Surveys start for Scarborough’s wastewater network transformation

Yorkshire Water will begin investigating the land around Scarborough from 10 August, as it seeks to progress its multimillion-pound programme to transform the wastewater network in the coastal town.  

Contract partners, Mott MacDonald Bentley and Socotec, will be out around Scarborough doing topographical land surveys. This involves the use of ground penetrating radar equipment to scan for pipes and cables, and marking their locations on the road, as well as taking distance and elevation measurements. 

The investigations follow the closure of phase one of the consultations around potential options for the overall project, in which members of the public were asked to share views on what they would like to see delivered. 

Lee Shepherd, capital delivery programme manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re currently reviewing all the responses that we received during the public consultation process. Thank you to everyone who got in touch and spent the time chatting to our colleagues in person at one of our drop-in events, or leaving comments online.  

“The next stage of the programme is to begin looking at the ground conditions across Scarborough, to help determine how we might be able to deliver some of the options we have for the various projects.” 

For the team to work safely, there may be temporary traffic management in use at points of the investigation, which is taking place in multiple locations across Scarborough. 

Lee added: “We appreciate everyone’s patience whilst we complete this important stage in the programme.” 

Information on phase two of the consultation, and further investigative work, will be shared as soon as possible.  

To stay up to date with the project, customers can visit www.yorkshirewater.com/investing-in-yorkshire/investing-in-scarborough.   

The work in Scarborough forms part of Yorkshire Water’s £8.3bn investment programme by 2030, set to improve customer service, reduce its impact on the environment, and upgrade infrastructure across the region.  

Storm overflows operate as a relief valve for the combined sewer network, which carries both rainwater and wastewater, during periods of heavy rainfall to prevent the network from going over capacity and backing up into homes, gardens, and businesses. To reduce their operation, Yorkshire Water is spending £1.5bn upgrading the sewer network by 2030.