Date: 28 June 2007
Glen Water Ltd, the contractor appointed to deliver Northern Ireland Waters £122m Project Omega, has begun work to upgrade a number of existing Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) in the Craigavon, Armagh and Richhill area. A new pipeline will also be constructed between Seagoe and Ballynacor WWTWs.
Jim Conlon, Glen Water General Manager said: “This is a signature project for Northern Ireland and we are delighted that the overall project is progressing well and is on target to ensure Northern Ireland complies with EU standards. We are looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with Northern Ireland Water to provide a long-term, cost effective wastewater and sludge disposal solution”.
“By working in partnership with local contractors and the local community, we are committed to delivering a sustainable, reliable service that will ensure cleaner rivers and loughs, protect public health and help safeguard the environment and provide benefits for the people and the economy in the area,” he continued.
“£25m is being invested in this work which will ensure effluent compliance in line with European Directives,” said Katharine Byran, Northern Ireland Water Chief Executive.
Ballynacor Waste Water Treatment Works, which serves the catchment areas of Portadown, Lurgan and Craigavon, will be upgraded to become the main sewage treatment centre for existing flows and for flows from Bullay’s Hill and Seagoe Wastewater Treatment Works. This work will ensure that all discharges from the works into Lough Neagh meet the consent requirements of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Included in the works are new storm tanks, new aeration tanks, new final settlement tanks, a new inter-stage pumping station and a new Return Activated Sludge (RAS)/Surplus Activated Sludge (SAS) Pumping station. Construction work at the Ballynacor WWTW and Dewatering Plant is expected to be complete in early 2009.
However, odour control equipment for the sludge process will be fitted early in the construction programme and will be in operation in the autumn of 2007.
Bullay’s Hill Wastewater Treatment Works will be retained as preliminary treatment, screening and grit removal and storm tanks. Odour control will also be installed. The existing Pumping Station will be modified to accept screened sewage and the existing storm tanks will be fitted with a cleaning system. Work is scheduled for completion by April 2009.
Seagoe Wastewater Treatment Works will be retained as preliminary treatment, screening and grit removal and storm tanks. The existing pumping station will be modified to accept screened sewage. A standby generator will also be installed. This work is also scheduled for completion in April 2009.
The scheme includes a new pipeline to be constructed between Seagoe Wastewater Treatment Works and Ballynacor Wastewater Treatment Works. The pipeline route includes:Seagoe Road, Tarsan Lane, Charlestown Road and private agricultural land. Traffic management plans will be in operation where necessary and those directly affected will be kept informed of any road closures/traffic restrictions via letter and local press. Work on the pipeline will be completed by October 2007.
Scheduled for completion in April 2009,Armagh and Richhill Wastewater Treatment Works will also be upgraded as part of the Omega Project.
In addition to the positive effect on the environment, the Omega Project will support commercial and residential development and growth in the area providing additional benefits for the tourism and recreation sectors.
A presentation about the scheme has already been given to Craigavon Borough Council and further presentations to Armagh Distruct Council and other interested parties are planned.
Glen Water is a joint venture company between two of the most experienced and leading names in the water industry, Thames Water and Laing O’Rourke.
The companies enjoy a successful, longstanding and virtually seamless working relationship, which stems back as far as the 1920’s.
In addition to upgrading a number of wastewater treatment facilities the Omega Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Project will be responsible for 100% of sludge disposal and around 20% ofNorthern Ireland’s wastewater treatment capacity.