NI Water is starting an extensive programme of work to upgrade Annsborough Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) and parts of the associated sewerage network.
The treatment works is being upgraded to ensure that it can maintain compliance with the latest environmental consents.
The multi-million-pound investment will also be used to improve parts of the associated wastewater network in Annsborough and Castlewellan.
NI Water Senior Project Manager, Sean Milligan, said:“The village of Annsborough and town of Castlewellan have seen significant development since the existing Wastewater Treatment Works was constructed in 2008.
“To ensure that this key NI Water asset can continue to operate effectively and meet current environmental discharge consents, various elements within the treatment facility need to be replaced.
“The £8m upgrade of the WwTW – which will be undertaken within the confines of the existing site – will include civil construction activities as well as mechanical and electrical installations. Work will be carried out in phases over two years, ensuring that the treatment works remains operational.
“In advance of the main construction work starting in March, NI Water’s appointed contractor, BSG, will undertake some preliminary activities to facilitate the upgrade.
The improvements at Annsborough WwTW will be supported by a series of network upgrades planned for Annsborough and Castlewellan.
Sean added: “As part of NI Water’s significant investment into the wastewater network in the Annsborough and Castlewellan areas, BSG will carry out improvements to sections of the sewerage system – including the installation of dedicated storm sewers.
“This work will be targeted in areas where CCTV investigations have shown a high level of infiltration of surface water and misconnections.
“This NI Water investment forms the first step to increasing the capacity within the local wastewater network. A final phase of work is planned to provide the necessary stormwater storage that will help facilitate growth in the area, subject to funding and approvals.”
