Birdlip gets 21st Century Sewage Treatment

Severn Trent (UK) has completed the modernisation of its Birdlip sewage plant.

The water company’s procurement partner, Costain, working with ARM Reed Beds replaced a primary settlement tank, trickling filter and humus tank with a state-of-the-art, aerated, reed bed.

“It was clear the current system was in need of upgrading from the odour it was emitting as well as the crumbling brickwork which isn’t surprising given it was probably installed around the time of the second world war,” said Richard Price, Costain’s delivery manager.

“We’ve designed and installed several aerated reed bed (FBA™) systems across Severn Trent’s network,” said ARM Reed Beds’ project manager Steve Harvey. “This system comprises: two horizontal flow reed beds and replaced the trickling filter with a new rotating biological contactor to ensure it complies and reduces odour.”

The contract was awarded in April 2012, work started in June and finished in July 2012.