Irish Water plan B’boro plant upgrade
Irish Water has applied for a 10-year planning permission to carry out necessary upgrade works at the Bailieborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The proposed development at the Bexcourt site consists of upgrades to the capacity of the existing plant, by demolishing and replacing the existing inlet, and the decommissioning of an existing Storm Water Outfall.
Irish Water proposes installing a Dual Function Overflow outfall pipe along with the provision of a new Storm Water Storage Holding Tank with connection to an existing drainage culvert pipeline.
The semi-state utility also hopes to add a new aeration tank and two new settlement tanks, demolish the existing oxidation ditch and clarifiers, and build on below and above ground chambers (pump chambers and process drainage), as well as a service water pump sump (wash water recycle system to clean equipment), and a new Primary Discharge outfall pipe.
Other improvement works will entail adding a picket fence thickener and mechanical dewatering unit, chemical storage and dosing equipment for alkalinity boosting, phosphorus removal and sludge treatment, and a new building for dealing with sludge dewatering, together with operating equipment and two kiosks.
Lastly, Irish Water has made provision in its plans for an odour control unit and associated above ground ductwork; a back-up generator with diesel tank to be used in an emergency/power cut; an ESB substation; and the demolition of the existing tanks not used in the future design.
The extension of an internal access road and the provision of a turning head to the northern end of the site is also included in the plans.
Ancillary and all other associated development works are mapped out. These include, among others, provision for equipment lifting gantries and access platforms; landscaping works; and the installation of south facing Solar PV Panels.
A Natura Impact Statement will be submitted with the application.
In December 2019, following an audit by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the BWTP, the HSE issued a 'Do Not Consume' notice for the Bailieborough water supply. This action was prompted by elevated manganese levels - approximately seven times the recommended limit -and other deficiencies identified, including inadequate chemical dosing and a lack of automated turbidity alarms.