Modern Water plc has announced that H.M Government of Gibraltar has appointed a Joint Venture between Northumbrian Services Limited and Modern Water Services Limited (MWSL) as preferred bidder for a new wastewater treatment plant in Gibraltar.

The contract will include the design, build, finance and operation of a wastewater treatment plant capable of treating urban wastewater for the entire population of Gibraltar as well as storm flows. Discussions between the parties over the detailed terms of the project will now commence.

MWSL is the lead contractor in respect of the design and build of the project with a current contract value of approximately £22 million (US$43.3 million).

As Gibraltar has the second highest population density in Europe and limited land availability the plant design will have a small footprint and low power requirements as electricity is at a premium in Gibraltar. The project scope requires the plant to be completely enclosed and landscaped to visually enhance the local environment as well as have stringent odour control to comply with rigorous emission standards.

In addition, a roof top car park will be provided under the contract terms. The plant will be designed to allow for future capacity upgrades over the life of the contract to meet population and effluent flow increases without interruption to the operation of the plant and be operated by the Joint Venture for 20 years.

Simon Humphrey, Modern Water CEO, stated:

Modern Water has been active in Gibraltar since 2009 with its state-of-the-art forward osmosis testing facilities located on the peninsula and is delighted to be part of the Joint Venture that has been appointed as preferred bidder for this important wastewater treatment plant. Modern Water's experience of treating saline wastewater was a key factor in securing this project.