Giant tunnel proposed to tackle Windermere sewage discharges
Source: The Guardian ·
United Utilities, Environment Agency and local campaigners say 12-mile tunnel could take sewage away from England’s largest lakePlans are under way for a new giant tunnel to transport sewage away from Windermere, England’s largest lake.Windermere, in the Lake District, has suffered from widespread raw sewage and bacterial pollution driven by discharges from United Utilities. Campaigners say this…
From the source
Plans are under way for a new giant tunnel to transport sewage away from Windermere, England’s largest lake. Windermere, in the Lake District, has suffered from widespread raw sewage and bacterial pollution driven by discharges from United Utilities. Campaigners say this pollution has caused more frequent toxic blue-green algal blooms, with the public advised to avoid swimming in the lake. Modelling indicates the climate crisis will exacerbate these challenges, with the catchment expected to experience more intense rainfall over the coming years, placing further pressure on the wastewater infrastructure. A new project, backed by United Utilities, the Environment Agency and local campaigners, has set out a vision to end sewage discharges into the lake by building an 12-mile (19km) tunnel to transport sewage away from the lake. The water company said the use of tunnelling techniques would minimise the disruption to local communities. Windermere is at the heart of the Lake District…