The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) determined that the water quality in the South Burn in Airdrie was suffering from storm water discharges at various locations in the town.

Scottish Water designed a project to remove these discharges into the South Burn, which contributes to the River Clyde, and redirect them to a new storm transfer sewer.

Member of Scottish Parliament for Airdrie & Shotts, Alex Neil, said: “The £22m spent on this project is an investment in Airdrie and its infrastructure, which in the long run will see money saved as we don’t see roads closed, businesses closed and people unable to get about their town centre.”

The project also aimed to alleviate the likelihood of flooding at the Cairnhill Road railway bridge. One of the lowest points in the town centre, it is also surrounded on all sides by shallow vertical slopes and a lack of permeable land to soak up surface water. There was also a requirement to remove flooding risk from eight properties in the town.

Project manager, Brian Dalton of Scottish Water, said: “The project consists of several interconnected pieces of infrastructure. Combined Sewer Overflows are tied into the existing and some new sewer tunnels that then feed into a large diameter storm transfer sewer that runs 1.2km in length to a storm tank.

“Thereafter, storm flows discharge to the North Calder water. Attenuated flows from the storm tanks are returned to the existing sewer network as the flows subside.

Leigh Stringer

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe