Works continue at Drogheda wastewater treatment plant to address potential odour sources

rish Water is continuing to carry out works at Drogheda wastewater treatment plant and is committed to resolving any potential odour issues arising from the wastewater plant or the network. Uisce Éireann is aware of complaints from members of the public regarding reported intermittent malodours in the Drogheda area and continues to work closely with EPS Limited who operate the Plant on behalf of Uisce Éireann and Louth County Council who manage the network on our behalf.

Uisce Éireann is delivering an extensive programme of upgrade works at the plant and on the network to reduce the risk of odour. Works already completed include; odour control unit upgrades; works to three primary settlement tanks and two aeration tanks and the installation of additional temporary treatment at the East Meath pumping station that conveys wastewater to the plant to reduce the potential for septicity of the wastewater. Furthermore, a programme of network jetting is being delivered on an ongoing basis to clear general blockages in the network that could give rise to odours. In addition, Uisce Éireann is progressing with plans to replace the anaerobic digesters on a phased basis over the next two years while the plant remains operational. To safely facilitate these works the digestion process has been switched off. These works represent a significant investment by Uisce Éireann in the continued upgrade of the plant.

Uisce Éireann also commissioned an independent odour analysis and report of the plant. The report identifies the primary settlement tanks as the most significant source of odour at the plant and suggests properties located close to the plant can on occasion experience odour levels that are likely to give rise to complaints. Uisce Éireann has appointed a project team to complete a review of the report and to determine the most appropriate course of action and to develop a further programme of any necessary works.

Speaking about the ongoing and planned works for the plant, Redmond Burke, Uisce Éireann, said, "Uisce Éireann is committed to resolving any potential odour issues at the plant and in the network and are continuing to work closely with EPS Limited and Louth County Council. Uisce Éireann will continue to provide updates as we progress through the extensive programme of upgrades and of any future works planned at the plant"

Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies. 

Customers should continue to report any issues directly to Uisce Éireann's call centre which operates 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or by email to operations@water.ie. Real time reporting allows for the investigation of the reported odour as close to the time of the potential odour incident as possible.