The engineering and innovation behind a wastewater treatment facility in Blackburn has been recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers North West.

Blackburn and Darwen Wastewater Treatment Works Solution were awarded the Mercer Innovation Award 2023 at the ICE North West Awards for the innovation behind the facility which will help to achieve enhanced river and bathing water quality.

Taking more than four years to build and serving a population of £400,000 people, it is now the largest purpose-built process plant of its type in Europe.

Lancashire Telegraph: Award winners with the chair of ICE North WestAward winners with the chair of ICE North West (Image: ICE North West)

Emma Antrobus, director of ICE North West, said: “Access to clean water and effective sanitation is both a basic human right and a UN sustainable development goal, with our civil engineers playing a crucial role in achieving it.

“Improved water quality is a concern for us all, and this innovative engineering effort is helping to improve river and seawater quality, from the Rivers Darwen and Ribble to the Fylde Coast.”

The winners were selected by a panel of industry judges and the scheme stood out for its use of technology both within the build and in the treatment of the wastewater, wider environmental gains incorporating new habitats for wildlife, and a lower carbon footprint including estimated power savings of approximately £60m over 30 years.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Blackburn and Darwen wastewater treatment facilityThe Blackburn and Darwen wastewater treatment facility (Image: ICE North West)

Ellen Griffin, an engineer from Ormskirk, was recognised for her potential, winning the 2023 Rising Star Award.

The event was held on Thursday, May 11, and was supported by Civic Engineers, Tensar International, Richter, The Temporary Works Forum, and Waterman Aspen.