Environment
MUA Tells Garff to Forget IRIS
Annoyingly we haven’t been able to find the leaflet.
Manx Utilities has used its latest update for sewage treatment plans in Garff to counter what it calls ‘incorrect and misleading information’.
Annoyingly we haven’t been able to find the leaflet.
The authority is working on establishing a regional treatment system in Garff, but the site where it might be built has yet to be revealed while negations over buying the land continues.
Referring to a leaflet that has been distributed around Garff, Manx Utilities said it believes it contains ‘incorrect and misleading information’, adding: ‘Whilst we recognise everyone’s right to an opinion, we must make sure that the public is aware of the factual position.’
The taxpayer owned utilities company refers to the infamous IRIS scheme being abandoned by Tynwald on account of it being neither sustainable or cost effective.
It added: ‘As such, Manx Utilities are in the process of finalising the procurement of a parcel of land for a combined sewage treatment works to treat sewage from both Laxey and Baldrine. The actual location for this works cannot be disclosed until the purchase of the land is complete. It will however be away from the residential populous and avoid the need for any additional traffic to pass through either Laxey or Baldrine villages.
‘The sewage treatment process adopted for our regional works, using Integrated Rotating Biological Contactors (IRBCs), is a tried and tested process both in the United Kingdom and over the last 10 years on the Isle of Man. It offers equivalent treatment quality to that of the central Meary Veg works. Modern odour control equipment will ensure that odours aren’t an issue, and the design will be sympathetic to the local environment to ensure there is minimal visual impact.
‘The final effluent produced by the treatment works will adhere to the requirements as set by DEFA, and will allow Laxey’s beach to achieve the ‘Excellent’ bathing water status under the Island’s bathing water regulations. This will also allow the beach to achieve ‘Blue Flag’ status, subject to a number of other criteria being met, unrelated to sewerage infrastructure.’
