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Works continue at Drogheda Wastewater Treatment Plant to address potential odour sources

10 May 2022

Uisce Éireann is continuing to carry out works at Drogheda wastewater treatment plant and is committed to resolving any potential odour issues arising from the wastewater plant or the network. Uisce Éireann is aware of complaints from members of the public regarding reported intermittent malodours in the Drogheda area and continues to work closely with EPS Limited who operate the Plant on behalf of Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council who manage the network on our behalf.

Uisce Éireann is delivering an extensive programme of upgrade works at the plant and on the network to reduce the risk of odour. Works already completed include; odour control unit upgrades; works to three primary settlement tanks and two aeration tanks and the installation of additional temporary treatment at the East Meath pumping station that conveys wastewater to the plant to reduce the potential for septicity of the wastewater. Furthermore, a programme of network jetting is being delivered on an ongoing basis to clear general blockages in the network that could give rise to odours.

In addition, Uisce Éireann is progressing with plans to replace the anaerobic digesters on a phased basis over the next two years while the plant remains operational. To safely facilitate these works the digestion process has been switched off.

Uisce Éireann has also commissioned an independent odour analysis and report of the wastewater treatment plant. The report is currently being reviewed by a team of wastewater specialists who will determine what additional measures may be required at the site.

Speaking about the ongoing and planned works at the plant, Redmond Burke, Uisce Éireann said, “Uisce Éireann is committed to resolving any potential odour issues at the plant and in the network and we are continuing to work closely with EPS Limited who operate the plant on our behalf and Louth County Council who manage the network on our behalf. The replacement of the anaerobic digester at the site represents a significant investment in the continued upgrade of the plant. We will continue to provide updates regarding works at the plant as we progress through this extensive programme of upgrades.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time, with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Customers should continue to report any issues directly to Uisce Éireann’s call centre which operates 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or by email to operations@water.ie. Real time reporting allows for the investigation of the reported odour as close to the time of the potential odour incident as possible.