Sewage and the River Lagan

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Sewage and the River Lagan: A Crisis in the Making

This is no longer a crisis “in the making”—it’s a full-blown environmental disaster. The BBC’s Spotlight programme, The Sewage Scandal, revealed the horrifying reality: raw, untreated sewage flowing freely in our streets and into Belfast Lough. The River Lagan, one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic waterways, is at the heart of this catastrophe.

The Scale of the Problem

The River Lagan’s pollution problem has been building for decades, but recent public revelations have laid bare its true extent. Over 390 million litres of wastewater are discharged into the Lagan annually from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), pumping stations, and outdated wastewater treatment facilities. Shockingly, at least half of this wastewater is untreated raw sewage.

The consequences are devastating. Toxic pollution is harming aquatic ecosystems, destroying biodiversity, and threatening public health. Communities along the river are seeing the impacts firsthand, from foul smells to increased flooding risks caused by blocked and overwhelmed systems.

How Did It Get This Bad?

Years of neglect and underinvestment in Northern Ireland’s wastewater infrastructure are to blame. NI Water has long warned that the system is operating at or beyond capacity. Yet, these warnings have largely fallen on deaf ears. Instead of addressing the problem, developers and decision-makers continue to approve new projects that place even more strain on an already failing system.

The Drumbeg Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) is a prime example. Despite repeated assurances from NI Water that the facility had “no headroom” and was “at capacity” for additional connections, recent planning approvals have gone ahead based on sudden, unexplained claims of extra capacity also from NI Water. This lack of transparency only deepens public mistrust.

Environmental and Health Impacts

The untreated sewage pouring into the Lagan flows downstream into Belfast Lough, a designated Ramsar site of international importance. This pollution is not only destroying habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife but also contaminating water used for recreation and fishing.

Public health is equally at risk. Raw sewage contains harmful pathogens that can cause serious illnesses. Communities near the river face increased exposure to these dangers, yet the response from authorities clearly for decades has been shockingly inadequate.

What Needs to Change?

The situation demands urgent action on multiple fronts:

• Investment in Infrastructure: Immediate upgrades to Northern Ireland’s wastewater treatment facilities are essential to prevent further discharges.
• Stronger Regulation: Developers must be held accountable for their environmental impacts, and planners must prioritize sustainability over short-term profits.
• Public Accountability: Government bodies like NI Water and local councils need to be transparent about capacity issues and planning decisions.

A Call to Action

This crisis affects everyone. The River Lagan is not just a natural resource—it’s a vital part of our heritage, our environment, and our future.

We urge you to take your own action:

• Sign the Petition: Add your voice to our campaign to protect the Lagan Valley Regional Park and its waterways. Sign here.
• Share the Message: Raise awareness by sharing this article and the petition link with friends and family.
• Demand Accountability: Contact your elected representatives and demand immediate investment in wastewater infrastructure.

The River Lagan cannot wait. Join us in fighting for its protection today.

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