Contractor BSG Civil Engineering is making significant progress on a new £464,000 Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) in Co Fermanagh.

The ICW, at a site in Castle Archdale, is the second to be developed by NI Water .

This ICW is expected to be in operation by the end of March this year.

The investment has seen the construction of a series of shallow treatment ponds which when planted will treat wastewater from the Castle Archdale area. While the ICW will be operational in March, it is anticipated that rapid plant growth will continue over the forthcoming spring and summer period.

Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen, who visited the site, said: "Progress on this sustainable project is very impressive. This scheme is an excellent example of how the challenge of dealing with wastewater can be met using an innovative engineering approach which provides added benefits for, and complements, the local indigenous ecosystem.

-- Advertisement --

"The ICW solution has been developed on natural treatment processes. This is the second occasion that this method has been used in Northern Ireland and it is an important and significant step towards the development of more environmentally-friendly solutions to wastewater treatment throughout Northern Ireland."

Dermott McCurdy, NI Water's Head of Wastewater Capital Delivery said: "NI Water is pleased to be able to improve wastewater services for customers in the Castle Archdale area through sustainable projects like this. The new ICW will deliver improved wastewater treatment, whilst creating an aesthetically-pleasing area, rich in biodiversity, and potentially an educational resource.

"NI Water will continue to liaise with the local community throughout this programme of work and look forward to implementing this new approach to wastewater treatment in the area."

(CD)