PBJ Engineering Services

The wastewater industry has a gas problem. So what are we doing to reduce methane emissions? Last week, a House of Lords report found that wastewater treatment is the UK’s second-largest man-made source of methane emissions, after landfill. It’s clear the sector has a big role to play in tackling this potent greenhouse gas. At PBJ Engineering Services, we’re already helping the industry make strides, particularly through thermal hydrolysis. This process pre-treats sludge – the solid byproduct of wastewater – making it easier to digest in anaerobic digestion systems. This not only boosts the efficiency of biogas production but ensures the methane produced is captured and repurposed as renewable energy, rather than escaping into the atmosphere. Thermal hydrolysis also reduces the risk of untreated waste releasing methane later in the treatment process or in landfills, and it cuts the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which contribute to methane emissions. The report highlights other actions the industry can take, such as upgrading equipment to capture methane more effectively and investing in new technologies like real-time monitoring. Reducing methane emissions is no small task, but solutions like thermal hydrolysis mean that the wastewater industry is well-placed to rise to the challenge. #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineers #EngineeringExcellence #Sustainability #PBJEngineering

There's something dam clever happening in Scotland — and it's powering progress with green hydro energy. At Whiteadder Reservoir in East Lothian, a £3 million hydro project has reached a major milestone. It uses a super-smart siphon system to generate clean energy. Here’s how it works: - Water is drawn over the dam through a siphon, which creates a steady flow into a hydro turbine - This flow generates electricity, all while keeping the reservoir levels balanced The project is already making a big impact. It offsets nearly a third of the energy used by the Hungry Snout pumping station, which takes around 32 million litres of water per day to Castle Moffat Water Treatment Works before it supplies most of the East Lothian region with drinking water. Plus, it’s cutting carbon emissions by 111 tonnes a year – about the same as avoiding 40 return flights from Edinburgh to Sydney. Engineering excellence in action - we love to see it! #HydroEnergy #SustainableEngineering #EngineeringExcellence #WastewaterIndustry #WaterIndustry #PBJEngineering

Harmful organisms can – and do – get into our water supplies. It happens. But scientists in Scotland have made an exciting breakthrough that could make our water safer. A team at Heriot-Watt University has developed technology that detects waterborne pathogens with over 70% accuracy—more than double what current methods achieve. This could be a game-changer in spotting harmful microbes like Cryptosporidium, which causes thousands of illnesses every year. Water contamination can come from all sorts of sources: agricultural runoff, sewage leaks, or even cracks in old pipes. Catching these problems early is vital for protecting public health. And beyond health, early detection can also save money by preventing major disruptions to water supplies. The scientists are launching a company called Aquazoa to bring this technology to market, with plans for it to be available by 2026. Testing is already underway with a major UK water company – positive news for the industry. This is definitely one to watch! #WastewaterIndustry #WaterIndustry #EngineeringExcellence #PBJEngineering

If you thought the water industry was all about pipes and valves, think again — it’s increasingly reliant on tech. And with the UK a top target for cyberattacks, water companies are stepping up their digital defenses. Last week, SES Water, which supplies drinking water to over 750,000 people across Surrey, Kent, and South London, announced a partnership with cybersecurity company iboss as part of a five-year investment plan to boost digital security. The cyber experts at iboss provide tools to block harmful online content, such as malicious websites and malware, and protect SES Water’s systems from cyber threats. SES Water is also implementing a "zero-trust" security system, where employees only access what they need for their jobs, with verification required every time. Interestingly, iboss’ system can also monitor employees’ web activity to flag potential mental health concerns, allowing the company to offer support if needed. This might sound extreme, but as a Critical National Infrastructure provider, SES Water faces strict cyber regulations. Strong cybersecurity is essential to protect both their systems and the water supply. The partnership will allow SES Water to adopt new technologies safely, support remote working, and defend against growing cyber threats. It’s likely we’ll see more water companies following suit. #WastewaterIndustry #WaterIndustry #Cybersecurity #PBJEngineering

What’s the secret to reducing storm overflows? In North Devon, they’ve come up with some effective ideas. Teams from South West Water have managed to cut storm overflow spills by an impressive 68% since 2019, helping the village of Combe Martin upgrade its bathing water quality from poor to good. Some of their tactics include: Sealing 19 manholes and lining 250 metres of sewer to prevent groundwater from overloading the system. Planting thousands of trees along the River Umber to reduce agricultural run-off. Raising local awareness about the surprising impact of dog waste on water quality. And they’re not stopping there. South West Water plans to remove surface water from sewers and divert spills further out to sea – continuing to protect Combe Martin’s beach and improve water quality. This collaborative approach, involving the community, local volunteers, and the Environment Agency, shows how a mix of engineering solutions and community action can tackle environmental challenges head-on. Water companies have been criticised for storm overflows – and rightly so, in many cases. But it’s encouraging to see positive steps like this making a real difference. #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineering #EnvironmentalEngineering #WaterIndustry #PBJEngineering

Believe it or not, AI plays a role every time you drain your sink. Wastewater treatment is becoming increasingly digitised and tech is transforming how facilities manage their processes. With new technology like real-time monitoring and AI-powered tools, treatment plants can now spot problems earlier, run more efficiently, and save money. Traditionally, wastewater systems operated with limited visibility. Sensors and controls often stopped "at the end of the pipe," leaving treatment centres in the dark about what happens to the water they discharge. But with digital tools like IoT sensors, facilities can now monitor things like water quality, flow, and contamination in real time. This is important for a few reasons: Better efficiency. Real-time data means treatment plants can fine-tune their processes, saving energy, using fewer chemicals, and reducing maintenance needs. It helps fixing problems early. Advanced tools can predict potential issues before they become major headaches, avoiding expensive repairs or shutdowns. It means treatment centres stay on track with regulations. As wastewater rules become stricter, digital systems make it easier to stay compliant and protect the environment. So, while the wastewater industry might not seem like an obvious place for tech innovation, it’s showing how smart technology can help make essential processes more sustainable, efficient, and effective. #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineers #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #PBJEngineering

Sometimes, it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it that makes a difference. Last week, Scottish Water announced a smart new approach to transforming the country’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Rather than focusing solely on what projects they’ll deliver, they’re changing how they’ll work to deliver them. Through a new enterprise model, Scottish Water will collaborate closely with partners and suppliers to streamline processes, encourage innovation, and improve efficiency. This approach is part of a massive investment plan worth a whopping £5–9 billion, aimed at upgrading water systems, supporting sustainability, and reducing environmental impact. It’s expected to create 4,000 jobs and opportunities for 1,500 young people, so it looks set to benefit communities as much as infrastructure. By engaging a diverse supply chain, including small and medium-sized businesses, Scottish Water is laying the groundwork for a program that’s both ambitious and inclusive. It’s a reminder that in the wastewater industry - and other areas of engineering - how you approach a challenge can be just as important as the outcome. #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineers #EngineeringExcellence #Sustainability #PBJEngineering

If you’ve followed our posts for a while, you’ll know the stuff we flush isn’t all junk. Wastewater actually contains a whole bunch of minerals that have real-world uses once they’re extracted. Biosolids, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, for example, can be reused in industries such as farming and construction. The trouble is, how do you separate these resources from the waste? The engineering firm AtkinsRéalis has come up with a solution. Working with Cranfield University, they’ve developed a new digital tool that helps water companies identify and prioritize materials in wastewater for recovery. The tool evaluates factors like environmental impact, potential uses, and how ready the technology is to extract these materials. This not only reduces waste but also turns wastewater treatment into a process that supports sustainability and creates new revenue streams. In that way it's similar to the Thermal Hydrolysis Processes (THP), which we help install, service, and maintain. This helps wastewater treatment plants extract energy from wastewater through biogas production. Tools like AtkinsRéalis’ are a natural complement, helping companies turn other wastewater components into useful resources. Here's hoping this innovation catches on! #WastewaterIndustry #ThermalHydrolysis #CircularEconomy #Innovation #Sustainability #PBJEngineering

Wastewater plants use a lot of energy. But here’s one way they’re blowing away those bills. Over in the German city of Lüneburg, a wastewater treatment plant has replaced its old turbo blowers with a new rotary screw blower. Blowers are essential for wastewater treatment. They pump air into tanks where bacteria break down organic waste, making the process cleaner and more efficient. But traditional blowers can be energy-hungry and less precise. Rotary screw blowers are a game-changer. They deliver a steady and precise flow of air, no matter the conditions, improving the reliability of the treatment process. Even better, they use less energy. Lüneburg’s upgrade is expected to save about 250,000 kWh each year — that’s a 10–15% reduction in energy use. The result? Lower operational costs, a reduced carbon footprint, and a more sustainable way of managing wastewater. Another smart solution for meeting stricter environmental targets and cutting costs! #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineering #EnergyEfficiency #Sustainability #PBJEngineering

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