The project means that the WWTW is able to support the town’s growing community while continuing to protect the local environment. The investment has also delivered a comprehensive upgrade of the pre-existing WWTW, with the installation of new pumps, new screens, a new aeration system and new holding tanks.

All the work took place within the boundary of the existing treatment works site, which is located between the River Ythan and Castle Road. It was delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner ESD, a joint venture involving MWH Treatment, Galliford Try and Binnies.

Scottish Water’s general manager for development services Mark Hunter said: “This milestone represents a substantial investment to deliver a comprehensive upgrade for Ellon’s Waste Water Treatment Works, releasing significant capacity to support the community’s continuing growth.

“The preparation of large and complex projects of this kind takes significant time – and we recognise that this can be a cause of frustration. We continue to work hard with our partners in local and national government, as well as with developers, to share information and understand future development plans. Our goal is to be ready to deliver investment at the right time so that we can support economic recovery and help Scotland flourish.”

ESD senior project manager Keith Robertson said: “The central challenge of this project has been to ensure the treatment works could continue to operate to a high standard, even while extensive upgrade work took place to renew or replace much of the equipment involved.

“Each stage of the existing treatment process has now been refurbished or upgraded to increase the site’s capacity and ensure that it can continue to meet the community’s needs for many years to come. We are very grateful for the patience and support of the local community while our team has been working on site – and hope we have succeeded in keeping any short term disruption to a minimum.”