Plan submitted for Ballina treatment plant

Irish Water has submitted its planning application for the upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant in Ballina.

Seeking to increase the treatment capacity, the plan comprises of the decommissioning of the existing inlet works and the construction of a) a new below ground inlet pump station; b) a new above ground inlet screening works area (including one above ground storm overflow weir chamber and inlet flume); c) one partially below ground storm tank overflow flume and one partially below storm water storage tank; d) one above ground oxidation ditch splitter chamber, one partially below ground oxidation ditch and one blower housing; e) one below ground pump sump; f) one partially below ground clarifier splitter chamber and one partially below ground clarifier tank; g) one below ground meter chamber; h) one partially below sludge thickening tank, and one outfall flume.

The development will also consist of the decommissioning of the existing treated effluent outfall to the Grange river, and the construction of a new treated effluent pipe and outfall, which will extend approx 70m into Lough Derg/River Shannon before discharging to the lake/river via a single port diffuser. Replacement of selected pipework within the existing process units and ancillary development including associated underground chambers, cabling and piping, and all associated site development works are included with the plan.

A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of this planning application. Tipperary Co Council is due to make a decision on the application by June 7th.