River-protecting 'mega tank' project under way

A new "mega tank" that will help store sewage during high rainfall to stop it ending up in rivers is being built near Coventry.

The development is part of a £78m project to improve the environmental health of rivers in the Midlands.

It will be able to hold four million litres of water - the equivalent of around two Olympic sized 50m swimming pools.

Severn Trent Water, which is building the Finham Treatment works, said the project would future-proof the site to cope as the region faces more storm events because of climate change.

The company said that during stormy weather, surface water often overwhelms sewers, leading to untreated waste flowing into rivers.

They hope the new storage tank will help alleviate the problem in Coventry and the surrounding areas.

Project manager Wilfred Denga, said: "We're getting an increasing frequency of rainfall and at a great intensity so this is about preparing for the future.

"We're working with others in the community, farmers and other community groups, because really, we need everybody involved to help this project.

"We're keen to play our part and to offer to support others to really make a difference when it comes to rivers."

In Leamington Spa, the health of the River Leam is vital to the local economy.

Another huge tank, which is being built in the town, will hold around 800 cubic meters of water, reducing the number of times the local combined sewer overflows into the river.

The development has been welcomed by Leam Boat Centre.

Centre manager Sophie Dollar, said: "If the river does have sewage and pollution in it, it affects the experience that people have.

"We're fortunate that we don't have many sewer overflows nearby, but further downstream it has been an issue."

Both projects are due for completion later this year.

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