Up to $6 million is to be invested in upgrading sewage treatment in Hamilton, the Corporation said.

And in the future a new sewage plant could be built outside the city -- if demand increases and the current system harms the environment.

Recently the Corporation of Hamilton brought in Canadian consultants, Associated Engineering Ltd, to carry out a study on the condition and existing capacity of the city's sewage system.

One of the recommendations is for a new pumping station, replacing the aging existing station on Hamilton docks, and upgrading the system to bring in fine screening to remove items such as plastics from the wastewater.

"It is our intention to implement these two recommendations as soon as possible,'' said the Corporation's Mayor William Boyle.

"We are looking at how to finance this project which is likely to cost some $5 million to $6 million and I would hope it would be completed within the next three to four years.'' The new pumping station will be built alongside the existing station, next to Number 7 shed.

Recently the Corporation made the decision to phase in increases in charges for sewage to city residents which will help to finance the cost of the project.

It will also talk to Government about charges for dealing with sewage passed through the city's system from outside Hamilton.

Currently sewage passes out from a 750 metre pipe into the sea off South Shore.

In the long-term it is possible that a new sewage treatment plant could be built outside the City, but a decision on that depends upon demand and environmental effects of the present system. Talks are due to take place between the Corporation and the Environment Ministry about the issue.

Amongst the items to be resolved -- if it is decided in the long-term to press ahead with a new sewage plant -- will be where to site the building.

The Canadian report said a new sewage plant would be better sited out of the City, possibly between the eastern end of the City and the existing outfall at Seabright.

As well as the Canadian report, the Corporation commissioned the Bermuda Biological Station to carry out a report on the effects of sewage on the reefs.

Mr. Boyle added: "The team of scientists has recently completed an interim report indicating that the effluent being discharged is rapidly dispersed by a strong current and that the reefs are healthy.'' The final report is expected to be available in December and its findings will be made public.

He added: "In this regard, the Corporation has decided to have the study continued indefinitely so that we can continue to closely monitor the impact of our system on the environment.

"We commissioned the Canadian study because we wanted to know whether the present system would last 50 years and was there enough capacity with all the new buildings that are going up.

"The pumping station is needed within the next ten years. If the existing system is doing no harm to the environment then we will continue disposing of sewage in the ocean.

"But if we are told by scientists that what we are dumping into the ocean is harmful then we would then be talking about building a new sewage plant.

"The Corporation is committed to making sure that the best decisions are made to protect our environment and resources.''