Fife sewage treatment plant to get new odour control unit after 30 years

Smells at a Fife wastewater treatment facility are set to improve after permission for new equipment was granted.

Scottish Water had applied to Fife Council for consent for the installation of plant and equipment at the Ironmill Bay Wastewater Treatment Works near Charlestown.

This follows an investigation which found that the existing odour control unit should be replaced due to its age and “ineffective” operational capabilities.

A planning statement on behalf of the applications explained: “The proposed development will deliver a modern solution for wastewater treatment at the works, which supports compliance with Regulatory standards and Scottish Water obligations, in addition to improving the health and safety of site operatives.”

The 540 square feet site currently contains existing wastewater treatment infrastructure including sludge holding tanks and operational buildings.

A report by Fife Council planners explained that the development was part of ongoing investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure.

It continued: “The proposal does not represent an expansion of the established wastewater treatment use but rather seeks to modernise and replace an existing component of the treatment process.

“In this regard, the development supports the continued operation, resilience and efficiency of critical infrastructure which serves the wider area.”

Approving the application, the report added: “The proposed development comprises the replacement of existing odour control infrastructure within the operational Iron Mill Waste Water Treatment Works.

“The proposal supports the continued operation and maintenance of essential wastewater treatment infrastructure and, by virtue of its scale, siting and operational context, would not adversely affect the character of the area or neighbouring amenity.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said work was likely to be carried out later this year.

“Scottish Water has received planning approval for the replacement of an existing odour control unit at our Ironmill Bay Wastewater Treatment Works in Charlestown,” they stated.

“The current odour control unit has been in operation for around 30 years and is reaching the end of its operational life. The project is therefore maintenance work to replace existing infrastructure and help ensure the continued reliable operation of the site.

“We are currently finalising delivery plans and expect work to begin later this year, subject to programme requirements.

“Local residents are unlikely to notice any change in odour levels once the new unit is operational, as it is replacing an existing odour control system rather than introducing a new treatment process.”