New Wastewater Treatment Unit for Rathfriland

10 May 2012 15:16

NI Water has installed a modern new wastewater treatment unit at Knock Terrace just outside Rathfriland as part of its multi-million pound Rural Wastewater Investment Project.

The modern infrastructure now in place at the housing development off the Lisnacroppin Road, includes a new fully enclosed hi-tech tank with advanced treatment processes that will raise the quality of treated effluent in line with the latest EU Directives.

Commenting on the scheme, Bill Gowdy, acting Director of Engineering Procurement at NI Water said: “The Rural Wastewater Investment Programme is a dedicated package of work being carried out by NI Water to upgrade wastewater facilities in villages and hamlets spanning the length and breadth of Northern Ireland where the population is less than 250 people.

“This dedicated rural scheme is both complex and logistically challenging but the rewards are far-reaching in terms of environmental improvements. Each project represents a significant investment by NI Water to implement the latest technology available to raise the standard of wastewater treatment so that rural communities can benefit from improved air and river water quality. We are delighted to be able to bring this modern technology in wastewater treatment to Knock Terrace to create a better environment for local residents.”

Over the last four years, over 90 villages across Northern Ireland have benefitted from work carried out under NI Water’s award-winning Rural Wastewater Investment Programme. Locally these include: Monteith WwTW (Katesbridge); Corbet WwTW (outside Banbridge); Ballyward Road WwTW; Katesbridge Road WwTW; Drumaroad WwTW; Attical WwTW; Ballycoshone Road WwTW (Hilltown); Maghera WwTW (Newcastle).

Work on the programme is being carried out by Maghera-based BSG Civil Engineering and joint venture partners, Williams Industrial Services from Mallusk, with project management support being provided by Belfast-based McAdam Design.