Infrastructure, Networks & Equipment

    Specialized WWTP Companies

    Niche wastewater treatment firms tackling landfill leachate, food processing, textile, and hazardous streams.

    55 providers

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    • Filtration or Screening capabilities
    • Suppliers with waste management and remediation sector experience
    • Providers operating in United Kingdom or China
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    Eliquo Hydrok Ltd logo

    Eliquo Hydrok Ltd

    United Kingdom

    ELIQUO HYDROK works with all major UK and Ireland water companies, providing practical water engineering solutions. As a specialist engineering firm with head office in Indian Queens, ELIQUO HYDROK operates at the forefront of innovative and sustainable water treatment technologies. We support the entire UK water sector, supplying every water company. Part of ELIQUO WATER GROUP, the extensive portfolio includes solutions for wastewater management, wastewater treatment, clean water treatment and surface water management; Mecana PCMF, aeration technologies, CSO screens, flow controls, storm tank flushing and Raw Water Intake Screens. Plus, a sludge treatment portfolio that helps reduce costs, improve efficiency, and meet environmental compliance requirements – through systems like ELOVAC® for vacuum degassing, and other integrated technologies in biogas, digestion, dewatering and drying. With established teams in Cornwall, Wolverhampton and Wombwell, ELIQUO HYDROK are well-equipped to support operations – from start to finish; with design, manufacture, management and install capabilities – across the UK and Ireland. This wealth of in-house expertise is backed by a forward-thinking mindset to help customers achieve their long-term goals sustainably; to deliver results in AMP 8 and beyond.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    EMS Industries Ltd logo

    EMS Industries Ltd

    United Kingdom

    EMS are a UK based manufacturer of positive displacement ram pumps and grit removal solutions used traditionally in the wastewater industries but also in the food waste (AD) sector. EMS Industries was established in 1995 and has since grown into a world-renowned name for providing robust, reliable products which have provided our substantial client list with many years of trouble free service. All EMS products are designed, manufactured and tested in our Stoke on Trent operational facilities where we can also offer additional services including spare parts, service and repairs, installation, commissioning, operator training packages and full CAD and 3D modelling services. As a framework provider to some of the major UK utility companies, we ensure that our products meet with all current legislation and continually strive to provide innovative products to the market place.

    Treatment Process Technologies
    ERG (Air Pollution Control) Ltd logo

    ERG (Air Pollution Control) Ltd

    United Kingdom

    ERG (Air Pollution Control) Limited is the leading supplier of wastewater odour control units (OCUs) for the UK Water Industry and increasingly supplies odour control systems around the world. In addition, ERG can provide specialist advice and solutions to assist in achieving IED compliance for relevant odour assets. In the past 10 years, we have provided over 200 OCUs and count all the UK water companies and major main contractors among our clients. So, whether you are looking for a large, multi-stage chemical scrubbing system, an environmentally friendly bio-trickling filter or bio-scrubber system, a simple but efficient activated carbon or dry media system, an Odorgard™ from ERG Hygrade, or even an RTO (Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser) system, ERG can develop a tailor-made solution to suit. All ERG Odour Control Systems are: Purpose-designed by our process engineers to eliminate the cocktail of inlet odours to the required standard. Optimised to give the best value capital and running costs. Built and tested to current BS EN and WIMES specifications. Guaranteed to achieve the required discharge odour concentration and supported by our skilled and experienced maintenance team. Minimising non-compliant emissions to atmosphere by regular, planned maintenance protects your reputation and saves you money. Our maintenance department can help keep your air pollution and odour control systems running effectively and at the lowest operating costs. Our specialist engineers are experts in maintaining most types of odour and air pollution control equipment and always work to the highest safety standards. We often save clients many thousands of pounds by repairing and enhancing dilapidated air pollution and odour control equipment. We are a framework supplier for odour control maintenance to Southern Water, Scottish Water and Thames Water, regularly maintaining more than 120 sites.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Evergreen Water Solutions logo

    Evergreen Water Solutions

    United Kingdom

    A leading supplier of progressive wastewater treatment systems Evergreen Water Solutions works closely with a number of international engineering companies whose expertise are in scalable wastewater treatment systems and containerised wastewater treatment systems for municipal and industrial application. Evergreen Water Solutions offers a comprehensive engineering service. Our company incorporates initial design and planning, to implementation of projects that are delivered on time and on budget. Our expertise in wastewater treatment covers infrastructure development, package sewage treatment systems and advanced treatment technology for wastewater recycling with the strictest treatment requirements. The goal of Evergreen Water Solutions is to exceed the expectations of our clients, foster long-term relationships, and make a positive impact on the environment and industry standards. Evergreen Water Solutions use innovative products and suppliers to source, design and implement leading environmental water and wastewater treatment products and solutions. All new equipment and suppliers are required to undergo pre-qualification program and a series of acceptances and trials are applied prior to the approval of the vendor. Evergreen Water Solutions’ pre-qualification program guarantees you our clients that the products we source are of the highest standard within the industry, these products along with the expertise within Evergreen Water Solutions ensures that the solution we provide will meet and exceed any expectation you might have.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Contractors
    FLI Precast Solutions logo

    FLI Precast Solutions

    United Kingdom

    FLI Precast Solutions (formerly FLI Carlow) provide design, engineering and manufacturing services for the off-site manufacture of specialist concrete infrastructure and attenuation systems. Our markets include Water, Wastewater, Energy and Storm Attenuation in the UK & Ireland and bespoke projects globally. SERVICES INCLUDE Design, engineering and manufacturing services for the off-site manufacture of specialist concrete infrastructure and attenuation systems. Design to national and international water industry standards and our semi-precast modular designs make us the industry leader in off-site concrete engineering and manufacture. By early involvement and integrating with our clients’ design teams we can accelerate and improve design optimisation and reduce cost. The value is in the solution, and off-site manufacturing and fabrication leads to higher efficiencies and lower risks and costs. Framework agreements enable us to add more value through collaboration, innovation, economies of scale, supply chain partnering and cost management. Our products and designs are engineered to provide solutions to many challenges facing our clients: water retention, water storage, water conveyancing, water management, water treatment, fire-resistance criteria, chemical resistance parameters, infrastructural products, retaining walls, coastal erosion, decorative walls, to name a few. We are a solutions provider using innovative off-site concrete engineering and our industry leading semi-precast modular designs. The company is part of the FLI Group which is a diversified group of companies providing environmental solutions, services and technologies to private and public sector customers in the UK, France, Ireland and throughout the world. PRODUCTS INCLUDE Service reservoirs Process settlement tanks (PST / HST / FST / etc) Storm & attenuation tanks (network or site based) Process structures (ASP / TSR / GAC / RGF / etc) MCC service foundations Bund wall system Chambers Channel & lids Comms chambers Multi-purpose chambers Bespoke culverts Holding tanks Barriers Demountable fence supports (international airport approved) Ballast blocks Dry flow channelling Foundation bases Blast fence supports

    Precast Concrete
    Concrete Works
    Greenbank Group logo

    Greenbank Group

    United Kingdom

    A specialist engineering company with a global customer base. Greenbank provides a wide range of products and services to companies operating across a number of industries and is now establishing itself in the clean and wastewater sector. For many years the company has utilised the unique properties of volcanic basalt for lining products used in heavy industries such as power generation and minerals extraction. In partnership with Czech firm Eutit, the company has also been pioneering the use of basalt in the renovation and restoration of sewer systems in central European following a series of successful projects in Prague. As a result of devastating floods, the city’s sewer system was extensively rebuilt and upgraded with basalt being used in a number of key locations to provide a new level of security to the system. More than a decade on, the new system continues to perform well and has set a standard that’s now been followed in other European cities. Well suited for the most demanding of applications, thanks to the partnership between Greenbank and Eutit, a wide range of basalt solutions are now available in the UK market. These include products and systems that bring a wide range of benefits to the industry, including: Basalt tiles that can also be used to line existing brickwork, a more cost-effective solution than full replacement, and their reduced drag co-efficient means improved flow – in effect a smaller-diameter pipe or tunnel lined with basalt can carry a higher volume of water than a larger one with traditional brick surfaces. The effective life expectancy of basalt-lined sewer systems is between 100 and 200 years, thanks to their excellent resistance to abrasion and chemical damage – as well as the rigours of high-pressure water jetting that’s often used to clear unwanted blockages. For larger round or ovoid systems, basalt can be used in the lower sections to deal with the wear and tear with concrete upper sections to provide optimum life performance. Alternatively, steel pipes lined with basalt can be produced up to 3000mm diameter producing a lighter therefore lower cost installation option to thick wall concrete. Ease of installation and reduced maintenance costs make basalt ideal for bottom gutters, branch pipes and tubes and slip-resistant elements for walkways, and Greenbank can also supply bespoke-shaped tiles to meet the unique requirements of individual clients. With manufacturing facilities in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, supported by the additional capacity and expertise provided by the latest addition to the group, Franklyn Yates Engineering, Greenbank is well placed to react quickly and efficiently to the needs of new and existing clients.

    Gurney Environmental Ltd logo

    Gurney Environmental Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Gurney Environmental is a well established provider of systems and technologies used in the treatment of water and wastewater. From water supply to water re-use, we have designed and developed innovative, low cost and sustainable systems for the water and wastewater industries. Low CAPEX plus low OPEX equals low TOTEX. True sustainability is the benchmark for success with Gurney. We offer unique water and wastewater treatment systems, equipment and design including zero-to-low energy www and reservoir destratification systems. Our experience and knowledge of the water and wastewater treatment industries has successfully helped a wide variety of clients including major landowners (such as the Crown Estate) and many of the UK’s water utility companies. Our systems are today recognised internationally with a growing number of foreign municipals. Gurney has a total commitment to quality. Our systems and solutions represent the finest in long-term value, which is why we place such a strong emphasis on equipment with sturdy construction and fewer moving parts. Our commitment to a low total life cost is a key part of a commitment to quality.

    Treatment Process Technologies
    JK Fabrications Ltd logo

    JK Fabrications Ltd

    United Kingdom

    With over 30 years of experience delivering expertise in the industry, JK Fabrications Ltd has become one of the front runners and will keep challenging ourselves and others to improve our Environment as we believe that; Our Environment, is our Future. At JK Fabrications, we are an engineering company that takes pride in our family roots, with an aim to continue to successfully grow our business. Our company values are incorporated into everything we carry out and we seek to work with like-minded companies. Established in 1998, JK Fabrications specialises in efficent, effective, and environmentally sensitive solutions to the Water Treatment, Waste Water, Waste to Energy, and Pharmaceuticals Industry. With over 30 years of experience delivering expertise in the industry, JK Fabrications has become one of the front runners and will keep challenging ourselves and others to improve our Environment as we believe that ‘Our Environment, is our Future’. With the ease of access to Northern Ireland’s principal motorway network and equal distance between both Belfast Airports and Dublin Airport, JK Fabrications’ 50,000 Sq/ft premises in Newry are the perfect location to produce and deliver your project. Design We have a fully equipped in-house design team with over 65 years of combined technical, manufacturing, and sector-specific experience, that are highly skilled and trained using the very latest design software. Manufacture We have built our reputation by producing specialised products for the waste-to-energy, wastewater, water treatment, and pharmaceutical industries. Our experienced welders and fabricators along with our state-of-the-art machinery make sure that each project is carried out to a high standard. Install We have an experienced installation team with a dedicated core team of engineers, mechanical fitters, and coded welders who have over 30 years of experience in the supply and installation of our fabricated products for a wide range of projects throughout the UK and Ireland. Commission Our experienced commissioning engineers will attend the site to oversee the installation of systems, plants, and equipment. They will commission, test, and optimise the equipment as well as provide the operators with operation and maintenance manuals. Products include: Stainless Steel Pipework | Stainless Steel Vessels (inc Pressure Vessels) | Mild Steel Pipework | Lamellas | Picket Fence Thickeners | Rectangular Bridge Scrapers | Half Bridge Scrapers | Conical Settlement Tanks

    Pipeline & Pipework Products
    Accreditations
    Pipelife Norge AS logo

    Pipelife Norge AS

    United Kingdom

    Pipelife is an established and well respected supplier of polyethylene pipes and recognised as a global leader in the supply of long length extruded solid wall PE pipes. Our long length extruded pipes are produced by Pipelife Norge in Norway. The large, high-quality pipes are extruded at our Stathelle plant using premium PE100 resins and strict factory quality controls. Each pipe is made to order through a seamless, continuous extrusion process that eliminates welds and extends directly from the factory into the fjord. From there, the pipes are transported by tugboat straight to their destination, removing the need for land storage or extensive working areas. This efficient production and delivery method not only ensures exceptional durability and precision but also reduces handling and lowers the overall carbon footprint, making Pipelife a reliable partner for major infrastructure projects worldwide. Located on the shore of a sheltered fjord, Pipelife’s Stathelle plant offers the ideal setting for producing long-length pipes. Its coastal position allows continuous production in a clean, controlled environment with direct access to the sea, meaning pipe lengths are limited only by the fjord’s size and the pipe’s diameter. The facility is equipped with extensive storage areas on both land and water, along with a dedicated wharf for easy loading by ocean-going tugs. Supported by Norway’s reliable infrastructure, the plant benefits from a stable energy supply and consistent access to essential raw materials. Inside, a state-of-the-art production line, enhanced with specialized modifications, ensures the highest manufacturing standards and delivers unique advantages in product quality and performance. Pipelife’s long-length, large-diameter pipes are designed for a wide range of demanding applications, including: Wastewater sea outfalls and diffusers Desalination and power plant intakes and outfalls Cable landfalls Cable protection systems Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) liner ducts Fish return lines

    Pipeline & Pipework Products
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    PLR Building Services Ltd logo

    PLR Building Services Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Here at PLR Building Services, our team brings extensive experience in the water industry, specialising in top-tier electrical installation work for framework companies across the utility companies. Our primary focus is on ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for water systems. We offer a comprehensive electrical design package and project management services. Our team is equipped with the latest health, safety, and electrical qualifications to meet all your project requirements efficiently. As a NICEIC approved contractor, we excel in both new systems installation and the refurbishment of existing installations. Water treatment Wastewater treatment Sludge treatment Pumping stations Reservoirs Inspection Testing Electrical Design Project managing

    Contractors
    Water Pumping Stations
    Siltbuster Group logo

    Siltbuster Group

    United Kingdom

    Established for over 20 years, the Siltbuster Limited provides rapidly deployable, “modular off the shelf” water treatment solutions to the construction, industrial and municipal markets, with a client base ranging from the world’s most recognisable multi-national corporations to small enterprises. Siltbuster provides a wide range of water and wastewater treatment equipment for the industrial and municipal markets, including: Packaged lamella dissolved air flotation (DAF) units. Lamella clarifiers. Packaged biological treatment systems. Oil/water separators. Pipe flocculators. Reaction tanks. Containerised dosing systems. In the UK, Siltbuster has pioneered the concept of offering this plant through our extensive hire fleet. Approximately 20 major contracts and circa 50 smaller projects are undertaken each year for a diverse range of clients, many of which are some of the UK’s best-known companies. In addition to the industrial/municipal sector, Siltbuster has undertaken a number of mine water treatment projects in many countries, for example, the UK, Ireland, Greece, France, USA, Canada, Australia and Slovakia. The Siltbuster team pride themselves in their ability to react rapidly and in compliance with the project constraints, delivering mobile or permanent solutions tailored to meet your individual needs.

    Treatment Process Technologies
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK Ltd logo

    SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Unique integrated water solutions and unrivalled expertise. Suez Advanced Solutions UK deliver innovative methods of water and wastewater management throughout the UK. Working with a wide range of customers in the industrial and utility sectors, SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK are focussed on tailored and integrated process solutions for measurable results. Suez Advanced Solutions UK’s suite of environmental technologies and services deliver optimised methods of water network management for the water sector. Utilising a wealth and depth of experience in water and sewerage networks, a wide range of pioneering and innovative process solutions are now successfully providing commercial benefits to water companies, and improving service quality for the end user. Our industrial water specialists deliver bespoke solutions based on the specific needs and process requirements of the customer, to provide reduced costs, energy and water consumption. Committed to continuous development through technical innovation, Suez Advanced Solutions UK transfer knowledge and expertise from a diverse range of industrial sectors, offering a comprehensive understanding of processes and relevant environmental and industry legislations.

    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Asset Management
    Total Automation & Power logo

    Total Automation & Power

    United Kingdom

    Total Automation & Power (TAP) is a formal joint venture between Cougar Automation Ltd and Technical Control Systems Ltd. Formed in 2005, it has delivered hundreds of projects worth tens of millions of pounds. Current water and wastewater frameworks include Severn Trent, Thames, Welsh & Yorkshire Water. Working with TAP is just like working with a single company. Every project has a dedicated project manager who coordinates all the work and gives you a single point of contact. You place a single order for all of your electrical and control system design, supply and installation so you can concentrate on delivering your project without having to worry about placing and managing separate orders for MCCs, a control system and electrical installation. Unlike separate orders, both companies stand behind the whole scope and unlike a contract/sub-contract arrangement we don’t mark up each other’s price. Projects are easy to manage, secure and competitively priced. Supporting clients from initial concept design stage through to on-site commissioning, TAP collaborates with clients at every stage to evaluate designs to optimise TOTEX outcomes. When you choose TAP as your partner you get an unrivalled combination of expertise: Control System, SCADA & PLC expertise from Cougar Automation in six regional offices throughout the UK. MCC, low voltage assembly and panel expertise from Technical Control Systems’ manufacturing facility in Leeds.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Waterco logo

    Waterco

    United Kingdom

    Waterco are engineering and environmental consultants providing design and consultancy services relating to water, drainage and flood risk. We have expertise in engineering and environmental disciplines and are supplemented by a network of specialist independent consultants with extensive experience in major development projects throughout the UK. Our focus is on achieving the optimum solution for our clients, meeting their objectives and adding value to their projects. We have gained a reputation for a friendly, professional and flexible approach since our establishment in 1990. Our Services Water industry infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects Pipelines & Sewerage Water & Wastewater Treatment & Systems Pumping Stations Contingency Planning Security Assessments Asset Management Surge Analysis Hydraulic Modelling Flood Risk Assessment Breach Analysis Coastal & Shoreline Analysis Surface Water Management Sustainable Drainage Systems Natural Flood Management/Catchment Approaches Clients and Partners Our clients and partners include water companies, consultants and contractors. Incorporating their experience and knowledge, we investigate and develop practical designs, to help deliver cost-effective solutions. Geographic Coverage We undertake projects all across the UK, with many of our reporting services being desk-based, travelling to site visits and meetings as required. We have also been involved in international projects such as a major development in Lekki, Nigeria. Accreditations We currently have an ISO 9001 : 2015 accredited Quality Management System; have a BS8555 : 2003 certified Environmental Management System; have design approval in the Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS); have maintained Investors in People recognition since 2011 and operate an ICE approved training scheme.

    Designers

    Specialist Wastewater Treatment: High-Strength, Complex, and Difficult-to-Treat Effluents

    Specialised wastewater treatment addresses effluent streams that exceed the capacity of standard municipal sewage treatment in terms of pollutant concentration, toxicity, or the combination of contaminants present. High-strength organic effluents (food and beverage, dairy, brewery, abattoir, rendering): COD 5,000 to 50,000 mg/L; BOD 2,000 to 30,000 mg/L; high SS and FOG (fats, oils, grease) requiring DAF pre-treatment (dissolved air flotation; typically removes 60 to 90 percent FOG and 50 to 80 percent SS); anaerobic treatment preferred for high-strength streams (UASB, IC reactor, or anaerobic lagoon; COD removal 70 to 90 percent; biogas generation 0.35 to 0.45 m3 CH4/kg COD removed); final aerobic polishing (activated sludge or MBBR) for BOD, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal to sewer discharge standard (COD less than 500 mg/L for trade effluent consent, typically). Pharmaceutical and chemical industry effluents: high-priority substances (HPS) under Water Framework Directive; micropollutants (APIs, solvents, intermediates); high and variable COD; often biorefractory (BOD:COD ratio less than 0.3 indicating poor biodegradability); requires advanced pre-treatment: Fenton oxidation (H2O2 + Fe2+, pH 3 to 4, degrades recalcitrant organics); ozone (O3, 0.5 to 2 mg O3/mg COD); wet air oxidation (WAO; 180 to 300 degrees C, 10 to 80 bar); supercritical water oxidation (SCWO; greater than 374 degrees C, greater than 220 bar; complete mineralisation).

    Metal-bearing and inorganic effluents: plating, metal finishing, circuit board manufacture generate effluents with Cr(VI), Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Pb (Environmental Permit limits: Cr less than 0.1 mg/L total Cr; Cd less than 0.02 mg/L; Ni less than 0.5 mg/L to sensitive watercourses under EQS); Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) at pH 2 to 3 with sodium metabisulphite or SO2; alkaline precipitation of metal hydroxides at pH 8 to 10 (Ni(OH)2 Ksp = 5.5x10-16; Cu(OH)2 Ksp = 4.8x10-20); dual-stage precipitation for mixed metals (pH 8 to 9 for Cu, Zn, Ni, then pH 10 to 11 for Cd, Pb); ion exchange polishing for metals below 0.1 mg/L; chelating resin (iminodiacetic acid IDA or aminophosphonic acid) for complex copper, nickel, or cobalt removal. Landfill leachate: high ammonia (500 to 5,000 mg/L NH4-N); high COD (1,000 to 30,000 mg/L) with mixture of biodegradable and refractory organics (humic acids, xenobiotics); biological nitrogen removal (nitrification-denitrification) for ammonia; Fenton oxidation or ozone for residual COD after biological treatment; membrane bioreactor (MBR) combined biological and physical treatment; final reverse osmosis for leachate concentration in zero-liquid-discharge approaches.

    Oil and gas produced water and refinery effluents: produced water from oil and gas wells (North Sea, onshore): high salinity (TDS 10,000 to 250,000 mg/L); dispersed oil (OSPAR 30 mg/L limit for offshore discharge); NORM (naturally occurring radioactive materials: Ra-226, Ra-228 above 0.1 Bq/L in some formations); benzene (water framework directive EQS 1 ug/L); treatment: hydrocyclones (95 to 98 percent oil removal for droplet size greater than 15 um); induced gas flotation (IGF); advanced walnut shell filters; bio-treatment (MBBR or activated sludge) for phenols and BTEX; RO or thermal evaporation for high-salinity streams. Refinery wastewater: phenols (industrial effluent consent typically 1 to 5 mg/L total phenol); sulphides (H2S in acid water; steam stripping at 130 to 150 degrees C to remove H2S, NH3, CO2; sour water stripper); PAHs (WFD EQS for naphthalene 2 ug/L); API separator (gravity separation per API 421 standard); corrugated plate interceptor (CPI); dissolved air flotation; biological treatment (activated sludge with selective enrichment for phenol degraders). Lead UK specialists: Veolia, SUEZ, Anguil Environmental, Siemens Water Technologies, Evoqua, Ixom Watercare.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between municipal and industrial wastewater treatment?

    Municipal wastewater (sewage) is relatively consistent in composition: BOD 150 to 300 mg/L; COD 300 to 600 mg/L; suspended solids 150 to 350 mg/L; ammonia 30 to 60 mg/L; phosphorus 5 to 15 mg/L; standardised biological treatment (activated sludge, trickling filter, or biological aerated filter) designed for these ranges. Industrial wastewater is highly variable depending on manufacturing process: (1) Concentration: dairy or abattoir effluent COD 5,000 to 50,000 mg/L (10 to 100 times municipal); semiconductor cooling water blowdown TDS 2,000 to 10,000 mg/L; (2) Toxicity: heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cd) are toxic to activated sludge at low mg/L concentrations; organic solvents and pharmaceutical active ingredients (APIs) may inhibit biological treatment; high or low pH effluents require neutralisation before biological treatment; (3) Biodegradability: food industry effluent is highly biodegradable (BOD:COD ratio 0.6 to 0.8); chemical industry effluents may be biorefractory (BOD:COD ratio less than 0.3 for phenols, chlorinated solvents, pharmaceutical intermediates); (4) Volume variability: industrial batch processes generate surge loads (10 to 100 times average flow within hours); equalisation tanks (sizing for 8 to 24 hours hydraulic retention) are essential. Industrial effluent discharging to sewer requires trade effluent consent from the water company under Water Industry Act 1991; consent sets limits on COD, pH, heavy metals, temperature, and specific substances; trade effluent charge based on volume, COD/BOD, and suspended solids (Mogden formula).

    How is high-strength brewery or food industry wastewater treated?

    Food and beverage wastewater treatment (brewery, dairy, abattoir, soft drink): characteristic composition: BOD 1,000 to 15,000 mg/L; COD 2,000 to 30,000 mg/L; SS 500 to 5,000 mg/L; FOG 200 to 2,000 mg/L; pH variable (dairy: pH 3 to 10 with CIP; brewery: pH 4 to 11 with CIP alkali). Treatment process: (1) Screening (rotary drum fine screen, 0.5 to 1 mm aperture) for large suspended solids; (2) Equalisation tank (typically 6 to 12 hours HRT) with mixing to homogenise diurnal flow and load variation; pH adjustment to 6.5 to 8.0; (3) DAF (dissolved air flotation): FOG removal (70 to 95 percent), SS removal (60 to 85 percent); polyelectrolyte and coagulant dosed for flotation efficiency; DAF float (20 to 40 percent DS FOG/SS) to rendering or anaerobic digestion; (4) Anaerobic biological treatment: UASB or IC reactor at 30 to 37 degrees C; COD removal 70 to 90 percent; biogas yield 0.30 to 0.40 m3 CH4/kg COD removed; biogas used for site heating or CHP; (5) Aerobic polishing: activated sludge or MBBR; BOD removal to less than 30 mg/L for sewer discharge or less than 20 mg/L for watercourse consent; nitrification if ammonia limit applies; (6) Sludge treatment: anaerobic digestion of combined DAF float and biological surplus sludge; dewatering (belt press or centrifuge) to 20 to 30 percent DS; agricultural spreading or composting under WRAP PAS 110. UK specialists: Nijhuis Saur Industries (formerly Biothane UK), Organica Water, Biotim, Esmil, WPL, Veolia, SUEZ.

    How are landfill leachate treatment systems designed?

    Landfill leachate treatment system design is driven by leachate composition (which varies greatly by landfill age, waste type, and season) and discharge consent requirements: Characterisation: fresh leachate (young landfill, less than 5 years): high BOD (5,000 to 30,000 mg/L), high ammonia (200 to 2,000 mg/L NH4-N), low COD:BOD ratio (1.5 to 2.0 - readily biodegradable); old leachate (greater than 15 years): low BOD (50 to 500 mg/L), high ammonia (500 to 5,000 mg/L), high COD:BOD ratio (greater than 5 - refractory humic acids dominate). Treatment process: (1) Biological nitrification-denitrification: SBR or MBBR; nitrification of ammonia to nitrate (0.5 to 1.0 kg O2/kg NH4-N oxidised); denitrification of nitrate to N2 gas using biodegradable COD as carbon source; methanol or acetate added if carbon insufficient; ammonia removal greater than 95 percent; (2) Physico-chemical treatment: coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation for SS and colour removal; activated carbon adsorption (PAC dosed at 0.5 to 5 g/L; GAC contactors at 15 to 30 min EBCT) for refractory COD and organic micropollutants; (3) Advanced treatment for difficult leachates: Fenton oxidation (H2O2 + FeSO4 at pH 3.0 to 3.5); ozonation (0.5 to 2 mg O3/mg COD); (4) Membrane treatment: NF or RO for high-strength leachate concentration (80 to 90 percent recovery; concentrate recirculated to landfill body); (5) ZLD option: evaporation of RO concentrate for landfills in remote locations. EA Environmental Permit consent for leachate discharge to watercourse: typically COD less than 100 to 250 mg/L; BOD less than 20 to 30 mg/L; NH4-N less than 5 to 15 mg/L; Cr less than 0.1 mg/L; Cd less than 0.01 mg/L.

    What is the Mogden formula and how does it affect industrial wastewater charges?

    The Mogden formula is the standard method used by UK sewerage undertakers to calculate trade effluent charges for industrial discharges to sewer. Formula: Charge per m3 = R + V + (B x Os/Ot) + (S x Ss/St), where: R = reception and conveyance charge (GBP/m3); V = volumetric and primary treatment charge (GBP/m3); B = biological oxidation charge (GBP/m3); Os = settled COD of trade effluent (mg/L); Ot = settled COD of average sewage (mg/L); S = sludge treatment and disposal charge (GBP/m3); Ss = suspended solids of trade effluent (mg/L); St = suspended solids of average sewage (mg/L). UK water company average sewage parameters (2024): Ot approximately 450 mg/L settled COD; St approximately 300 mg/L SS; typical sewage B charge GBP 0.30 to 0.60/m3; R GBP 0.10 to 0.20/m3; V GBP 0.05 to 0.15/m3; S GBP 0.05 to 0.15/m3. Example: abattoir effluent (Os = 2,000 mg/L; Ss = 500 mg/L): charge approximately GBP 0.30 + 0.60 x (2000/450) + 0.10 x (500/300) = approximately GBP 3.14/m3; for abattoir discharging 200 m3/day, annual charge approximately GBP 229,000 - compared to municipal rate of GBP 1.50 to 2.00/m3. Reduction strategy: on-site pre-treatment to reduce Os and Ss to near sewage strength; DAF pre-treatment reduces Ss by 60 to 85 percent; anaerobic pre-treatment reduces Os by 70 to 90 percent; payback on on-site treatment through Mogden charge reduction is typically 2 to 5 years for high-strength industrial effluent.

    Case Study·Food and beverage manufacturing
    Challenge

    A potato processing plant in Lincolnshire was discharging 600 m3/day of effluent with COD averaging 4,200 mg/L and SS of 680 mg/L to the local sewer. Its annual Mogden formula trade effluent charge exceeded GBP 680,000. A tightening of the trade effluent consent to COD less than 800 mg/L and SS less than 200 mg/L was also imminent.

    Approach

    A two-stage on-site treatment system was installed: a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit as primary treatment (FOG and SS removal) followed by a 4-stage MBBR (moving bed biofilm reactor) for aerobic biological treatment targeting COD less than 500 mg/L in the final effluent. Flow equalisation (8-hour HRT) was incorporated to buffer batch discharge peaks from the peeling and blanching lines.

    Outcome

    DAF reduced SS from 680 to 95 mg/L and COD from 4,200 to 2,600 mg/L; the MBBR reduced COD to 380 mg/L. The revised Mogden charge fell from GBP 680,000 to GBP 142,000 per year, a saving of GBP 538,000. Capital cost of the treatment system was GBP 1.15 million; payback was achieved in 26 months. The plant also complied with the new sewer consent without further enforcement action.

    Questions to Ask Shortlisted Providers

    1. 1

      Have you reviewed our current trade effluent consent conditions and the water company's enforcement history at our site?

      A specialist who has not reviewed the consent may design for average conditions rather than the consent limit; a single exceedance can result in a prosecution under the Water Industry Act 1991 Section 118.

    2. 2

      What sampling and characterisation programme do you recommend for our effluent before sizing the treatment system?

      Batch processes generate surge loads that can be 5 to 10 times average flow; a design based on average data without equalisation tank sizing will fail on the first production peak.

    3. 3

      How will you handle the treatment residuals (DAF float, biological sludge) and what are the disposal cost assumptions in your business case?

      DAF float with high FOG content is classified as hazardous waste in some circumstances; disposal cost at GBP 80 to 200 per tonne can erode the Mogden savings by 20 to 30 percent if not properly accounted for.

    4. 4

      What performance guarantee do you offer on effluent quality and what are the remedy provisions if the system fails to meet consent limits?

      Without a performance bond or guaranteed COD reduction, the risk of a trade effluent consent breach and associated prosecution remains with the operator.

    5. 5

      What is the energy consumption of the proposed biological process and how does it compare to the Mogden savings?

      MBBR and activated sludge systems require significant aeration energy; at current UK electricity prices of GBP 0.25 to 0.35/kWh, aeration can cost GBP 50,000 to 150,000 per year and must be netted against the Mogden saving in the payback analysis.

    What Drives Cost in This Category

    Effluent strength and variability

    High-COD effluent (greater than 5,000 mg/L) or highly variable batch loads require larger equalisation tanks and higher biological treatment capacity; doubling COD from 2,000 to 4,000 mg/L roughly doubles the biological reactor volume and aeration power required.

    Trade effluent consent limit stringency

    A consent of COD less than 500 mg/L is achievable with a simple DAF plus MBBR; a consent of COD less than 100 mg/L or ammonia less than 10 mg/L requires an additional nitrification stage, tertiary filtration, and potentially chemical dosing, adding 30 to 60 percent to capital cost.

    Sludge handling and disposal

    A 600 m3/day food-industry effluent system can generate 5 to 15 tonnes of wet sludge per day; dewatering (belt press or centrifuge, GBP 100,000 to 250,000 capital) reduces haulage volumes; disposal cost at permitted composting or anaerobic digestion facilities adds GBP 30 to 80 per wet tonne.

    Site services and civils

    Ground conditions, planning consent timescales, and electrical supply upgrade are frequently underestimated; on brownfield industrial sites, ground contamination investigation and remediation can add GBP 50,000 to 200,000 before any treatment equipment is installed.

    Key Regulations & Standards

    Trade Effluent Consent (WIA 1991 Section 119)

    Any industrial discharge to public sewer requires a trade effluent consent from the sewerage undertaker under Water Industry Act 1991; the consent specifies COD, BOD, SS, pH, temperature, flow rate, and specific pollutant limits; consent conditions can be tightened at 2 years' notice.

    EA Environmental Permit (EPR 2016)

    If on-site treatment is regulated as an industrial activity (e.g. treatment of effluent from a Schedule 1 IPPC sector), an EA Environmental Permit may be required in addition to the trade effluent consent; treatment systems above certain thresholds trigger permit conditions for emissions, noise, and waste management.

    WFD EQS for Priority Substances

    Metal-bearing or pharmaceutical effluent passing through the sewer and STW may still breach WFD Environmental Quality Standards in the receiving watercourse; the water company can tighten the trade effluent consent to protect the STW's EA Environmental Permit discharge conditions.

    Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 (England and Wales)

    DAF float containing petroleum hydrocarbons above 0.1 percent or other listed hazardous substances must be classified as hazardous waste (EWC 19 08 10 or 19 09 02) and consigned to an EA-permitted hazardous waste disposal facility; non-compliance carries unlimited fines.