Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has today visited Drumkee Wastewater Treatment Works in Dungannon, to see first hand Northern Ireland Water's (NI Water) new natural Willows Wastewater Treatment System, which has been used in Northern Ireland for the first time.

Northern Ireland is a leading region within the British Isles in terms of researching, trialling and proving the concept of this environmentally sustainable technology.

The Minister met with representatives from NI Water, including NI Water Chairman Sean Hogan and representatives from Resourceful Organics Ltd. who will implement this new technology on behalf of NI Water. Representatives were also in attendance from the Agri- Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), who were both involved in the development of this new Willows Technology.

-- Advertisement --

As the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, the project uses willows as a natural filter system (biofiltration) to clean wastewater. It is hoped this natural technology will provide NI Water with a robust reliable solution for the cleaning and treatment of wastewater in other rural areas, and provide significant benefits in terms of reducing capital expenditure, carbon footprint and environmental sustainability.

The new Willows Technology involves the recycling of effluent or wastewater produced from the existing Wastewater Treatment Works at Drumkee, County Tyrone, which will then be used to irrigate willow growing on neighbouring land.

Providing a natural filter system, the wastewater passes through the willows and is cleansed of impurities. The willows also provide important, diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife.

Mr Kennedy said: "This is an extremely exciting and innovative pilot project for Northern Ireland, which will improve wastewater treatment in the Dungannon area through the use of willows technology.

"There are many environmental benefits for Northern Ireland through this natural technology as Willows can absorb a considerable amount of nutrient and can easily grow in our climate.

"I welcome this forward-thinking approach in not only the cleaning and treatment of wastewater, but also in helping to reduce NI Water's carbon footprint."

(CD/JP)