The government’s ambitious plans to deliver vital infrastructure and homes are a double-edged sword. On one hand, there’s a pressing need to tackle the UK’s housing crisis, boost economic growth, and create jobs. On the other, there’s the stark reality of environmental degradation. The battleground? Nutrient neutrality.
Mike Froom, of Te-Tech Process Solutions, doesn’t mince words. “Nutrient neutrality is a battleground,” he states. It’s intended to protect our environment, but it’s become a perceived barrier to much-needed development. But is it a zero-sum game? Must progress and preservation constantly be at odds? Or can we balance the needs for development with the health of our rivers?
The government seems determined to have it both ways. At the beginning of the year, they announced planning proposals to unblock vital infrastructure whilst enabling nature’s recovery. The Nature Restoration Fund and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill are designed to accelerate major projects, replacing project-by-project mitigation with large-scale, strategic environmental interventions. The message is clear: development is going ahead. The question is, how can we mitigate the impacts?
One solution is nature-based approaches, like constructed wetlands. They remove excess nutrients from wastewater and create valuable wildlife habitats. But Froom cautions, “The jury is out with the EA on how effective wetlands are in removing nutrients.” Moreover, they require significant space and can be costly to maintain. So, what are the alternatives?
Chemical precipitation is one option, but it’s not ideal for long-term, sustainable solutions. Ferric, for example, is highly corrosive and generates more sludge. Biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes, on the other hand, use beneficial microorganisms to remove nutrients from wastewater. Combined with enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR), it’s a formidable process for nutrient removal. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
So, where does this leave us? Nutrient neutrality must be achieved, not circumvented. Long-term, sustainable solutions are necessary to meet the demands of both economic progress and environmental health. But how do we get there? It’s time to challenge norms, spark debate, and push for innovative solutions. We need to ensure the projects we build today do not compromise our tomorrow.
The government’s plans are a wake-up call for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector. It’s time to think outside the box, to innovate, and to collaborate. We need to find ways to make development and environmental protection work hand in hand. Because the stakes are high, and the future of our environment and our economy depend on it. The time for debate is over. It’s time for action.
