BELFAST, Ireland, April 23, 2008 -- Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) has officially opened a £13 million upgraded Wastewater Treatment Works at Whitehouse on the outskirts of Belfast.
Part of the Belfast Lough North Shore Improvement Programme, the existing works has been expanded to a state-of-the-art plant which will serve a population equivalent of 100,000. The upgraded works will meet the EC Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive standards and will benefit the local community well into the 21st century.
Speaking at the event, Katharine Bryan, Chief Executive of NI Water, said: "The opening of this treatment works is yet another example of our dedication to provide the quality of water and sewerage services that people in Northern Ireland deserve. By 2010 NI Water will have invested £492million in wastewater treatment and collection systems.
"I would like to pay tribute to the expertise and hard work of the NI Water team on this scheme, our project managers and the contractors in achieving our compliance treatment standard on schedule.
"Investment projects like Whitehouse are happening throughout Northern Ireland in order to raise the standards of wastewater treatment and to protect and improve the environment. NI Water is 100% committed to both the environment and our customers. Through these projects we are addressing head-on a legacy of under-investment in our infrastructure."
Trevor Haslett, Director of Engineering and Procurement said: "We have been acutely aware of the importance of minimising the impact of construction due to the coastal location of the scheme and its close proximity to residents. Working with our designers, we have striven to find architectural solutions in harmony with the surroundings, and offering long-term added benefits for the community. This project will produce very real and tangible benefits for all of our customers in this area."
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Also see:
-- "£3.4 million water mains investment gets underway
-- "Belfast sewers project scoops considerate constructors award
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