Scottish Water has announced the completion of a new £1.8m award-winning waste water facility in the village of Cartland, South Lanarkshire.

The project, which took a year to complete, will see the new treatment system as part of a wider ambitious plan. The plan involves installing a zero/low carbon emission treatment works which will serve the village, protect the natural environment of the Brocklinn Burn and continue to meet strict European legislation.

The site of the new plant spans an area of 3000m2 near the A73, a location that offers access to the site by a dedicated road rather than passing through the village of Cartland.

The facility is now fully operational and will serve 16 homes, as well offer a further 16 homes to connect to the waste water system free of charge. The eco-friendly treatment plant is the first of its kind in Scotland and was delivered by Scottish Water Solutions, the project delivery arm of Scottish Water.


Before construction was completed, the project won an environmental accolade in the form of a Green Apple Award for 'Best Practice'. Judges were impressed with the zero carbon waste water facility and described it as an innovative and environmentally-sustainable example of best waste water practice.

Paul Sharp, Construction Manager at Scottish Water Solutions, said: "This £1.8 million project is part of a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of providing low carbon emission treatment works. We are constantly looking at ways to provide sustainable waste water treatment solutions for the people of Scotland and this is our latest venture in this particular area."

The event to mark the completion of the project was attended by MSP for Clydesdale, Aileen Campbell, who added: "This significant investment in a new treatment system, which will serve the village and protect the natural environment of the Brocklinn Burn, is a boost for the area. Its location is also of benefit, as it enables heavy traffic to bypass the village on its dedicated access route.

"This project demonstrates Scottish Water’s commitment to investing in Clydesdale’s waste and water infrastructure, and shows the benefits of retaining Scotland’s water in public hands."

Work on the plant involved redesigning the treatment process. A septic tank, a storm flow separation and multi-stage wetland treatment system, which comprises a conventional percolating filter and humus tank, has now been created.

(JP/CD)