20 December 2002
PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR WATER TREATMENT WORKS TO START IN JANUARY
DRD Water Service will start public consultation on the proposals for the new multi-million pound Fofanny Water Treatment Works with two information evenings in the Newcastle Leisure Centre on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th January 2003 from 4.00 - 9.00pm.
The proposed site for the new facility in the Mournes area is on land just north of Fofanny Dam. It will replace the existing Fofannybane plant and this consultation will assist in the preparation of an Environmental Statement.
Dermott McCurdy, Water Service said: "This innovative project forms an integral part of Water Service’s Water Resource Strategy and represents a huge investment to upgrading the supply and quality of drinking water to meet stringent new EU Drinking Water Directives.
"The building of the new works will include sophisticated engineering skills and sustainable environmental practices, which will result in a fully integrated treatment facility. The new treatment facility will provide an effective barrier against cryptosporidium and will be capable of treating up to 52 million litres of water a day to meet future demand."
The new works will be earth covered, contoured into the landscape and planted with indigenous vegetation to minimise any visual impact on the environment.
Mr McCurdy continued: "The Fofanny project management team have already presented plans and ideas to local councillors in the wider Mourne area. The Mourne Heritage Trust, has also given their support to the scheme and will be working alongside the project team to ensure that the integrity of the Mournes area is protected.
Once complete in 2005, the new Fofanny works will allow Water Service to decommission its 40-year-old Fofannybane water treatment plant and carefully restore the area to blend with the natural environment.
Ahead of this public consultation, interested parties can find further details on the new Fofanny Water Treatment Works by visiting the project website at
www.fofanny.co.ukNOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information please contact the DRD Press Office on
028 9054 0004.
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