A state-of-the-art £35m waste water treatment works has been completed in Winchburgh.
It is set to enable an expected fourfold increase in the town’s population over the coming years.
Pupils from Winchburgh Primary went along to an opening ceremony last Wednesday that celebrated the completion of th e innovative project.
Gillian Martin MSP, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy led a tree-planting, alongside Scottish Water’s chief executive, Alex Plant.
Martin said: “I am delighted to be opening the Winchburgh Wastewater Treatment Works. This state-of-the-art facility delivers on the government’s key priorities of providing excellent public services and tackling climate change.”
“It is a perfect example of Scottish Water’s determination to work collaboratively to find new innovative ways to deliver effective and efficient services while protecting the environment and delivering our Net Zero commitments.”
“To be here at the opening ceremony alongside pupils from the local Winchburgh Primary School is the perfect reflection of how what we do today impacts the lives of future generations.”
Winchburgh is one of the nation’s fastest-growing communities and the new works will support its future development.
The West Lothian community has a rich history and was at the centre of Scotland’s shale oil industry a century ago. It is now undergoing a fresh transformation, with the planned addition of around 3800 new homes by 2032, alongside associated commercial development and community facilities.
Scottish Water Chief Executive Alex Plant said: “Scottish Water is committed to investing in low-carbon innovation to improve our services, support housing and economic growth and protect Scotland’s environment.
“What has been achieved at Winchburgh through close collaboration with our specialised supply chain partners is vital to the future of this community, but it also provides a blueprint for the future of our investment programme across Scotland, supporting much-needed new homes and enabling sustainable economic growth.
“Our delivery of this project reflects a big step forward, driving down carbon emissions in construction without compromising on quality. We look forward to continuing work with our partners to deliver the further improvements we need to rise to the challenges of a changing climate and go beyond net zero emissions by 2040.”
ESD’s chief operating officer, Peter Walsh, said: “Reflecting our close relationship with Scottish Water, the Winchburgh project has set a new benchmark in collaboration between our two companies. ESD is proud to be a Scottish Water Alliance partner and we share their ambition to achieve net zero by 2040. The technologies behind the Winchburgh plant will help us achieve that goal.
“I thank the ESD team and all our supply chain partners for their commitment and expertise which has resulted in the successful completion this flagship project. Winchburgh has provided us all with invaluable experience that will benefit future similar projects.”
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