Wet weather helping to clear air over giant sewage works

People living near Yorkshire Water’s waste water treatment plant at Saltend, near Hull, have been plagued by unpleasant smells for more than a decade.

And last year saw a record number of complaints when dry weather, which meant the sewage took longer to get to the plant and was more concentrated, combined with the residue of the region’s annual pea harvest to produce a particularly noxious odour.

Residents in Hedon and surrounding villages said the smell, which they likened to rotten eggs, was so bad they had to keep windows shut and cancel garden events.

There were 181 complaints and a petition calling for action was signed by 2,400 people.

Campaigners are urging people to report any unpleasant smells from the plant after this year’s pea harvest got under way, but so far there have been no complaints.

The firm said a new £3.5m odour control unit which began operating last December – and the heavy rain – were helping to keep a lid on the odours so far.

Yorkshire Water spokesman Matt Thompson said: “The pea season is a challenge but it’s just one of the factors. It means a different kind of effluent coming into the works and a large volume, but we believe we are well-prepared for that this year after lots of investment and hard work.

“We’ve had the investment and a lot of hard work and that’s why we are confident we have done what we can to reduce the odours, but certainly the weather is a factor because it keeps the sewers moving and the water can’t stagnate. When there’s no rain it’s in the sewer for longer than normal.

“It’s early days but we are in a better position and I don’t think we’ve had any complaints. Technology is a factor and so is the weather; when it’s wet that does help as opposed to when it’s glorious in the 80s and 90s (degrees Fahrenheit).”

John Dennis, East Riding Council member for South West Holderness, said those living near the site should remain vigilant.

“The pea season seems to have started rather later than usual due presumably to the weird weather conditions we’ve had in recent months, but now is the time that we local residents must be on our guard,” he said.

“I understand that ERYC (East Riding of Yorkshire Council) officers are now on site at Saltend and a schedule of visits to the Hedon area has been implemented to meet the council’s undertakings to increase its presence in advance of complaints being received.

“However, the continuing involvement of local people is essential if the ERYC is to be able to effectively deal with the problem.

“Residents of South West Holderness have had much to put up with over recent years and it’s about time the problem was solved once and for all.”

He added: “Together with the other ward members I will continue to monitor the situation on behalf of residents. We are all entitled to enjoy what little summer weather we get out in our gardens, without it being spoiled by these appalling smells.”

The plant is one of the biggest of its kind in Europe and treats 40 million gallons of waste water every day, including a complex mix of trade effluent, before discharging the water into the Humber.

Yorkshire Water is meanwhile urging local residents and groups to apply for grants from a £50,000 fund set up to benefit the worst affected communities.

The money will be split over two years and grants of between £100 and £5,000 are available for community projects. There have been 17 expressions of interest for funding so far. Mr Thompson said: “If you have an idea we really want to hear about it.”

For an application form email [email protected]