Black & Veatch appointed to United Utilities Framework

United Utilities has chosen Black & Veatch to support its new Ecology Consultancy Services Framework.

The framework is divided into four lots. Black & Veatch will provide specialist Environmental Assessments & Studies under Lot 2. Projects let through the framework will be competitively bid by the framework providers. The three-year agreement affords the option to extend Black & Veatch’s services on an annual basis up to a maximum of five years.

The framework provides an opportunity for Black & Veatch to demonstrate its environmental consulting capabilities to an existing client in the water sector. In the UK, the company works with the majority of water companies, the Environment Agency, local authorities and government.

The framework will draw on Black & Veatch’s local team of specialists in environmental assessment, ecology, landscape design and economics based in Chester. This team will be supported by the company’s wider environmental group as required.

Black & Veatch will help the utility achieve its goals of sustainable water treatment and use, and protection and enhancement of the natural environment. The work Black & Veatch provides will support management of environmental risk, help ensure environmental and legislative compliance, and improve communities in the north-west.

The appointment builds on Black & Veatch’s 35-year relationship with United Utilities and extends the range of services it provides. Black & Veatch is nearing completion of a major upgrade of the water company’s Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works in Manchester. The facility is one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in Europe. Improvements will increase capacity and enable the facility to power its own treatment process and feed energy back into the power grid.

United Utilities holds licences to provide water and wastewater services to a population of around seven million people in the north-west of England.