BURY is to get a £13 million environmental boost.

And fish and wildlife relying on the River Irwell will soon benefit from a substantially cleaner environment, thanks to the major works.

The multi-million pound United Untilities scheme will take place over the next two years.

The company is installing an extra level of treatment at Bury wastewater treatment works in Crossfield Street, Blackford Bridge, to remove ammonia and significantly boost river quality both in the town and beyond.

Preliminary works have already started on building tanks to harness the biological powers of benign "super bugs" that literally digest sewage, cutting the amount of solid waste by about two-thirds and reducing ammonia levels in water discharged into the Irwell by around 75 per cent.

United Utilities project manager Ian Patheyjohns said: "The new system will enhance already high levels of treatment at Bury and will lead to a marked improvement in the quality of water in the Irwell, creating a cleaner environment for fish and wildlife and a better quality of life for local people."

He added: "When the tanks have been built, wastewater will pass through a layer of small polystyrene pellets and air will be added, encouraging bacteria to grow. The bacteria will then 'feed' on the sewage, cleaning it to an even higher standard and helping to improve oxygen levels in the river."

The improvements are being carried out to comply with stricter European water quality standards relating to freshwater fish.

At the same time, United Utilities will take the opportunity to transform a hectare of disused land, formerly occupied by sludge holding and drying beds, into a wild flower meadow.

The area will be planted with grass and the rest of the site, between five and six hectares of willow scrub and woodland, is being retained to promote biodiversity and to enhance the environment for wildlife.

An exhibition is planned for today (Tuesday May 28) at the treatment works from 3pm to 8pm when the project team will answer any questions.