Sewage works must be 'future proof'

A planning application for a pumping station at Whitehead this week received approval. The station forms part of a new system which will see waste from Whitehead, Ballycarry and Ballystrudder brought to a single location for primary treatment before being pumped out to sea.

However, while councillors agreed that this aspect of NI Water’s proposals for the area should be expedited, several members stated that they shared objectors’ concerns that the system envisaged will not meet legal requirements in the future.

Planning officer John Coulter summed up the letter of objection received: “The concern is in relation to the extent of treatment. The proposal is that the sewage is given primary treatment; the concern is that it should be more.”

These sentiments were echoed by Cllr Stewart Dickson, who told colleagues: “The building itself is very acceptable. The issue is the output of waste: not only does this meet water quality standards, but to what extent is it future proofed? Could today’s standard be changed tomorrow?

“The current pumping station has been there since the late 1960s or early 1970s – they have a long life and it has been a struggle to get to this stage. Consultants should give consideration to improving treatment and the possible impact of any increase in population.”

Mr Coulter stressed that he could only respond that Planning Service’s consultees had indicated that the proposed scheme would provide an adequate level of treatment to meet current standards.

Cllr Dickson acknowledged that it would be “unfair” to expect a planning officer to answer his questions, but suggested that NI Water or its consultants should be invited to discuss members’ concerns.

Cllr Louise Marsden suggested that the proposed level of treatment would only meet water purity standards for a limited period.

“We are already up to 8,000 household units; the critical cut-off is 10,000. We have been held up by the draft area plan, but with a bit of forward thinking, the amount of land zoned and the number of units that could be added could leave us not far off 10,000 and once again in a catch-up situation.”

While Alderman David Hilditch pointed out that NI Water representatives had answered questions from members at a recent special meeting with members of the council, it was agreed that the company should be written to with a request for further information.