Scottish Water is underway with a waste water treatment works (WWTW) upgrade project in Orkney.

The £10 million scheme will link existing sewers to the Bu Point WWTW and reduce the risk of pollution to surrounding waters in Stromness Harbour.

Work involves developing new manholes and sewer pipes at the pumping station at West Mainland Mart (within Scottish Water's main site compound) and the pumping station within the Ferry Road car park between The Ferry Inn and Julia's Cafe.

In addition, new control kiosks will be built along with new extended emergency storm water outfall pipes.


New 6mm fine mesh screens are to be installed to the emergency overflow pipe at 11 pumping stations, including event recorders and the provision for future flow monitoring in accordance with SEPA requirements.

Approximately 300 metres of existing water mains will also be replaced from Well Park along Ness Road to the Cannon area.

The project is being carried out by aBV.

Project Manager Kris Cameron, said: "This is a significant project to help protect and enhance the environment. It involves increasing the capacity and improving the performance of the seven existing pumping stations at Garson, West Mainland Mart, Ferry Inn, Navigation School, Sutherlands Pier, Graham Place and Alfred Street.

"When complete the upgrade of Stromness waste water network will clean up the waters and reduce the risk of pollution around Stromness Harbour."

Councillor James Stockan added: "This major investment in infrastructure is of important long term benefit to Stromness."

(LM/MH)