Approval ought for first phase works of regional sewage treatment and sludge disposal strategy The Isle of Man Water & Sewerage Authority is seeking Tynwald approval to embark on the first phase of the Regional Sewage Treatment and Sludge Disposal Strategy. First approved by Tynwald in October 2007, the Regional Strategy confirmed that the construction of regional sewage treatment works in those areas not yet connected to IRIS was a more cost-effective solution – and carried less risk – than transferring all sewage flows from the north and west of the Island to the Meary Veg Sewage Treatment Works. The benefits of the Regional Strategy include improving the quality of bathing water, as a result of removing untreated sewage, and improvements to the quality of discharges to watercourses. The Strategy will also remove restrictions on developing certain areas, which is currently not possible because of the inability to treat sewage and sludge in those areas. In addition to other environmental improvements, the Strategy should help avert any health concerns of the general public. Tynwald approved the business case for the Regional Strategy in July 2009, which revealed there was a ?25 million saving with the regional option compared with the original IRIS master plan. The Authority is now seeking approval for funding of ?39,984,000 at 2011 prices to embark on the first phase of the Regional Strategy. Tim Crookall MHK, Chairman of the Isle of Man Water & Sewerage Authority, explained: ‘The last two years has seen the Authority undertake environmental studies, a range of surveys and mechanical, electrical and civil engineering designs associated with the individual schemes within the overall strategy. This has led us to the next stage, which is seeking approval for the funding to progress to the construction stage.’ The Authority is proposing to deliver the Regional Strategy in two phases. If approved, the first phase – to be carried out between 2011 and 2016 - would incorporate: • New ‘Package’ sewage treatment plants at Patrick, Glen Mona, Dalby, Bride, Maughold Village (including transfer of sewage from Booilushag), Port Lewaigue, Glen Maye and Corony • New sewage treatment works at Jurby and Kirk Michael • New sewage treatment works at Ramsey, including the transfer of sewage from the Ramsey and Andreas networks • New sludge treatment facility at Meary Veg Phase two of the Regional Strategy would be carried out between 2016 and 2021. This would provide sewage treatment facilities for Peel and the surrounding area, Laxey and Baldrine, Sulby and Ballaugh, and the villages along the Central Valley. At present, sewage from 67% of the Island’s population is treated at Meary Veg. With phase one of the Regional Strategy completed, 85% of the Island’s sewage will be fully treated. Mr Crookall said: ‘Ultimately, our objective is to ensure the whole Island has modern and effective sewage treatment facilities which society in the developed world demands in order to protect its environment and the health of its population.’ ENDS