Kilrea Wastewater Treatment Works Upgrade

Project Overview

A larger, more modern treatment works for Kilrea

NI Water has completed a £9.4 million upgrade of Kilrea Wastewater Treatment Works in Co. Derry/Londonderry. The original works dated from the 1970s and needed upgrading to cope with population growth in Kilrea and the surrounding area, and to give greater protection to the River Bann.

The scheme introduced a more advanced treatment process, with first-time stormwater storage, two new final settlement tanks and a sludge tank. Parts of the original works, including pumping stations, were repurposed within the new system, and the existing treatment process was kept running throughout the upgrade. NI Water reports that the works' treatment capacity has increased by almost 50%.

Liberty Water's role

Liberty Water carried out the mechanical fit-out. We were one of several local specialist firms engaged by NI Water's framework contractor, Farrans Glanua JV, alongside contractors for the civils groundworks, concrete structures and electrical works. Technical support on the upgrade was provided by Tetra Tech.

About the upgraded works

According to Farrans, the upgraded plant is an activated sludge process treatment works with a design population equivalent of 4,400, and around 363m³ of storm capacity across CSO, blind and online storm tanks. It was built beside the existing operational works, so treatment continued throughout construction.