Kippen and Killearn water work upgrades

Dec 2 2011 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Friday

KIPPEN and Killearn are to benefit from a £1.7m upgrade of their waste water treatment works.

Scottish Water announced the investment they say will help better protect the environment in the Strath of the River Forth and the Blane Water respectively.

Visiting the Kippen site recently MSP Bruce Crawford said he was “delighted” at news of the investment.

Scottish Water Solutions construction manager Jim Clarke said: “The investment will protect water quality in the River Forth in future by replacing a large amount of equipment on the site with new, more efficient technology as well as standard maintenance work.

“The site will also be linked up using an ultrasonic sensor to Scottish Water's state-of-the-art telemetry network, which means the operation of the works can be monitored at the control centre in Glasgow.

“Any possible issues with the site are communicated immediately to the control centre and a visit from the local engineers is arranged immediately.

“This proactive approach increases the performance of the site and protects the environment more effectively.”

Work started at Kippen recently and is expected to finish next summer.

Of the Killearn works Mr Clarke added this was due to start in the new year with a planned late 2012/ early 2013 finish date.

“We'll be replacing and upgrading quite a bit of the kit on site including the inlet screen, storm weir and the electrical switchgear,” he said.

“The improvements will ensure that the waste water will be treated so it continues to meet our licence requirements and the European Directives for waste water treatment.

“The work will also perform a key role in ensuring water quality for the local environment is safeguarded so wildlife can continue to thrive in Killearn.”