Ballaugh sewage treatment works set for upgrade

MU plans improvements for northern facility

Manx Utilities is planning to upgrade the sewage treatment works in Ballaugh, bringing it up to 'modern day standards'.

Plans have been submitted to replace the existing facility with two new plants, which use 'effective forms of biological treatment' to deal with waste.

The Integral Rotating Biological Contractor Plants (IRBCs) are already in use at twelve sites across the Island, such as Jurby, Bride and Ballagarey.

Once in place, Manx Utilities has confirmed the new infrastructure will treat effluent to a higher environmental standard before discharging it into the sea via an adjacent watercourse.  

The covered IRBC plants will replace the current open pits, and are designed to be more pleasing on the eye, and reduce the likelihood of unpleasant odours.

According to Manx Utilities the replacement works will be low energy, low maintenance, with noise levels 'all but silent' to local residents.

It's understood the application is being process by the Planning Department and will be published online soon.

Should it be approved, Manx Utilities estimates that work could begin on the new works by September this year.

Ballaugh Commissioners have met with the authority, and are understood to be supportive of the initiative.