This article is from page 4 of the 2011-11-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
APPROVAL for a major new water services project will lead to a near doubling of capacity at an Ennis wastewater treatment plant.
Clare County Council received permission for the € 2.8 million upgrade of the Clonroadmore wasterwater treatment plant from An Bord Pleanála last week.
The development will see the upgrading of the existing wastewater treatment plant from a design capacity of 17, 000 population, equivalent to a design capacity of 30,150 (pe). The proposed works includes (a) an increased storm water storage capacity, (b) the provision of a new clarifier, (c) the provision of a picket fence thickener (PFT) for sludge treatment and (d) the provision of a ter tiary treatment system.
In granting permission for the project, An Bord Pleanála imposed a number of conditions.
The inspector’s repor t states that odour and noise levels emanating from the plant shall not exceed certain marks in order to “protect the amenities of properties in the vicinity of the site”.
The report states that site clearance of hedgerows and trees shall only take place between the months of August and April, “to prevent disturbance to nesting birds and to mitigate habitat reduction in the in- terest of nature conservation”.
The repor t continues, “Any gaps in hedges or removal or loss of trees or hedges shall be replanted during the next planting season following construction. The site shall be landscaped in accordance with a comprehensive scheme of landscaping”… “All planting shall be adequately protected from damage until established. Any plants which die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased, within a period of five years from the completion of the development shall be replaced within the next planting season with others of similar size and species.”
The council must also consult with Iarnród Éireann “prior to commencement of the works on site in relation to health and safety measures to ensure that any risks can be appropriately managed”.
The report adds, “Site development and building works shall be car ried out only between 0700 hours and 1900 hours, Monday to Friday inclusive and between 0700 hours and 1400 hours on Saturdays. No works shall take place outside these hours or on Sundays or bank or public holidays.
The Clonroadmore plant forms part of an overall plan for the provision of upgraded facilities to treat all wastewater arising in the entire Ennis area.