Multi-million pound project to boost air quality close to Kent wastewater treatment works is complete

A £4.3m programme of works to tackle unpleasant smells in the vicinity of Ashford Wastewater Treatment Works has been finished.

The scheme tackled odour concerns in a number of ways, including changing the location of where sewage solids are stored before being removed from site – reducing any impact on neighbours in Kennington.

Three tanks involved in treating sewage have also now been fully covered and further technology has been installed to stop gases involved in the treatment process from escaping into the air.

The site team are now using a new live monitoring system and odour management plan to keep on top of the issue.

Southern Water’s Director of Wastewater Operations, John Penicud, said:

“This work is really important, not only to improve how we treat waste but also to significantly improve the air quality for nearby residents who have in the past been impacted by odours from the site.

“The work we have done here has already made a massive difference, and we have seen that in feedback from people in the area. We will take the learnings from this into other areas in our region where we are aware of concerns about odours.”

The project was carried out in close collaboration with the Environment Agency and Ashford Borough Council.

Southern Water is committed to improving its environmental performance and is investing £3bn between 2020 and 2025 in its network  - the equivalent of £1,500 per household. The company also launched a two-year turnaround plan earlier this year to drive results.