As one of eight successful bidders, Somerset Council has secured Government funding to deliver phosphate mitigation measures which will unlock the delivery of new homes throughout the region and provide for long term nature recovery.
The funding, announced on 19 December 2023, will be used to expand the Council’s existing phosphate credit scheme, and deliver both interim and long-term phosphate mitigation measures.
This includes the use of new energy-efficient reverse osmosis (RO) technology, previously trialled at the Fivehead Wastewater Treatment Works near Taunton in August 2023. The successful trial of SAM50 ultra-efficient RO technology was carried out by Wessex Water, Te-Tech Process Solutions and Salinity Solutions.
New RO technology an ideal interim solution
The units will work alongside the delivery of nature-based solutions, which take far longer to establish, and provides sufficient nutrient credits to 2030 to help unlock some 18,000 homes caught up in Somerset.
“This ultra-efficient reverse osmosis technology provides a stop-gap which allows developers to obtain planning permission and go ahead with construction, whilst long-term nutrient mitigation solutions are being put in place by the water companies – making it the ideal interim solution.”
Mike Froom, Director, Te-Tech Process Solutions
The technology can assist all nutrient neutrality catchment areas by providing a bridging method to 2030 and exceed the Governments Technically Achievable Limit (TAL) proposed under the Levelling and Regeneration Act.
More information:
Statement from Somerset Council