AN under-fire water firm which faces a huge fine for pumping run-offs from storm overflows into Barnsley’s watercourses has reiterated its commitment to reversing the issue.
Yorkshire Water was blasted for a ‘catalogue’ of failing by industry regulator Ofwat following its largest ever investigation into utilities companies’ wrongdoings.
It now faces a £47m fine but bosses have revealed that work is being done to reduce the amount of discharges into the River Dearne and River Dove.
The Chronicle can reveal that the town’s now benefiting from a £9.7m scheme to improve discharges from storm overflows at locations including at Harley Dike, near Elsecar, Church Street in Jump, Knoll Beck, Elsecar and Small Bridge Dike at Cudworth.
Omair Khan, project manager, said: “Yorkshire Water’s contract partners Mott MacDonald Bentley started a £2.3m investment at Cloughfields storm overflow to reduce storm discharges flowing into Harley Dike by 80 per cent.( “The significant improvement work includes the installation of a new 1,045m³ storage tank, a new 12-metre diameter shaft going down 10.24 metres, a new motor control centre and pumps.
“Work has also started on site at Church Street, Jump, costing £1.8m which will see an 85 per cent reduction in annual storm discharges flowing into Jump Valley stream thanks to a new 358m³ offline storage tank.
“Elsecar will see £2.8m spent on reducing storm overflows discharging into Harley Dike by 78 per cent, compared to 2021.
“Mott MacDonald Bentley will install a new 489m³ offline storage tank, a 12.5-metre diameter shaft to the depth of 9.75 metres, complete with new motor control centre kiosk.
“This £9.3m investment in and around Barnsley, is part of £180m investment project across Yorkshire by the end of April 2025 to reduce discharges from storm overflows and improve river quality for the region.”
Ofwat’s investigation confirmed the scale of the issue in Barnsley, which saw Darton’s stretch of the River Dearne endure 90 spills for a total of 1,362 hours - the equivalent of 57 days non-stop.
Meanwhile in Lundwood, an overflow also spilled a total of 90 times for a total of 1,114 hours, the equivalent of around 46 days non-stop.
In Pilley, almost 150 incidents occurred for a total of 2,135 hours whilst in Hoylandswaine and Cawthorne the sewage spilled for more than 3,000 hours combined.
A spokesperson added: “We are disappointed with Ofwat’s response to their investigation into our wastewater treatment networks.
“Since the start of this process in November 2021, we have co-operated fully with the investigation and we will continue to seek clarity.
“We and our customers care deeply about rivers’ health and we want to provide reassurance that we have already taken considerable action to improve.”
