Delivering sustainable treatment and environmental improvements for Northern Ireland Water as part of DLJ Water JV
Overview
Jacopa Ireland Ltd, now known as Avove Ireland, worked on the Derrycrin Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW), as part of joint venture (DLJ Water). The project modernised the existing WwTW that had been in service for almost 50 years.
Situated in a small village in County Tyrone on the western shores of Lough Neagh, the Derrycrin WwTW serves the Ballinderry area, with the Ballinderry River a short distance north of the village marking the boundary between Counties Tyrone and Derry/Londonderry.
The challenge
Increasing population demands, resulting in greater pressure being exerted on the WwTW, meant that the existing assets were approaching the end of their design lives, with a key section of the site prone to flooding. Our experienced team identified a series of challenges that required a highly collaborative approach and expert planning. Other key challenges included:
- Under capacity: Site investigations discovered that the existing Derrycrin treatment process was under capacity to treat the flow and loads from the current population
- Flooding risks: A temporary Submerged Aerated Filter (SAF) plant was ageing, and at times of high river levels, was at risk of flooding
- Confined site: Construction of the new treatment works was required on a very confined site with difficult terrain
- Maintaining functionality: All works needed to be carried out in a way that would not disrupt ongoing operations
To add to the challenge, the project was being delivered during a period of hyper-inflation and supply chain delays, with manual and labour costs impacted by extreme market volatility. This meant that our team had to act diligently to ensure the project did not deviate from strict time and budget requirements.
The approach
As with every JV, adopting a highly collaborative approach was essential to a smooth and successful delivery. We worked with NI Water as part of their Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), which allowed us to align resources and integrate objectives with NI Water and their project management team, delivering benefits throughout. This led to enhanced collaboration, innovation, value, efficiency and reduced costs across the entire project.
In advance of the work, we installed a temporary treatment plant on the land adjacent to the existing works, which allowed DLJ Water to begin decommissioning and demolishing the old works in a phased approach. This included the mechanical and electrical stripping of some assets, which were refurbished by our team and delivered to NI Water before preparation of the site for the new treatment units began.
With collaboration instilled throughout every aspect of the planning, design and construction phases, we developed a proactive communications strategy to ensure residents, and the wider public were aware of the planned installation, with stakeholders updated after every major phase and milestone. It was this open and transparent approach that allowed works to progress.
The solution
As with every JV, adopting a highly collaborative approach was essential to a smooth and successful delivery. We worked with NI Water as part of their Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), which allowed us to align resources and integrate objectives with NI Water and their project management team, delivering benefits throughout. This led to enhanced collaboration, innovation, value, efficiency and reduced costs across the entire project.
In advance of the work, we installed a temporary treatment plant on the land adjacent to the existing works, which allowed DLJ Water to begin decommissioning and demolishing the old works in a phased approach. This included the mechanical and electrical stripping of some assets, which were refurbished by our team and delivered to NI Water before preparation of the site for the new treatment units began.
With collaboration instilled throughout every aspect of the planning, design and construction phases, we developed a proactive communications strategy to ensure residents and the wider public were aware of the planned installation, with stakeholders updated after every major phase and milestone. It was this open and transparent approach that allowed work to progress.
Benefits
Our teams commitment to innovation and sustainability not only ensured the successful delivery of the new Derrycrin WwTW, but it delivered a wide range of long-term benefits:
Enhanced innovation
A collaborative working relationship between DLJ Water, NI Water and the wider supply chain allowed for greater innovation and the successful delivery of a sustainable, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment solution, capable of serving the community for many years.
Future-proof
Collaborative working relationship between DLJ Water, NI Water and the wider supply chain allowed for greater innovation and the successful delivery of a sustainable, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment solution, capable of serving the community for many years.
Safer site
New vehicular access was provided resulting in reduced risk to NI Water operatives, whilst additional space was opened for a new RBC tank to be installed in the future.
Quality standards
Solution is producing excellent results and is comfortably meeting the NIEA final effluent quality standards
The results
The success of this project, and the efficiency of its delivery, showcases the possibilities that can be unlocked through a combination of collaboration and technical expertise. Throughout the process, we worked closely with the other members of the joint venture, understanding the importance of adopting an open and transparent approach that would enable the seamless implementation of a sustainable, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment solution.
It was this approach, underpinned by thorough planning and Early Contractor Involvement, that ensured the results aligned with NI Water’s objectives, supporting local development and delivering environmental improvements for years to come. We’re pleased to see the new WwTW operating as effectively as was projected and we look forward to future engagements with NI Water.