The Mersey Basin Campaign–The Technical Challenge

Abstract

The Mersey Basin Campaign is a major initiative launched in 1984 to revitalise the river system of the River Mersey and the adjacent waterfront. The long-term programme of major investment by North West Water to tackle the seriously polluted conditions of the river and estuary of the basin forms the central core of the Campaign. This programme provides for the substantial improvement of the ageing and inadequate sewerage and sewage disposal systems. The paper will review the technical challenges facing North West Water in the investigations, research and plans to meet the objectives for river water quality throughout the basin. The extensive pollution and the exceptional concentration of urban development and population require the production of integrated catchment plans for the most cost-effective investments for the achievement of modern environmental standards. The complex investment choices will require optimum solutions for the achievement of the right infrastructure balance between improved sewerage systems and effective sewage treatment. A key feature of the Campaign has been the commitment in terms of considerable financial support from the European Community.