A significant road closure in Oldham aims to reduce sewage pollution in local rivers over the next year
The project, costing £5 million, is being handled by United Utilities. They want to cut down on storm overflows that dump untreated sewage into local rivers when the system gets overwhelmed. The goal is to clean up Plumpton Clough and the River Irk, reducing sewage spills from 49 last year to under ten annually.
United Utilities is teaming up with Oldham Council, TFGM, and the football club to make sure residents and businesses face as little disruption as possible during the closure.
Chris Borradaile, the County Business Leader for wastewater in Greater Manchester, emphasized the importance of this project. He said it will help improve water quality in the area and is part of a larger five-year plan to enhance services and cut pollution.
The company has faced criticism in the past for sewage pollution, including a scandal where they released over 140 million liters of waste into Lake Windermere. They were also sued by the Manchester Ship Canal Company for damage caused by sewage.
While water companies can release some wastewater to prevent system overloads during heavy rain, a lack of investment has led to millions of tons of sewage being dumped into rivers and seas each year. This pollution can be harmful to swimmers and local wildlife.
For those interested, there will be a drop-in information event for residents on January 20 from 2 to 7 PM at the Oldham Event Centre, located at Oldham Athletic Football Club.
