Project Overview
Arklow has been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as an area where wastewater is discharged into the Avoca River without any treatment. This practice of discharging untreated wastewater to the river is no longer acceptable and Irish Water intends to fix this problem in partnership with Wicklow County Council.
The provision of a new wastewater treatment plant in Arklow will bring benefits to the town and surrounding areas in terms of health, environmental protection and improved water quality for all.
Project Objectives
Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant must be delivered in a way that not only meets the required legislative standards but that also ensures that all works are undertaken in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, in cooperation with the local community.
The objectives of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant project are as follows:
- To stop the current practice of discharging untreated wastewater to the Avoca River
- To provide a wastewater treatment facility that will comply with all relevant legislative requirements and will service the population of Arklow into the future
- To improve water quality in the Avoca River
What does this project involve?
Irish Water intends to develop the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant Project which includes:
- A new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) of 36,000 population equivalent that will best meet the current needs of Arklow, and allow for future expansion of the town. The preferred site is the Old Wallboard Factory, North Quay, Ferrybank
- Sewer pipelines (along the North and South Quays) to bring the untreated wastewater to the WwTP
- A marine outfall pipe to safely discharge the treated wastewater to the Irish Sea
What is happening now?
Irish Water announced that it will commence a third period of non-statutory consultation for a four week period, commencing on Wednesday 11 October 2017. This consultation will close on Wednesday 15 November 2017. If you would like to make a submission you can do so by contacting arklowtp@water.ie.
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