Galliford Try’s Environment business will deliver the River Mease Improvement project, including a 23km pipeline carrying treated flows from Packington and Measham sewage treatment works towards the River Tame, near Elford, Staffordshire

The scheme is being driven by Water Industry National Environment Programme requirements and forms part of Severn Trent’s wider environmental investment programme.

The River Mease is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation supporting protected species including spined loach and bullhead.

The new pipeline is designed to reduce treated wastewater discharges into the river, where elevated phosphate levels have contributed to the watercourse failing to meet conservation objectives.

Packington and Measham treatment works are also being upgraded as part of the wider programme to improve water quality.

The investment could also ease development constraints across the catchment. North West Leicestershire District Council has said improvements to the two treatment works should mean future development connected to them no longer adds nutrient impacts to the River Mease protected area.

Galliford Try chief executive Bill Hocking said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our long-standing relationship with Severn Trent with a project of this scale and significance.

“Delivering the River Mease Improvement project reinforces our position as a leading delivery partner for complex, large-scale water and wastewater infrastructure projects that support environmental compliance and long-term resilience.”