Improve by Jonathan WaIton

Project will reduce amount of effluent.

The amount of Bradford's toilet waste entering the Leeds-Liverpool Canal will be cut thanks to a new hi-tech project by Yorkshire Water.

The company is spending thousands of pounds on a scheme to improve the quality of waste water reaching the canal at Apperley Bridge.

Following a report from the Environment Agency, which advised improvements to effluent quality into the canal, the Bradford-based company is spending £ 170,000 to install a new underground chamber and electrical screen at Eccleshill and Greengates to filter out toilet-related debris.

Project manager Allan Woodhouse said the 12 week project was a major step in improving local sewerage systems.
"This scheme will make a huge difference to the canal as the new electrical screen will reduce the amount of debris entering the water course during heavy storm conditions. As well as improving the visual appearance it will also bring long-term environmental benefits"

Mr Woodhouse said the project would see the installation of a new underground chamber known as a combined sewer overflow (CSO). ,
"Combined sewers carry both water from industry and houses as well as rain water which falls on to paved areas and roofs," he said.

"During heavy rainfall underground structures or CSOs divert uncontrollable volumes of diluted waste into nearby rivers and water courses to prevent flooding to streets."
He said the work will reduce the amount of debris entering the canal at times of heavy or prolonged rain.
"Any debris entering the canal is heavily diluted with rain water. This in turn delivers real benefits for the local environment and encourages the return of fish and wildlife. "We are consented to discharge by the Environment Agency and have not broken this consent. We are simply making further improvements."

The work is centred on Harrogate Road and will obstruct the bus stop situated between building numbers 1000 and 1005. A temporary stop will be sited down the street: Parking will also be affected.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to residents and we will do all we can to minimise disruption;" said Mr Woodhouse.