Enfield Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Uisce Éireann has commenced works to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Enfield to increase capacity and ensure environmental compliance.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Meath County Council, has recently commenced works to upgrade the Enfield Wastewater Treatment Plant. The wastewater treatment plant receives and treats wastewater from Enfield, Co. Meath and Johnstown Bridge, Co. Kildare.

The wastewater treatment plant is operating close to maximum capacity. This project will ensure there is increased capacity available for future social and economic growth in the area and will ensure compliance with national and EU legislation.

What is involved?

The project will involve:

• Expanding and upgrading the wastewater treatment plant to serve a Population Equivalent (PE) of 6,200 residents.
• Constructing two new settlement tanks and outfall pipe and installing new reed beds which will receive and dewater treated sludge.
• Installing new reed beds which will receive and dewater treated sludge.
• Installing two transfer pipelines beneath the River Blackwater to connect the existing wastewater treatment plant with the new infrastructure.
• Flood defence works to reduce the risk of flooding at the existing wastewater treatment plant site including bank repair works along a section of the River Blackwater.

What are Sludge Drying Reed Beds?

The Sludge Drying Reed Beds (SDRB) process is based on a natural treatment process in which the reeds naturally treat sludge. It provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the long-term treatment of sludge from wastewater. The daily operation and maintenance of the reed beds is minimal, only requiring emptying almost every 10years.

The process reduces transport movements and emissions, while also substantially reducing costs associated with the treatment process. They are low-technology, energy-efficient, and do not require addition of chemicals.

Uisce Éireann successfully operate several Reed Beds for dewatering of Treated Activated Sludges in County Carlow.

What are the benefits of this project?

Once completed this project will:

• Support social and economic growth across Enfield, Johnstown Bridge and the surrounding area.
• Ensure compliance with national and EU wastewater legislation.
• Significantly reduce energy consumptions and carbon emissions associated with the traditional wastewater treatment process.
• Enhance biodiversity at the sites through habitat creation and eliminate the need for chemicals to be added to the treatment process. Reed beds also act as natural carbon sequester, removing carbon from the atmosphere.

What are the next steps?

Uisce Éireann has commenced work on this project. The project is expected to take 2 years to deliver. We will endeavour to keep you updated as the project progresses.