Holywood/Kinnegar Network Upgrade & Environmental Improvement Scheme Completed

13 January 2017 12:57

Kinnegar Lagoons before regeneration

Kinnegar Lagoons after regeneration

NI Water is pleased to announce that work has recently been completed on this multi-million network upgrade / Environmental Improvement Scheme in the Holywood/Kinnegar area. The project involved a major programme of sewer laying, tunnelling work and the construction of a major pumping station.

A detailed investigation was carried out into the local network following longstanding problems with odours in the vicinity of Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW). This confirmed that three Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO’s) discharged into the lagoons adjacent to Kinnegar WwTW.

The man-made lagoons which are owned by NI Water were a significant cause of the odours, and a major construction project was developed to divert these three CSO’s away from the Kinnegar lagoons on to a new Pumping Station for onward pumping and treatment at Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works.

Phase one of the project was completed in Summer 2016 and successfully diverted two of the three CSOs. Phase 2, completed in December 2016 saw the removal of the third and final CSO discharge from the lagoons.

Bill Gowdy NI Water Director of Engineering Procurement said:

“NI Water is pleased to announce the completion of this complex engineering project, which involved the construction of sewers and tunnels in the vicinity of the A2 Belfast / Bangor Road and railway line, as well as a major pumping station.
“The project encountered some unexpected difficulties, however the NI Water project team rose to the challenge working closely with TransportNI, and other key stakeholders to quickly provide an alternative solution, whilst continuing to ensure disruption to customers and commuters was minimised.

“The project will improve wastewater services for customers and reduce the risk of environmental pollution by diverting CSO discharges to the new wastewater pumping station adjacent to Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works. These improvements to the infrastructure in the area will reduce the likelihood and severity of odours in the future.

“NI Water and our contractor GEDA Construction would like to thank the local residents, businesses and commuters for their continued patience throughout this major programme of work.”

Chris Hazzard Infrastructure Minister added:

“I welcome the completion of this major environmental improvement project, which will
enhance the wastewater infrastructure in the Holywood area. Providing high quality public services helps improve the quality of everyday life – the local customers in Holywood now have a modern, effective wastewater service.  

“This major investment project will be instrumental in protecting the local environment and reducing odours in the area, which is welcome news for residents.”

Modifications which had already been carried out to the outlet of the lagoons reduced the frequency and severity of odours being released to the atmosphere.  This work along with increased sewer network maintenance, and the removal of the three CSO’s has made a substantial improvement to the condition of the Kinnegar Lagoons.

Based on studies and monitoring to date, the view is that the lagoons should be permitted to continue to cleanse and regenerate naturally. Now that all overflow discharges have been diverted to the WwTW, NI Water will continue to monitor the odours in the area and the lagoons to ensure natural regeneration occurs as anticipated.

ENDS

Media enquiries to NI Water Press Office on 028 9035 4757 or press.office@niwater.com.