The one-year scheme will begin on 1 December 2014 and will involve upgrading sections of the sewer network at three north Yorkshire sites: Guisborough; Tocketts Bridge; and Dunsdale.
This work will “significantly reduce” the frequency and volume of spills into water courses from the sewer network during times of heavy rainfall and improve bathing water quality.
A 6,000 cubic meter underground storm water storage tank will be built on the former Guisborough sewage treatment works (STW) site, with construction expected to last up to a year.
Northumbrian Water will also increase the pumping capacity of its Tocketts Bridge pumping station, while the third phase will involve work to transfer waste water from Dunsdale STW to Marske STW, where it will be treated and also disinfected with ultra violet light before being discharged to sea through the existing long sea outfall.
A total of 31 of 34 beaches in Northumbrian Water’s region met the strictest EU water quality standards this year, but the company’s operations director Graham Neave said it was “not complacent” and is investing ahead of 2015’s tougher standards.
He said: “This investment reflects our commitment to protecting our beautiful coastline and our understanding of the importance of the impact of north east beaches on tourism, the economy and the leisure industry in our region.”
Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet member for the environment, councillor Christopher Massey, said: “The £5 million programme of works will improve the water quality and help meet the stricter bathing water standards due to be introduced next year.”