Work begins on £13 million project to improve River Wear and protect local watercourses near Sunderland

Avove has commenced work on a £13 million scheme for Northumbrian Water that will support environmental improvements across the North East.

The project will create a new 3.5km pipeline linking Northumbrian Water's Sedgeletch Treatment Works, between Bournmoor and New Herrington, with the River Wear.

Once completed, treated water that is currently discharged into the Herrington Burn will instead be transferred to the River Wear.

The move will help protect the burn, while the larger river provides greater capacity to dilute and disperse treated water before it continues its journey through the environment.

The scheme also includes the construction of a new pumping station within the treatment works, underground pipework and a new discharge point on the River Wear. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2027.

The project is the first of three planned environmental improvement schemes in the area and forms part of Northumbrian Water's wider programme of investment to improve watercourses and enhance the environment across the North East.

Colin Butler, framework director at Avove, said: "We are proud to be playing a role in delivering a project that will bring lasting environmental benefits to local waterways and communities.

"This investment will help improve the way treated water is returned to the environment while supporting Northumbrian Water's wider ambitions to protect and enhance the region's natural watercourses. We look forward to continuing to work closely with local communities and stakeholders as construction progresses."

Christopher Bond, project manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “This work in the Sedgeletch area is part of a £1.7bn investment in work that will benefit the environment, being carried out across a five-year period to 2030. Local projects like this all come together to make a big difference for our region and we know they are important to communities across the North East.”

The investment forms part of Northumbrian Water's commitment to improving the health of rivers and streams across the region, helping to protect the local environment for generations to come.