THE town's bowel movements could be powering the national grid if United Utilities gets its way.
The company wants to install two more methane powered engines at its sewage treatment plant in Sankey Bridges.
On top of the four already in place, that should generate more energy than it needs, and, "Electricity generation will be capable of being exported to the national grid under certain circumstances," said United Utilities in a pollution control application to Warrington Borough Council.
The plant operates like a massive stomach made of concrete tanks and steel pipes.
The sewage is gently heated' to aid digestion' in vast tanks.
The water is separated and pressed out until the remaining sludge can either be used as fertiliser or has to be burned.
If the plant broke down the sewage would turn septic after three days creating a higher odour potential', the application drily notes.
The plant, at Gatewarth Industrial Estate, treats 240,960 tonnes of wet sewage a year. It operates 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
It has submitted the pollution application to meet new European regulations.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article