FAILURE to implement a sewage treatment and sludge disposal strategy would "effectively stifle development" in the Isle of Man.
That's according to the Water and Sewerage Authority who will ask Tynwald to approve spending of almost £40 million on regional sewage treatment works.
The authority wants to implement sewage treatment works in those areas not yet connected to the IRIS scheme. It says £25 milliion would be saved doing this rather than transferring all sewage flows from the north and west of the Island to the Meary Veg Sewage Treatment Works.
If the funding of £39,984,000, at 2011 prices, is approved the strategy will be carried out in two phases.
Phase one would be carried out between 2011 and 2016 and would involve new package sewage treatment plants at Patrick, Glen Mona, Dalby, Bride, Maughold Village, Port Lewaigue, Glen Maye and Corony. There would also be new sewage treatment works at Jurby and Kirk Michael, Ramsey and a new sludge treatment facility at Meary Veg.
At present sewage from 67 percent of the Island's population is treated at Meary Veg. With phase one of the strategy completed, 85 percent of the Island's sewage will be fully treated.
Implementing this plan would also remove restrictions on developing certain areas which are not currently possible because of the inability to treat sewage and sludge in those areas. The quality of bathing water would also be improved due to the removal of untreated sewage.
Tim Crookall MHK, chairman of the Isle of Man Water & Sewerage Authority, said: "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.
"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."
Phase two of the 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.
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