In recent months we have been trialling a new technology at Hawkshead WwTW to help increase treatment capacity and reduce spills. This technology, known as Nanofloc, uses iron oxide nanoparticles suspended in a special liquid to act like a magnetic glue to help the existing treatment process work better. 

So far, the trial is showing positive results with further work to be carried out during the next year to meet the enhanced Environment Agency regulations. In the mean time our teams are conducting surveys and ground investigations works to help inform a wider solution, further reducing spills.