Water works to boost river’s health

WATER works in Waterford city that will lead to a dramatic improvement in the quality of the River Suir’s waters are about to get underway.

Waterford City Council have signed contracts with the international division of Anglian Water, one of the leading providers of water and waste water services in the UK, for a waste water treatment plant on the north side of the River Suir at Gorteens, Co Kilkenny.

The new infrastructure is a key part of the €56.5m Waterford Main Drainage project, which has been designed to intercept all waste water discharges currently flowing into the Suir and, in accordance with EU Directives and Irish regulations, to transfer that waste water for treatment at the new plant.

Work is already underway on the installation of interceptor sewers and pumping stations on both sides of the Suir, as well as pipelines crossing under the river.

The new treatment plant will be constructed under a Design, Build and Operate (DBO) contract with a 27-month construction phase to be followed by a 20-year operating period.

It will provide for the treatment of domestic, commercial and industrial waste water from Waterford city and environs including the IDA landbank near Waterford Container Terminal at Belview, Co Kilkenny.

Welcoming the contracts signing, Cllr Davy Daniels, Deputy Mayor of Waterford described it as a “significant boost” for the city.

““There are significant benefits from the Waterford Main Drainage project which will eliminate existing discharges of untreated waste water.

“This plant is designed to cater for existing and future populations together with industrial and commercial effluents.

“A vital piece of infrastructure, it will facilitate orderly and sustainable development for our city and hinterland while improving water quality in the area,” he said.

According to Conn Murray, Waterford City Manager, there will be some disturbance during the works.

“We fully appreciate the patience people have shown,” he said.

“A particular feature of this plant is that it will have scope for further expansion of capacity as required.

“With capacity for current and projected demand, the treated waste water from this plant will achieve the standards required under ... waste water regulations.”