How To Object
Published by Quarterlands Group
The residents of the Quarterlands Road area and surrounding communities are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and data regarding sewage overspills at the Drumbeg Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW). Despite claims of additional capacity at the site, there is no concrete data available to assess the real environmental risks posed by these overspills.
Key Concerns Raised with LCCC Planning
- Undisclosed Overflow Volumes: NI Water has not determined the volume of foul and storm water overspills from the Drumbeg Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). Without this data, can claims of capacity be trusted?
- Impact of Overspills on the River Lagan: The Gowan Meadows pumping station, located off Drumbeg Road, is known to overflow, sending untreated sewage into tributaries connected to the River Lagan.
- Lack of Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) Data: Unlike other regions where EDMs provide critical data on spill frequency and duration, the absence of similar monitoring in Northern Ireland hampers efforts to address this environmental crisis.
Environmental and Public Health at Stake
The cumulative impact of over 72 pumping stations and CSOs discharging into the River Lagan is catastrophic. This untreated sewage eventually reaches Belfast Lough, which is an internationally significant Ramsar site. Decisions made by the LCCC Planning Committee must account for the ongoing “Sewage Scandal” to prevent further harm to public health and the environment.
📌 Read the full NI Water FAQs on sewage overspills: NI Water Storm Overflow FAQs
