Using wetlands as a low carbon, nature-based solution to cleaning wastewater

It’s great to work on this unique and innovative project, but it’s a real challenge too. Cleaning wastewater is difficult and expensive, so when I was given the opportunity to work on one of the first projects of its kind in England using wetlands to refine the treatment of wastewater, I was enthusiastic about getting started.

I’m a wastewater scientist/engineer by background and I’m proud to be part of the Integrated Team for this project covering Operations, Engineering Technical Solutions and Natural Capital Strategy, as well as Project Delivery, Planning and Strategy. My role as the Project Manager is to help make the project happen at our Staplefield wastewater treatment works. We’ll be working closely with the Environment Agency and a range of stakeholders including Natural England, the Rivers Trust and local authorities. One of our key advisors, Mott MacDonald, will work with us to design and implement the wetlands.

The wetlands project was chosen in July 2022, using our new risk and value tool which, along with whole life cost, also measures the natural and social capital benefits as well as the carbon impact of each proposal. The chosen project will mimic nature by creating a unique treatment system of water tolerant plants in shallow water, where effluent can be fed in from the treatment works at one end and removed at the other. It’s very different from the treatment methods we currently use to remove substances such as Phosphorus, to make sure that our discharge (final effluent) meets quality standards. While it’s not the lowest cost option, it is the lowest carbon option and the decision to establish the wetlands is a game changer for Southern Water towards nature-based solutions, protecting the environment and doing the right thing for future generations. It shows how we are always improving our approach to get better delivery for our customers.

For me, one of the greatest benefits of this project will be the positive impact on biodiversity, carbon and the community. The wetlands support about ten percent of all the wildlife species we have in the UK, including birds and plants, so creating a wetland habitat will be good for nature and that means it’s good for our local communities too. We hope to be able to use the wetlands for educational tours, so local people and school children will have the chance to find out about this great sustainable project.

Cecile

Project Manager