Going Green in Lenham

More than 7,500 reeds are being planted as part of a green scheme to bring cleaner waters to the River Great Stour. 

Southern Water has started work on a £4.2 million environmental improvement project at its Lenham treatment works to ensure wastewater is treated to higher standards.  The new reed beds will help clean up to 4.3 million litres of wastewater from more than 3,600 people each day. 

The company is now building gravel beds at the site ready to plant the common reeds – phragmites australi.  They will grow to about two metres tall within three years. 

The “green” reeds work by sending oxygen into the gravel through their roots, helping break down any impurities in the wastewater. 

Further improvements being undertaken at Lenham include refurbishing the tanks which treat the wastewater when it enters the works.  New monitors will measure the quality of the water that is released to a tributary of the River Great Stour after it has gone through the many stages of treatment.  An additional level of treatment has also been provided to remove nitrates, which can cause excess algal growth in rivers. 

Gary Sayers, Southern Water’s Senior Project Engineer, said “Installing new technology which improves wastewater treatment, while also using natural systems such as reedbeds, is a really sustainable way of working. 

“We are delighted that the work at Lenham is underway and that the River Great Stour will be able to benefit from this environmental improvement scheme.” 

The scheme is being carried out for Southern Water by contractors Morrison Utility Services and is expected to complete by November 2009. 

To find out more log on to:

www.southernwater.co.uk/Environment/inYourArea/kent/lenham.asp