River Leam, Leamington Spa

Flood Prevention

Environment Protection

First adoption by Severn Trent of SDS GEOlight® system.

Overview

The initiative focuses on creating bathing-friendly areas along the River Leam in Leamington Spa and the River Teme in Shropshire, showcasing Severn Trent’s commitment to embracing innovation in its mission to deliver sustainability. With a significant investment of £78 million, the project seeks to enhance water quality across over 50km of river in Warwickshire and Shropshire, setting the stage for future improvements to other waterways.

SDS was tasked with designing, manufacturing and installing a surface water storage and attenuation system that effectively links new and existing sewer networks.

What we did

This installation represents Severn Trent’s first deployment of the long-established SDS GEOlight® system. It features a GEOlight® tank measuring 40m x 34m, with a storage capacity exceeding 2 million litres, strategically located beneath a 1.2ha playing field adjacent to Milverton Primary School and the Leamington Spa Conservation Area.

New surface water sewers will also be laid on several roads within Leamington Spa to facilitate effective discharge into the GEOlight® tank. This important improvement is essential for protecting sewage treatment works from overload, helping to prevent combined sewer overflow (CSO) spills into the River Leam.

Results

By enhancing stormwater storage capacity, this project aligns with Policy 8 of the Warwickshire Waste Core Strategy and Policy DS3 of the Warwick District Council Local Plan. Furthermore, it addresses the core sustainable development objectives outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), delivering substantial economic, social and environmental benefits.’

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