Major work underway to reduce stench from Edinburgh's Seafield sewage works after community campaign
The project has been welcomed by members of the local community and MSP Ben MacPherson
A new phase of construction is underway at Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works to help reduce the stench from the site following a community campaign.
Those living in and around Seafield Road in the north-east of Edinburgh may be well acquainted the familiar, unpleasant smell that often wafts over from what is the country’s largest wastewater site at Marine Esplanade.
Scottish Water has announced that work has started on the project to improve the way sludge is processed at the site and reduce, contain and treat odour emissions from Seafield, which is operated by water waste management company Veolia.
The beginning of the project was overseen by members of the local community including members of the Leith Links Community Council and Craigentinny and Meadowbank Community Council, as well as local MSP Ben Macpherson.
Mr Macpherson, who represents the North Eastern and Leith constituency, has chaired the Seafield site’s dedicated stakeholder group since 2016.
He said: “For years the local community has campaigned for further investment in the Seafield works to reduce odours, and as a stakeholder group we’ve worked collaboratively to make this happen.
“The construction beginning today is the realisation of significant investment from the Scottish Government, through Scottish Water, which has been secured by myself and local residents pushing for action, thorough analysis by professionals to identify what changes would make a real impact, and a sustained effort by all stakeholders to deliver improvements at the site, for the benefit of those living nearby and to enhance this vital piece of infrastructure for our capital city.
“As the constituency MSP and chair of the stakeholder group, I am pleased and proud that the local area will soon experience a meaningful difference in odour reduction, thanks to this significant investment, and that by working together we have achieved this action and progress for the benefit of communities around the site and beyond.”
Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works is Scotland’s largest wastewater treatment facility, processing around 265 million litres of water per day.
Scottish Water Director of Wastewater Simon Parsons said: “The community and stakeholder group at Seafield continues to play a crucial role in scrutinising and supporting our efforts to ensure the site can serve its essential purpose with as little impact as possible on neighbouring communities.
"The start of the latest phase of this investment builds on progress that sustained operational effort has delivered and prepares for the site’s longer-term future.”
Stuart Marsden, Director for Water at Veolia UK added: “It’s fantastic to break ground on this strategic project, which will help secure the long-term future of Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works and its essential role in serving Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
“At Veolia, we are embedded in the communities we serve and this project signifies the commitment by Veolia and Scottish Water to listen to the community, invest in improvements and deliver optimum site performance.”
The project is due for completion by the end of 2027.