Replacement proposed as erosion threatens Yorkshire Water treatment works

Yorkshire Water has unveiled plans for a new, larger wastewater treatment works further inland to replace its Withernsea facility which is at risk of falling into the sea in the next five years because of coastal erosion.

The company is expected to submit a planning application for the new treatment works in the next month.

The Withernsea wastewater treatment plant serves up to 12,000 residents throughout the year, and was constructed in 1991. It is located on the Hodlerness coast, which is one of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe.

Yorkshire Water wants to relocate the treatment works on land between Withernsea and the village of Hollym, more than a mile inland.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “Withernsea wastewater treatment works is at risk of falling into the sea within the next five years. This means it is essential that we move the facility inland and due to tidal patterns and the need to protect bathing water quality the location has to be to the south of Withernsea.

“After carrying out an environmental assessment, we believe the most suitable location near to the existing sea outfall is north of Hollym just off North Carr Dales Road.”

The proposed site would be more than 400m away from houses and would be connected to Yorkshire Water’s existing sea outfall. It will also feature the latest odour controlling technology. The company will also carry out a full odour model and survey as part of the design.

The spokesperson said the size of the proposed site is larger than the existing one in Withernsea partly because of the forecasted rise in population in the area, “which means we will have to have the capacity to effectively treat larger volumes of waste”.

A version of this story first appeared on wwtonline.