Environment MP supports Thames sewage tunnel
Thames Water’s plans for a tunnel to reduce the amount of raw sewage discharged into the River Thames have been given the support of UK environment secretary Caroline Spelman.
The core of London’s sewage network was designed in the late 19th century and was intended to overflow at times of heavy rainfall to ensure that sewage did not back up into houses and streets. Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) were intended to discharge the raw sewage into the Thames in the event of extremely heavy rain.
Increasing populations and changes to land use in London have led to this occurring around 50 times a year. With further population growth and projected climate change, this figure is expected to increase in coming decades and spills could occur when there is very little rain. This also creates problems for the UK’s continued compliance with EU wastewater treatment regulations.
On 22 March 2007, the then minister for climate change and the environment announced his support for a tunnel to solve the problem in the Thames and asked Thames Water to take forward the design process for the Thames Tideway Project, which includes the Thames Tunnel.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
New IET report examines grid transmission costs
In the rural East Midlands, the countryside is criss-crossed with power lines, due to the legacy of Coal Fired Power Stations built every few miles...