Perhaps – But What is Being Done at the Moment is not Enough.

Sewage companies, even though dealing with the not-so-glamorous side of our lives, can play a surprisingly crucial role in boosting biodiversity. But the light touch methods used at present will not outway the harm that outdated, and badly run assets causes. Here are some ways sewage companies claim to help at present:

1. Investing in advanced treatment technologies:

• Membrane bioreactors (MBRs): These sophisticated systems use membranes to filter out even the tiniest contaminants, producing cleaner effluent that’s safer for aquatic life.
• Nutrient removal technologies: Excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from sewage can trigger harmful algal blooms, upsetting the ecosystem. Advanced treatment methods like biological nutrient removal can help control these nutrients.
• Microbial fuel cells: These innovative systems harness the power of microbes to generate electricity from wastewater, potentially turning waste into a resource and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This may seam slightly detached from bio diversity, but resource used and climate change are both reducing biodiversity.

2. Minimizing pollution at the source:

• Public education and outreach: Raising awareness about responsible disposal of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other harmful substances can significantly reduce their presence in wastewater.
• Collaboration with industries: Partnering with industries to pretreat their wastewater before it enters the municipal system can significantly lessen the load on treatment plants and protect aquatic ecosystems.
• Investing in leak detection and repair: Leaky pipes and sewers allow untreated wastewater to escape into the environment, contaminating water sources and harming biodiversity. Regular inspections and proactive repairs can minimize these leaks.
• Elimination Combined Sewer Overflows: Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) can have a significant and negative impact on the environment, public health, and infrastructure.

3. Creating and restoring natural habitats:

• Wetlands construction: Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants and providing habitat for diverse species. Sewage companies can create or restore wetlands near treatment plants to enhance biodiversity.
• Riparian buffer zones: Planting trees and shrubs along riverbanks helps stabilize the soil, prevents erosion, and creates valuable habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
• Fish stocking programs: In some cases, carefully planned fish stocking programs can help restore fish populations in rivers impacted by past sewage discharges.

4. Embracing circular economy principles:

• Resource recovery: Sewage sludge, a byproduct of treatment, can be treated and turned into fertilizer or renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on virgin resources and minimizing waste.
• Water reuse: Treated wastewater can be used for irrigation, industrial processes, or even toilet flushing, reducing pressure on freshwater resources.

By implementing these strategies, sewage companies can transform their operations from potential threats to biodiversity into valuable contributors to a healthier planet. Remember, a thriving ecosystem not only benefits the environment but also leads to cleaner water, improved public health, and a more resilient future for all.

But – The Damage is Far Worse

Sewage, a byproduct of our daily lives, poses a significant challenge to the UK’s precious biodiversity. While modern wastewater treatment facilities significantly reduce pollution, the issue remains complex, with various factors influencing the impact on different ecosystems.

Negative Effects:

• Nutrient Overload: Excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from sewage can trigger algal blooms, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic life. Imagine vast stretches of water covered in thick, green scum, suffocating fish and other organisms.

Algae bloom caused by sewage pollution

• Toxic Chemicals: Sewage can contain pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial pollutants that are harmful to wildlife. These chemicals can disrupt hormones, impair reproduction, and even cause deformities in animals.
• Habitat Degradation: Untreated sewage spills or overflows can contaminate rivers, streams, and coastal areas, damaging sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs and seagrass meadows. These vital habitats provide food and shelter for countless species, and their loss has cascading effects throughout the food chain.
• Spread of Disease: Sewage can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can sicken fish, birds, and other wildlife. This can lead to outbreaks of disease and population decline, disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems.

• Plastics: Our ubiquitous companions in modern life, unfortunately find their way into our sewage systems, posing a significant and often hidden threat to aquatic ecosystems and potentially even human health. Everyday plastic items like disposable cups, plastic bags.