
Deephams Sewage Treatment Works (STW) is one of the largest waste water treatment plants in the UK and was upgraded between 2013 and 2019 to accommodate a 989,000 population equivalent.
Murphy, as part of the AECOM, Murphy and Kier joint venture (AMK), was contracted by Thames Water to carry out the Deephams STW Upgrade. The aim of the project was to improve the quality of effluent released into the River Lee, to comply with more stringent Environmental Agency standards, and to reduce odour levels by 90%. We also needed to increase the capacity of the site, to facilitate a future population rise.
The works included new treatment structures and plant, odour control plant, improvements to waste gas recovery, energy generation and new facilities for operations staff.
We have also previously completed the Deephams Inlet Works Improvements for Thames Water in 2011. Due to our use of more sustainable and innovative construction methods on this project, we saved 10,000 tonnes of carbon and £2.2million (excluding whole lifecycle costs savings).
“Our focus at Deephams was to carry out the works with little disruption to the operation of the plant and its treatment capability, as it was kept live throughout the project.”
Andrew Chappell
Murphy Project Manager
The new works uses two thirds of the original site footprint and has freed up land for Thames Water to potentially build more treatment facilities on site in the future.
Heat and power from the plant’s waste gas production also generates an additional revenue stream for Thames Water, which has reduced operational costs and their reliance on the National Grid supply.
The River Lee flows cleaner and provides a much healthier environment for aquatic and other wildlife. The improved riverside environment and a reduction in odour levels has delivered a healthier environment for the local community.
The project received industry recognition, by winning “the Greatest Contribution to London” award at the 2019 Institution of Civil Engineers London Awards.
The Murphy water team provide innovative and reliable distribution, infrastructure and treatment solutions for the water sector in the UK and Ireland. We are well-known for our work in infrastructure networks, distribution and complex treatment plants, where we work closely with our clients to develop better engineered solutions.