The sewerage authority responded vigorously to the threat by converting the existing station to storm runoff only and building a new one for nitrates, phosphates, sands and greases. The alternative would have been to equip the existing station with a tertiary treatment stage and building a new unit for stormwater runoff. The engineering services contract has been awarded to a group led by Merlin consultants which is now embarking on project planning and design. Total project cost is €40 million. The new station will go on stream in 2010. All the works will b built under GEQ conditions. Just after the call for tenders, the whole Artois-Picardy basin was classified as an environmentally sensitive zone (Hydroplus 153 editorial).Pascale Peignen Séraline.Click here to visite the SIAV website.Click here to join the editorial team of Hydroplus.