Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) has unveiled plans to invest a total of £7m to upgrade the wastewater treatment works in Newcastle, England.
Upgrades include the deployment of modern new treatment processes, which will benefit the local area and meet future EU directives by May 2013.
Recently, NI Water awarded the 18-month contract to Saintfield-based civil engineering company Dawson-Wam as well as the Newry-based water treatment specialists Ovivo Ireland.
The project management support is being provided by Ireland-based McAdam Design. The upgrade plans will include a range of new treatment processes and a first-time stormwater storage facility.
The existing wastewater treatment works will be fully refurbished and new equipment will be installed at the nearby Blackrock and Harbour pumping stations, the company said.
NI Water CEO Trevor Haslett stated that the project represents a strong commitment by the company to enhance the standard of treated effluent in Newcastle.
"The extensive programme of work supports the £6m ($9.35m) package of infrastructure and network improvements already undertaken," Haslett said.
"The upgrade project will ensure that the sewerage infrastructure in Newcastle operates in accordance with EU directives and NI Environment Agency treatment standards."
Department Regional Development minister Danny Kennedy said the award of this contract supports Northern Ireland on both an economic and environmental level.
"Not only will the bathing waters at Newcastle benefit from this major NI Water investment, but the local construction industry will also be given a welcome boost with this significant project," Kennedy said.
NI Water intends to implement the upgrades in January 2012.
