PBJ Engineering Services

There’s huge pressure on storm overflow systems across the UK. But sometimes, the simplest solutions can make a big difference. On the Isle of Wight, Southern Water has piloted a ￡5 million scheme using nature-based solutions — including installing 200-litre water butts in gardens. These water butts capture rainwater from gutters during downpours, reducing the amount of water entering drains and storm overflow systems. The result? Fewer sewage spills into local waterways. There’s a bonus for residents, too: the collected rainwater can be used for gardening during dry months, saving on water bills and reducing reliance on mains water. The results are impressive. In the village of Havenstreet, this simple solution reduced sewage spills by a remarkable 70%. It’s a scalable idea that could ease storm overflow pressures across the UK. Part of the future of sustainable water management in the UK? Let's hope so. #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineering #WaterIndustry #Sustainability #PBJEngineering

London’s ￡5bn Thames Tideway (a.k.a. the “super sewer”) is impressive, but it’s got nothing on this absolute monster of an infrastructure project... China’s South-North Water Transfer Project is an eye-watering display of engineering ambition. With an estimated cost of ￡59 billion so far, it’s on track to become one of the most expensive projects in history—designed to carry a staggering 44.8 billion cubic metres of water from the Yangtze River in the south to the arid northern regions. The project spans three massive canal systems, linking four of China’s major rivers—the Yangtze, Yellow, Huaihe, and Haihe—and supplying water to some of the world’s most industrialised areas. It’s a megaproject that’s been over 50 years in the making and could take another two decades to complete. A few highlights for engineers: The Eastern Route reworks China’s historic Grand Canal, moving water north through a network of pumping stations and tunnels. The Central Route, or Grand Aqueduct, transports water from the Danjiangkou Reservoir to Beijing, powered entirely by gravity. Rightly, there are concerns about ecosystem disruption and habitat loss. But from an engineering perspective, the vision, scale, and expertise involved in projects like this are truly staggering. #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineering #EngineeringExcellence #PBJEngineering

Could this mean the end of drain-clogging fatbergs? It’s potentially great news for our sewers. Engineers in Australia have developed a new coating for pipes that could stop solid masses of oil, grease, wet wipes, and other debris from blocking wastewater systems. So-called 'fatbergs' are responsible for 40% of blockages in Australia, and they’re a major problem in the UK and for water authorities worldwide. The new coating, made of zinc and polyurethane, can be applied to concrete pipes in problem areas. This creates a slippery surface that makes it hard for sticky substances to cling—preventing fatbergs from forming in the first place. For the wastewater industry, this innovation could mean fewer blockages, reduced maintenance costs, and less disruption for communities. A brilliant example of how engineering ingenuity can tackle everyday challenges in the wastewater industry. #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineering #EngineeringExcellence #PBJEngineering

There's something fishy going on in Nottingham. Last week, the Environment Agency completed a ￡12 million project to create a route for migratory trout, salmon, and eels to reach their spawning grounds on the River Trent and its tributaries. This new fish pass is the largest in the country and helps these species get around barriers that have blocked their natural migration for over a century. Located at Cromwell Weir, it’s part of a broader effort to restore biodiversity in UK rivers and improve the health of aquatic ecosystems. Why is this important? Healthy rivers support not just fish but entire ecosystems, from plants to birds and other wildlife. By creating a clear route for fish, the project helps rebuild fish populations, which play a vital role in river health. The project is also a win for the wastewater industry. Clean, oxygen-rich rivers help to naturally manage water quality and reduce the strain on artificial treatment processes. It’s a great example of how targeted investments in our natural waterways can bring lasting environmental benefits. #WaterSustainability #WastewaterIndustry #PBJEngineering #UKRivers

Not very often we are in the same place at the same time But after a team H&S meeting held at one off our operational sites So worth taking the photo opportunity while we have it. MEET THE TEAM

Just a couple of new additions - welcome to the fleet ??

Septic tanks are essential for rural properties that can’t connect to the sewer network. But there's a problem: they’re not exactly green. Traditional tanks rely on chemicals to treat waste and need emptying frequently. That means heavy transport and fuel use. United Utilities, however, is testing a smart new kind of septic tank that’s better for the environment. Called FujiClean, this system was developed in Japan as an alternative to regular septic tanks. Unlike the standard approach, the FujiClean model treats wastewater without chemicals and even removes phosphorus, a nutrient that can harm ecosystems if not managed. After successful tests, the water company is now installing 11 of these units across small sites in the North West. This is the first time FujiClean has been used on municipal wastewater in Europe. The benefits are clear: chemical-free treatment, less need for emptying, and fewer vehicle trips to service tanks. Sounds like a win for the environment, rural communities, and United Utilities’ sustainability goals. #WastewaterEngineers #WastewaterIndustry #EngineeringExcellence #PBJEngineering

Jumbo jets running on wastewater? It’s not as far-fetched as you might think. Scientists in the U.S. have developed a way to turn the stuff we flush into sustainable aeroplane fuel. The aviation industry currently contributes 2.5% of global carbon emissions, but this greener jet juice could make a big impact—it's estimated to be 70% cleaner. Here’s how it works: through a process called methane-arrested anaerobic digestion, bacteria break down organic matter in wastewater (like that from breweries and dairy farms), producing acids that can be converted into jet fuel. The team in Argonne, Illinois, also created a membrane separation technique—essentially a filter—to remove the right compounds from wastewater. This ensures they keep only the parts needed for the new jet fuel. Today, less than 1% of aeroplane fuel comes from sustainable sources. But with this wastewater biofuel, the hope is to scale up production to power all planes with cleaner, greener fuel one day. It’s a promising step toward a cleaner future for the skies. #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineering #Biofuel #EngineeringExcellence #PBJEngineering

Wastewater treatment plants are vital, but they generate 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Could the solution to slashing this carbon footprint be as simple as crushed rocks? An American firm called CREW Carbon thinks so. They've raised $5.3 million to develop their method of 'enhanced weathering'. This sounds a little complicated, but here's how it works: In nature, rocks slowly break down over time and react with carbon dioxide (CO?), locking it away safely. Enhanced weathering speeds up this process. It works by crushing certain types of rock, like basalt, into a fine powder. When mixed with water at wastewater treatment plants, these rocks quickly react with CO?, turning it into a solid form that stays trapped and out of the atmosphere. By partnering with wastewater facilities, CREW aims to reduce emissions and make water treatment more eco-friendly. The potential impact is huge: using rocks to help fight climate change while supporting cleaner water treatment. It’s a simple yet powerful concept—using natural processes to help the environment. A potentially exciting step in the future of carbon capture! #WastewaterIndustry #Wastewaterengineers #Carboncapture #EngineeringExcellence

Many industrial sites without access to the national energy grid rely on carbon-heavy oil. But a greener solution could be on the horizon. Researchers at Cardiff University have been working on a boiler powered by green ammonia, a compound made from nitrogen and hydrogen, similar to what’s used in fertilisers. Compared to traditional fuels, ammonia has a much lower environmental impact. It also liquefies at less extreme temperatures and pressures than oil, so it's cheaper and easier to store. Annually, off-grid sites burn millions of tonnes of oil, but switching to ammonia could slash those emissions dramatically. Currently, the Cardiff team and their partners Flogas are in final stages of testing. They’re preparing to integrate this ammonia-powered boiler into a real-world steam boiler next year. Time will tell if ammonia-powered boilers become part of our Net Zero push in the long run! #BoilerEngineers #EngineeringExcellence #NetZero #PBJEngineering