The Ballybay Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) in Co. Monaghan was constructed in 1983 and is currently not achieving its required discharge standard. An upgrade is needed, not only to meet compliance and improve the quality of effluent to receiving waterways, but to provide sufficient capacity for projected growth in the area.
Ballybay WwTP will undergo an upgrade of the Aeration System.
The proposed upgrade includes:
Additionally, a more efficient Vortex Powered Aerator (VPA) system will be introduced. This system uses a surface-mounted vortex unit with an integrated submersible pump to provide both oxygen transfer and tank mixing. Its patented cyclonic flow design enables high air entrainment rates, improving treatment efficiency.
The plant will also receive a ferric dosing enhancement at two dosing points to meet the stringent ortho-Phosphate ELV of 0.08 mg/l as per the discharge licence. This element of the work will be funded under the National Wastewater Phosphorous Removal Programme and will complement the WEST project upgrades.
Other improvements include refurbishment of the tertiary sand filtration system (mechanical and electrical components).
Currently, Ballybay WwTP discharges into a tributary of the Dromore River, before it flows into the Major Lough Stream. As part of the WEST improvements, it is proposed to relocate the primary discharge directly into the Dromore River where the tributary meets, before entering the Major Lough Stream.
The innovative technology planned will deliver many benefits, including, increased treatment capacity and improved effluent quality to meet discharge standards, thereby reducing negative impacts on receiving waterbodies. The VPA system significantly reduces energy consumption, improves oxygen transfer efficiency and reduces operational and maintenance costs.
These improvements will enable further development in Ballybay, supporting population growth and facilitating economic development in the community.
