Murphy Opens £23 Million Facility for Antrim
03 December 2010 10:55
The project, which is designed to cater for a population of 87,000, included the upgrading of the facility and improving the wastewater infrastructure in Antrim and the surrounding area including parts of Crumlin, Randalstown and Templepatrick.
Welcoming the project’s completion, the Minister said: “This project represents a major investment for Antrim and the surrounding area. It will bring significant benefits to the local economy and the environment, whilst meeting the needs of the growing population in the area.
"The facility has been designed to meet the latest Environment Agency standards for wastewater treatment. Other elements of the work, such as the new pumping station in Antrim and the closure of combined sewer overflows will provide protection to the sensitive Six Mile Water River and have a hugely positive impact on the quality of water in Lough Neagh.
To deliver such a project on time and in budget was a significant undertaking by all the team involved and they should be proud of their achievement."
Laurence MacKenzie, Chief Executive of NI Water said: "This project was a tremendous undertaking by NI Water and its success lies in the planning and strategic thinking of all involved, including Antrim Borough Council and other agencies.
Over 115,000 man hours were required to complete the project, with impact on the environment and the public at the forefront of everything that was done. Night working was undertaken to ensure busy roads were reopened for morning commuters, while an archaeologist was present during excavation near Antrim Castle Gardens to ensure any significant finds were recorded and preserved if necessary."
The work in Antrim represents part of a £490 million investment by NI Water in wastewater services throughout the North over the past three years. For further information on the Antrim Wastewater Project, please log on to www.niwater.com
Notes to editors:
1. The new state-of-the-art Wastewater Treatment Works in Antrim replaced the existing outdated works on the same site at Milltown Road, on the outskirts of Antrim.
2. The Contractor for the scheme was BSG Civil Engineering in partnership with McAdam Design and Williams Industrial Services.
3. At Massereene, Antrim town centre, a new pumping station was constructed within the grounds of the Antrim Forum. Built completely underground, this replaced the station in Antrim Castle. This will provide protection to the sensitive Six Mile Water river and will aid the Council’s plans to carry out extensive restoration work within Antrim Castle Gardens.
4. Upsizing of existing sewerage network enabled NI Water to close two Combined Sewer Overflows and provide storm alleviation in an area predicted to flood within the project horizon.
5. A new terminal pumping station was constructed at Randalstown, enabling the town’s treatment facility to be taken out of service. Upsizing of the sewerage network was undertaken to alleviate the area’s historical flooding problem. The opportunity was taken to replace existing watermains in conjunction with the sewer upgrades to minimise future disruption in the area.
6. Artefacts uncovered during the work at Castle Gardens included ceramics, glass and animal bones ranging from the 17th to early 20th centuries.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
All media enquiries to press.office@niwater.com or phone 028 9035 7695