Kennedy announces start of £1.3million new wastewater scheme in Stoneyford village

09 April 2014 11:47

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy and NI Water have announced the construction of a new Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW), this is a sustainable method of treating wastewater, to be used for the first time in Northern Ireland.

Work will begin on the ICW at the Stoneyford Road site on the 14 April 2014 and will continue until the end of the year.

Minister Kennedy said: “The current treatment works in the village is nearing the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. The Stoneyford site will be a flagship project for Northern Ireland Water and aims to produce an industry-leading example of how wastewater treatment can be integrated into and complement the local ecosystem.

“The Integrated Construction Wetland method NI Water plans to use in the construction of a new facility for wastewater treatment at Stoneyford village has been developed from natural concepts. While the concept has been used for many years in Europe, this will be the first time this innovative solution has been used for municipal purposes in Northern Ireland.

“The method has a proven track record and is a positive low cost, low energy and low maintenance alternative to wastewater treatment. This natural environmentally friendly solution is particularly suited to rural areas and aims to accommodate the future development needs of Stoneyford, while promoting flora and fauna in a natural ecosystem.”

This is a much anticipated solution for NI Water and our colleagues in the NI Environment Agency, Department of Regional Development and Lisburn City Council. It is an important step towards the development of more environmentally-sustainable solutions and we want to develop this particular site into an asset for the local community.

Dermott McCurdy, NI Water Project Sponsor added: “NI Water will continue to liaise with the local community throughout this programme of work and look forward to implementing this new environmental approach to wastewater treatment.

“This essential scheme will also provide a welcome boost to the local construction industry and the contract has been awarded to Maghera-based BSG Civil Engineering.”

NI Water and our contractor BSG Civil Engineering would like to thank the public in advance for their patience and co-operation while we complete this essential improvement scheme. We will endeavour to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Customer queries should be directed to Waterline on 08457 440 088, quoting ‘BSG Civil Engineering- Stoneyford ICW’.