A joint venture (JV) between Black & Veatch, Galliford Try and MWH is to begin a major water investment project in the Highlands.

Efficient Service Delivery (ESD) has started work to install new ultra violet (UV) treatment technology at the Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) outside of Ardersier.

The scheme marks the first stage of an investment project to protect the Moray Firth environment, as well as meet the needs of major housing and business development, including work at Inverness Airport and Castle Stuart.

Initial work involves the installation of safety fencing, clearing parts of the site where work is taking place and creating a new access road.

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The next phase is expected to begin in January 2017 and will consist of:

• Work to enable the waste water treatment works to process an increased volume of waste water from the area, as a result of expansion at Tornagrain and Inverness Airport.

• The installation of a new underground pipeline which will transfer waste water from these new developments to Ardersier Waste Water Treatment Works.

• The extension of an outfall pipeline from Ardersier Waste Water Treatment Works.

Paul Sexton, Head of Alliance Management in Scottish Water's Capital Investment team, said: "A number of significant developments, including housing and economic growth, are planned by developers in the area which is served by the existing Ardersier Waste Water Treatment Works.

"Scottish Water is responding to this by investing in a package of improvements to the local waste water network. This will ensure we have the capacity to treat the increased volume of waste water which is anticipated in the years ahead as a result of these developments.

"There is also a requirement to improve the quality of the water which is discharged from the facility into the Moray Firth after treatment. That's why we are starting work today which is focused on protecting and enhancing the environment."

(LM/MH)