Southern Water has initiated a significant upgrade project at the Portswood Water Treatment Works located off Kent Road in St Denys. This upgrade is aimed at enhancing treatment capacity and process resilience at the facility.
Details of the Upgrade
The proposed work includes critical improvements to the existing Advanced Sludge Plant (ASP) system. Specific components of the plan involve:
- New treatment and pumping infrastructure
- Upgraded electrical systems
- Improvements in site access
- Removal of outdated plant equipment
Community Concerns and Timeline
Local councillor John Savage has expressed his support for the investment but raised concerns regarding the impact on the community. He highlighted that the Portswood treatment site is cramped and might cause disturbances over an extended period.
According to planning documents, the completion date for the proposed upgrades is set for March 2030. Councillor Savage warned that this timeline may lead to a challenging four years for local residents and could negatively affect the environment.
Environmental Considerations
Savage noted the absence of a final UV treatment process at the site, which is a significant issue for those advocating for a cleaner River Itchen. He suggested that Southern Water consider using river transport via barge for some operations.
Regulatory Steps and Community Engagement
Southern Water has submitted a screening application to Southampton City Council. This application will help determine if a full environmental assessment is necessary. Although this process is not primarily for public consultation, local residents can share their views through the council’s planning portal.
Official Responses
MP Satvir Kaur for Southampton Test has sought a meeting with the CEO of Southern Water. Her goal is to discuss measures that can be taken to minimize adverse effects on the residents during the upgrade process.
El-Balad will provide updates on this matter as more information becomes available from Southern Water.
