SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT INTRODUCTION | 1 2020 LIVING WITH WATER IN An Integrated Plan for Drainage and Wastewater Management in Greater Belfast

PROTECT ENHANCE GROW LIVING WITH WATER IN BELFAST

PROTECT ENHANCE GROW SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT MINISTERIAL FOREWORD | 5 MINISTERIAL FOREWORD NICHOLA MALLON

Water is an essential part of our daily How we treat wastewater is critical for our health It is important everyone has the opportunity to and wellbeing and to the economic prosperity of express their views and to articulate the importance lives and it is in all our interests to Belfast. The current underfunding of our wastewater of our water and wastewater infrastructure to their identify and deliver the best solutions to systems means that many of the sewerage networks sectors, and to the economy and environment here PROTECT against flooding, ENHANCE the and wastewater treatment works across Belfast are more generally. This consultation, which runs until at, or nearing, capacity, meaning future connections 29 January 2021, is an opportunity to have your say environment and GROW the economy. for new developments may not be accepted by in the future delivery of drainage and wastewater Northern Water. services in greater Belfast, and in how water can be As part of my commitment to a green and sustainable best used as an asset to improve the environment recovery and to delivering the commitments made Should this continue, there will be significant in which we live and work. Whilst this current plan by government in the New Decade, New Approach constraints on economic growth, likely increased focuses on the greater Belfast area, the principles deal, I am pleased to publish this Living With Water in pollution and damage to the environment, and an advocated in it will be rolled out across the North, Belfast consultation document – an integrated plan increased risk to the population’s health. informing future drainage investment. for drainage and wastewater management in greater Infrastructure is an integral part of the Programme Belfast. It aims to deliver a new, strategic, long term DEPARTMENT FOR for Government and I am committed to the approach to drainage and wastewater management important job of developing and investing in much INFRASTRUCTURE to protect from flooding, provide a cleaner and needed wastewater infrastructure. An already MINISTER greener environment and ensure that Belfast is open challenging funding position has been made for business and investment. worse by the financial impact of the Covid 19 crisis. In recent years, flooding has had devastating However, infrastructure is the key that unlocks our consequences for those living and working in affected opportunities for growth. This draft plan clearly areas, and the impact of climate change places even makes the case for investment that will provide a Water is an essential part of our daily lives it more pressure on our ageing infrastructure. 21st century wastewater system to serve the growing is in all our interests to identify and deliver population and allow for economic growth. the best solutions to PROTECT ag ain st This new approach will help protect communities flo o d in g , ENHANCE the environment and from flooding, enhance the environment through effective wastewater management and the provision GROW the economy. of blue/green infrastructure, and grow the economy by providing the necessary capacity in our sewer and wastewater treatment systems to allow development and to build the many new homes our citizens need. My department has been working creatively and collaboratively within government, and across the public sector, to identify sustainable solutions and new opportunities to collectively address a range of issues across a number of partner organisations for the benefit of all our citizens. This plan sets out how we will achieve this and create a thriving and resilient Belfast which is better protected and better prepared for the future. SDIP CONSULTATIONSDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT DOCUMENT EXECUTIVE INTRODUCTION SUMMARY | 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

THE LIVING WITH WATER PROGRAMME traditional “hard engineered” infrastructure, like 8 Since 2015, detailed surveys, engineering 10 The Executive’s 2020 New sewers, pumping stations and upgrades to our studies, modelling and investment appraisals Decade New Approach document recognises 1 In 2014, when it became clear that the drainage wastewater treatment works. have been carried out to inform this Plan and the importance of investing in drainage and infrastructure across Belfast was unable to meet identify potential opportunities for integrated wastewater. The document states: the requirements expected of it, the Northern 4 Whilst the Department for Infrastructure solutions. This has found that around £1.4 Ireland Executive approved the development of (DfI) is leading this programme, there are billion is required to provide a modern and a Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Plan (SDIP) many partners1 from across central and local efficient drainage and wastewater system with for Belfast to: government who are working collaboratively the capacity needed to facilitate economic through the LWWP to develop integrated and growth. Whilst it will be a challenge to provide sustainable drainage solutions. • p ro te c t against flooding by managing the the investment needed to implement the Plan, The Executive will invest urgently in flow of water through a catchment from without it, flooding and pollution will intensify source to sea; 5 This consultation document helps to explain and future development of the area covered by wastewater infrastructure which is at the challenges involved, the opportunities for • e n h a n c e the environment through the Plan may be constrained. potential solutions and the scale of investment or nearing capacity in many places effective wastewater management and needed to deliver them. It also gives across Northern Ireland, including in the provision of enhanced blue/green 9 We all live with water so we all have a stake in consultees the opportunity to have their say on spaces to benefit local communities; and delivering a long term, integrated solution for Belfast, limiting growth. the problems faced and the Living With Water our drainage and wastewater management • g ro w the economy by providing the approach to trying to solve them. needs. The drainage of surface water and the necessary capacity in our drainage and effective treatment and management of sewage wastewater management systems to 6 Implementation of this Plan is central to the are essential for good public health, economic facilitate new development projects delivery of the Floods Directive, the Water growth and a healthy natural environment. It is including house building. Framework Directive, the United Nations also needed to support development of homes, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the schools, hospitals and businesses. 2 To develop and deliver this plan, an Regional Development Strategy (RDS) and the interdepartmental group, called the Living With Long Term Water Strategy (LTWS). In February Water Programme (LWWP), was established. 2020 the Northern Ireland Assembly declared a This consultation document, “Living With climate emergency. This Plan will help Belfast to Water in Belfast”, is the draft Strategic Drainage adapt to changing rainfall patterns and mitigate Infrastructure Plan for Belfast and is hereafter against increased greenhouse gas emissions. referred to as the Plan. 7 The policy, regulation and funding of drainage 3 Living With Water is a new approach to and wastewater management in Northern the provision of drainage and wastewater Ireland is currently provided by a number of infrastructure which promotes holistic and different organisations. This Plan coordinates integrated solutions that achieve mutiple and optimises the strategic planning of future benefits at reduced cost and disruption. drainage and wastewater related works in the For example, by using open spaces and greater Belfast area. watercourses to enhance the environment, which promotes recreational opportunities and by sustainably managing water to help reduce flood risk. This is commonly referred to as blue/green infrastructure. In addition to blue/green infrastructure it is recognised that significant investment is also required in more 1 Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Utility Regulator (UR), Belfast Council, NI Water. SDIP CONSULTATIONSDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT DOCUMENT EXECUTIVE INTRODUCTION SUMMARY | 9 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BACKGROUND 15 Green spaces such as parks, pitches, golf ineffective planning decisions and historical THE CASE FOR CHANGE courses, fields and gardens have not land management practices. Policy and 11 As Belfast’s population and commerce continue traditionally been considered to be drainage procedural proposals to facilitate integrated 20 Much of the drainage and wastewater to grow and climate change produces more infrastructure. Yet, when these green spaces and sustainable drainage provision include the infrastructure serving the greater Belfast area intense rainfall events, the ageing drainage are developed and replaced with hard surfaces, use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), is in need of urgent upgrade and requires infrastructure will continue to come under the rainwater that was previously absorbed the roll out of Natural Flood Management significant levels of investment. NI Water has pressure. Due to constraints in investment over and attenuated becomes surface water which (NFM) guidance and development of an already had to provide negative responses the past 20 years many parts of the wastewater can cause flooding and overload combined integrated investment planning guide. to planning application consultations and and drainage infrastructure serving greater sewers resulting in pollution. Green spaces applications for new trade effluent discharges Belfast are now having to operate at or over therefore already play a key role in managing 18 The geographical scope of the Plan covers the due to capacity issues in the network and has design capacity. surface water flood risk and should be whole of the area, as well indicated that this is likely to become more considered as an integral part of the urban as lands that are within four other local council frequent without the necessary investment. NI 12 The wastewater system urgently needs drainage system. When considered holistically, boundaries: & City, Water will however, continue to provide new significant levels of additional investment to green spaces potentially form an extensive & Borough, Mid & East Antrim connections for developments with previously facilitate future growth and development. city-wide network of permeable spaces that Borough and Ards & North Borough. approved planning applications. Furthermore, Belfast has experienced a number can absorb and hold water. This is to ensure that flooding and water quality of serious flooding events in recent years and issues can be addressed in the optimum way 21 One of the biggest issues that needs addressed the water quality in Inner has 16 Although blue/green infrastructure has a to cover the drainage areas of each of the six is the amount of rainwater entering our been deteriorating due to a combination of key role to play in helping to address our WwTW that discharge into Inner Belfast Lough. drainage and wastewater infrastructure. Not pollution from agriculture and discharges from future drainage needs, the most significant only does this increase wastewater collection Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) and investment will be in conventional ‘hard 19 For the purposes of structuring this Plan, the and treatment costs by allowing the rainwater Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). engineered’ drainage and wastewater geographical area of the Plan has been sub- to mix with sewage, it causes increased infrastructure assets that are required to divided into four study areas: instances of pollution and flooding. 13 For example, Belfast WwTW is having to treat a provide sufficient capacity to reduce flooding, • B la c k sta ff - which extends westwards load that is 40% greater than it was designed improve wastewater collection and treatment 22 The LWWP team within DfI is working to include the portion of the Colin Glen for, and around 50% of the circa 340 CSOs that standards and facilitate growth. For example, collaboratively with the drainage providers River catchment that is within the Belfast exist in the area have been assessed as being five of the six WwTW that discharge into Belfast and other key stakeholders to develop a new WwTW drainage area. unsatisfactory because they result in pollution Lough need to be upgraded to help improve integrated, strategic and sustainable long- (raw sewage mixed with rainwater) entering the Belfast Lough water quality and to provide • C o n n sw a te r - which extends eastwards to term approach to drainage and wastewater the rivers and the Lough when it rains. If these additional treatment capacity needed to enable include Dundonald and . management on a whole catchment basis. issues are not addressed, future development development and growth. The necessary • North Foreshore - which extends may be constrained and flooding and pollution 23 This could mean that the solution to a flooding investment in sewerage networks, and WwTW northwards to include and will intensify. or environmental issue in one location, that is represents around 80% of the investment Mallusk / Newtownabbey. needed to implement the Plan. the responsibility of one drainage organisation, 14 The Living With Water approach combines • Inner Belfast Lough – w h ic h in c lu d e s could well be solved by using land or assets carefully planned investment in wastewater 17 Whilst it is recognised that significant the 6 wastewater treatment works that owned by a different organisation at another and drainage infrastructure with a range of investment is needed, this in itself is not discharge into it and their associated location in the Plan area. This involves the catchment management measures to help enough to ensure the long term sustainable sewerage networks. organisations working together, outside their manage surface water generated from rainfall management of drainage and wastewater. We normal areas of responsibility, to develop in a more natural way. Together this will help need to change and influence behaviour to solutions that not only address their own reduce the risk of flooding in urban areas and ensure maximum benefit from the investment problems but which could address issues faced will reduce the pollution to our watercourses and avoid unintentionally contributing to these by other partners. and the sea. problems in the future, for example through SDIP CONSULTATIONSDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT DOCUMENT EXECUTIVE INTRODUCTION SUMMARY | 111 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

24 The LWWP approach also promotes the use of • Upgrades to Wastewater Treatment THE DELIVERY FRAMEWORK 34 In terms of benefits realisation, the Plan will be existing blue/green infrastructure rather than W o rk s – no amount of catchment based monitored annually as part of DfI’s reporting continuing our reliance on hard engineered solutions will remove the need for the 31 Delivery of sustainable integrated solutions processes, with full reviews of the Plan to measures such as bigger pipes and higher effective treatment of the wastewater that necessitates careful phasing of capital be completed every four years to tie in with flood defences. Blue/green infrastructure we produce. Upgrades to WwTW within improvements, so that no part of the system future Programmes for Government and offers many additional benefits to communities the Plan area are needed in terms of the is detrimentally affected, either in the short or Budget periods. than just drainage, such as providing new volume of wastewater they can treat and the long term. This critical path has informed opportunities for walking and cycling and the standard to which it is treated. the strategic programme for implementation acting as a catalyst for cultural change in the of this £1.4 billion Plan over the next 12 years THE CONSULTATION PROCESS way we live and travel. 27 Although all of these proposals have been and beyond. subjected to initial high level feasibility studies 35 We want to hear your views on all aspects of and environmental assessment, they are 32 O ver £1.2 billion of this funding is needed for this consultation document and we would THE PLAN OUTPUTS still at conceptual stage. Progression to a hard engineered measures such as upgrades encourage you to answer the questionnaire programme of capital works is dependent on to sewerage networks and wastewater at Annex A. We are particularly interested to 25 Each study area was assessed by a Technical the successful outcome from further public treatment facilities, which have established hear about opportunities to deliver blue/green Working Group comprising representatives engagement and consultation, detailed delivery mechanisms through NI Water and infrastructure to naturally manage the flow from DfI Roads and R ivers, NI Water, NIEA and appraisal and design work and securing the its regulators. With NI Water continuing to of water through the catchments. If you feel other key partners, including the relevant necessary funding and approvals. receive around 70% of its funding from public there are potential opportunities which are Councils. These groups helped identify expenditure, it will be a significant challenge for not included in the plan please let us know by the strategic drainage pressures and issues 28 In the Plan Outputs Section, the pressures the Northern Ireland Executive to fund delivery answering the questions. within the four areas along with potential and issues and the potential opportunities for of the Plan in the current financial climate. opportunities to provide solutions, such as solutions are presented in map format to clearly However, without investment, there will existing green spaces to help control the flow identify the key areas of consideration. continue to be development constraints in the of water, or planned schemes that could be wastewater treatment system, in many areas modified to incorporate integrated drainage. across Belfast, which will have implications 26 A series of potential integrated drainage THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS for economic development, housing, the environment, and our recovery from COVID-19. proposals were then developed for the 29 A Strategic Environmental Assessment and four study areas focused on achieving the Habitats Regulations Assessment have been 33 It is currently estimated that a further £200m overarching objectives which can be broadly undertaken for the Plan. categorised under the following three headings. of public funding could be needed for blue/ green infrastructure measures such as river 30 These assessment processes have been • Policy Measures - new policies and restoration. However, to progress delivery developed and undertaken in integration with procedures to encourage greener of these measures, new arrangements are the development and assessment of the Plan drainage solutions and a collaborative needed for the various key stages of scheme process. This Plan has been guided by the approach to drainage and wastewater development, from planning through to wider environmental objectives which have management. construction, and for long-term maintenance. been integrated with the water management DfI’s LWWP Division will be responsible for • Catchment Based Solutions – th e se objectives, to ensure more sustainable water overseeing delivery of the Plan through the potential measures are focused on management. managing rain water more naturally existing programme governance and delivery through the catchment by controlling structures. The established regulatory Price run-off, reducing peak flows in the Control (PC) structures for water and sewerage drainage systems and providing areas for services will also play a key part in monitoring flood storage. These measures include NI Water’s delivery of its elements of the Plan. both blue/green infrastructure and conventional hard engineered measures. 28 SECTION 2: 70 SECTION 3: 128 CHAPTER 11: TABLE OF THE CASE FOR CHANGE THE PLAN OUTPUTS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) CHAPTER 06: 30 CHAPTER 03: 72 Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY MEASURES Integration of Environmental Assessment How It All Works O ve rv ie w CONTENTS SEA Summary Conclusions Watercourses & Flood Defences Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) HRA Summary Conclusions Road Drainage Natural Catchment Measures / Natural Flood M itig atio n Private Drainage Systems M an ag e m e n t M o n ito rin g Sewerage Networks Coordinating Future Delivery of the Living With Water Approach Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) SECTION 3 SYNOPSIS Other Drainage & Environmental Policy 4 MINISTERIAL FOREWORD 40 CHAPTER 04: M e asu re s SECTION 4: THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT 138 78 CHAPTER 07: O ve rv ie w BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA – CATCHMENT BASED THE DELIVERY FRAMEWORK 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Current Drainage Problems SOLUTIONS 140 CHAPTER 12: Need to Protect Against Flooding Introduction THE WORK PROGRAMME SECTION 1: Need to Enhance the Water Environment Pressures and Issues Overview of Programme 14 Need to Facilitate Economic Growth Opportunities for Integrated Catchment Phasing of Programme (Critical Path) Based Solutions SETTING THE SCENE 52 CHAPTER 05: Short Term Programme (2021/22 - 2024/25) 16 CHAPTER 01: LIVING WITH WATER – THE NEW APPROACH Sub-Catchment Maps Medium and Long Term Programme INTRODUCTION Need for a New Approach Overview of Opportunity Based Solutions (2025/26 – 2032/33) The Living With Water Programme Need for Partnership Working 94 CHAPTER 08: 146 CHAPTER 13: Living With Water Aims Development of the New LWWP Approach CONNSWATER & LAGAN EMBANKMENT STUDY FINANCING AND DELIVERY Scale of the Plan Need for Catchment-Based Solutions AREA – CATCHMENT BASED SOLUTIONS Estimated Costs The Challenges and Opportunities Importance of Blue/Green Infrastructure Introduction Short Term Investment Needs Environmental Assessments LWWP Design Principles Pressures and Issues Medium and Long Term Investment Needs Screening of Other Potential Impacts Delivering an Integrated Approach to Opportunities for Integrated Catchment Based Solutions Financing the Plan Purpose of this Consultation Drainage Investment Sub-Catchment Maps Oversight and Governance Yo u r Vie w s Integrated Drainage Investment Planning (IDIP) Overview of Opportunity Based Solutions New Arrangements for Delivering Integrated Confidentiality of Responses Integrated Environmental Modelling (IEM) D rain ag e 108 CHAPTER 09: 22 CHAPTER 02: Integrated Drainage Modelling (IDM) Procurement, Design, Construction & NORTH FORESHORE STUDY AREA – CATCHMENT Maintenance BACKGROUND AND STRATEGIC CONTEXT Integrated Appraisals & Business Cases BASED SOLUTIONS Staffi n g an d R e so u rc e s B ac kg ro u n d Plan Outputs Introduction Monitoring and Review Strategic Context SECTION 2 SYNOPSIS Pressures and Issues SECTION 4 SYNOPSIS SECTION 1 SYNOPSIS Opportunities for Integrated Catchment Based Solutions Sub-Catchment Maps Overview of Opportunity Based Solutions 156 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 120 CHAPTER 10: INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA - WASTEWATER TREATMENT SOLUTIONS 162 ANNEXES Introduction Pressures and Issues ANNEX A: Consultation Questions Wastewater Treatment Objectives ANNEX B: Overview of Belfast Sewers Project Opportunities for Catchment Based Solutions Wastewater Treatment Opportunity-Based So lu tio n s Overview of Opportunity Based Solutions SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT INTRODUCTION | 15 SECTION 01 SETTING THE SCENE

VIEW OF BELFAST FROM SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT INTRODUCTION | 17 CHAPTER 01 INTRODUCTION

THE LIVING WITH WATER PROGRAMME 1.3 Due to the scale of the environmental and LIVING WITH WATER AIMS SCALE OF THE PLAN flooding problems in greater Belfast and the 1.1 Drainage infrastructure throughout Northern significant levels of investment needed, the 1.5 This Plan coordinates the strategic planning 1.6 The topography of Belfast provides a significant Ireland is currently inadequate to meet the LWWP team has initially focused on developing of future drainage works for more efficient challenge to our drainage and wastewater requirements expected of it. The problems the SDIP for the greater Belfast area. This and effective management, allowing for the infrastructure. Built up around the mouths are most acute in the greater Belfast area. To consultation document entitled, ‘Living With future growth and prosperity of the city, greater of the Lagan and Farset Rivers and on the address this, in 2014, the Northern Ireland Water in Belfast’, is the draft SDIP for greater protection from flooding and the enhancement shores of Belfast Lough, most of Belfast lies in a Executive approved the development of a Belfast and is hereafter referred to as the Plan. of the water environment. In accordance with ‘bowl’ surrounded by hills on three sides: Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Plan (SDIP) for the principles set out in Sustainable Water - A Mountain and Cave Hill to the west and north; Belfast to: 1.4 After the development and publication of this Long Term Water Strategy (LTWS) for Northern Castlereagh Hills to the south; and Craigantlet Plan, the LWWP team will publish an ‘Integrated • p ro te c t against flooding by managing the Ireland - this Plan has the following key aims: Hills to the east. This leaves Belfast exposed to Drainage Investment Planning Guide’ and flow of water through a catchment from flooding from rivers, the sea and, additionally, Programme to allow strategic drainage source to sea; Key Aims of Living With Water in Belfast to flash flooding caused by rainwater falling infrastructure plans to be developed across on hard surfaces that is unable to drain away • e n h a n c e the environment through Northern Ireland. Reduce flood risk in compliance with the quickly enough. effective wastewater management and 1. Floods Directive (P ro te c t) the provision of enhanced blue/green 1.7 Figure 1.7 provides an illustration of the spaces to benefit local communities; and Maintain and achieve environmental geographical scope of the Plan, which covers • g ro w the economy by providing the compliance by improving the quality the catchments feeding the six Wastewater 2. necessary capacity in our drainage and of water in the rivers and Belfast Lough Treatment Works (WwTW) that discharge into wastewater management systems to (E n h a n c e ) Belfast Lough. facilitate new development projects Support economic growth by enabling including house building. 3. development (G ro w ) 1.2 To deliver this, the interdepartmental Maintain essential drainage and wastewater Living With Water Programme (LWWP) was 4. established. Whilst the Department for asse ts Infrastructure (DfI) is leading this programme, Adapt to climate change by providing there are many key stakeholders 2 from across 5. central and local government who are working increased resilience collaboratively through the LWWP to develop Where possible as part of the solutions, sustainable drainage solutions. T h e LW W P 6. provide new and improved amenity promotes a holistic and integrated approach to benefits to the community; future drainage and wastewater management an d this document helps to explain the Reduce the burden of operational costs challenges involved, the potential solutions and 7. relating to drainage and the provision of the scale of investment needed to deliver them. wastewater services;

Determine the most cost effective solutions 8. through integrated investment planning.

2 Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Utility Regulator (UR), Belfast City Council, NI Water. © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7

SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT INTRODUCTION | 19

THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 1.8 Initial estimates indicate that implementation 1.10 There is also a challenge, for those involved of the Plan could cost around £1.4billion over in planning and regeneration, to promote the next 12 years, with almost £1.2billion of this a more sustainable approach to drainage CARRICKFERGUS WWTW needed to upgrade our WwTW and sewerage and wastewater management in new networks. Approximately £200m is also needed developments, public realm schemes and for investment in blue/green infrastructure environmental improvement schemes. which includes more natural drainage solutions to help manage the flow of water through the WWTW urban areas. There is no doubt that it will be ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS a challenge to deliver the Plan in the current financial climate, particularly given the impact 1.11 A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) that COVID-19 is having on our economy. has been prepared for the Plan, in accordance However, this Plan provides an opportunity to with the Environmental Assessment of Plans invest in essential drainage and wastewater and Programmes Regulations (Northern infrastructure in the greater Belfast area, provides Ireland) 2004 (S.R. 280/2004). A Habitats WWTW the foundation to grow the city in a sustainable Regulations Assessment (HRA) has also been WHITEHOUSE WWTW manner and enhance the environment. undertaken for the Plan, in accordance with the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) 1.9 We all live with water and therefore have a stake Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995. These in delivering an efficient and resilient drainage assessment processes have been developed and wastewater system. This is essential for and undertaken in integration with the KINNEGAR WWTW good public health, economic growth, a healthy development and assessment of the Plan natural environment and the development process. This Plan has been guided by the BELFAST WWTW of homes, schools, hospitals and businesses. wider environmental objectives which have The Northern Ireland Executive’s 2020 New been integrated with the water management Decade New Approach document recognises objectives, to ensure more sustainable water the importance of investing in wastewater and management. sewerage infrastructure. The document states:

“The Executive will invest urgently in wastewater infrastructure which is at or nearing capacity in many places across Northern Ireland, including in Belfast, lim iting growth.”

Figure 1.7 - Geographical Scope of this Plan SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT INTRODUCTION | 21 CHAPTER 01 INTRODUCTION

SCREENING OF OTHER POTENTIAL IMPACTS Please note that responses to the consultation must be received by 29 January 2021. All 1.12 The impact of the proposed Plan was assessed responses received by this date will be in terms of regulatory and rural needs and considered. on equality of opportunity and the need for an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) 1.15 Additional copies of this document can be was screened out. A copy of the screening obtained, free of charge, by contacting us at form can be viewed on the Equality Section the address above or downloaded from the of the Department’s website at h ttp s:// consultation section of the DfI website, h ttp s:// www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/ www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/ integrated-plan-drainage-and-wastewater- living-water-belfast-consultation . T h e management-greater-belfast-screening-form consultation document can also be made available in alternative formats or languages on request. PURPOSE OF THIS CONSULTATION 1.13 This consultation welcomes your views on the CONFIDENTIALITY OF RESPONSES approach being taken forward through the Living With Water Programme to develop this 1.16 Please note that all responses will be treated draft Plan. There are 8 consultation questions as public, and may be published on the included throughout the document and listed Department’s website. If you do not want your in Annex A. Your answers to these questions response to be used in this way, or if you prefer will help inform the development of the final for it to be used anonymously, please indicate Plan to be brought to the Northern Ireland this when responding. Following consideration Executive for approval next year. of all responses, a report may be published on the Department’s website. Information you provide in your response, including personal YOUR VIEWS information, could be published or disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 1.14 Responses to the consultation can either be (FOIA) or the Environmental Information emailed to LivingWithWater@infrastructure-ni. Regulations 2004 (EIR). g o v .u k or posted to the address below:

Living With Water in Belfast Consultation Department for Infrastructure Room 1.14, Clarence Court 12-18 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GB

BELFAST CITY CENTRE SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT BACKGROUND AND STRATEGIC CONTEXT | 23 CHAPTER 02 BACKGROUND AND STRATEGIC CONTEXT

BACKGROUND STRATEGIC CONTEXT 2.7 Also, in February 2020 the Northern Ireland 2.9 In addition to contributing to these Assembly declared a climate emergency. Key International and Regional strategies, Living 2.1 Every day we rely on a vast drainage network, 2.4 It is essential we have a sustainable water issues that need to be addressed are the need for With Water in Belfast must contribute to much of which is hidden beneath our towns sector which contributes to achieving the infrastructure to be adapted to cope with more delivering the local development and and and usually goes unnoticed. It is only United Nations Sustainable Development Goals intense rainfall and to mitigate against increased community plans of the five council areas3 during times of flooding that the resilience and (SDG) whilst supporting economic growth, greenhouse gas emissions. The ongoing impacted by the Plan. This includes Belfast City capability of this “invisible” infrastructure comes in line with the Northern Ireland Regional energy requirements associated with the C o u n c il’s Belfast Green and Blue Infrastructure into the spotlight. Belfast has experienced a Development Strategy 2035 (RDS). Northern traditional methods of drainage and wastewater Plan and Open Spaces Strategy an d B e lfast number of serious flooding events in recent Ireland must meet the requirements of a management contribute significantly to Resilience Strategy . years which have had devastating consequences number of Directives designed to protect and greenhouse gases and there is a need to develop for those living and working in the affected areas. improve the quality of the water environment, a long term sustainable approach. such as the Water Framework, Urban Waste 2.2 As our economy, population and tourist Water Treatment, Bathing Waters, Groundwater 2.8 The LWWP is therefore central to the delivery numbers continue to grow, and climate change and Floods Directives. of the Floods Directive, Water Framework produces more intense rainfall, the ageing Directive, the United Nations SDG, the Northern drainage infrastructure in the greater Belfast 2.5 The Long-Term Water Strategy (Sustainable Ireland RDS and the Long Term Water Strategy area will continue to come under ever greater W ate r ) focuses on complying with these as shown in the Strategic Context Graphic set pressure. This will lead to: Directives by setting out a range of initiatives out on the next page. • Reduced capacity within the drainage to deliver the long-term goal of a sustainable and wastewater infrastructure leading to water sector in Northern Ireland. It encourages development restrictions in terms of new a sustainable and integrated approach to homes, businesses, hospitals and schools; managing the different water needs in a way which promotes regional development, • Increased instances of drainage and without compromising the environment or wastewater infrastructure failure such as increasing flood risk. sewer collapses and blockages; • Additional cost of pumping increasing 2.6 Sustainable Water seeks to develop cross- volumes of rain water mixed with sewage departmental working and stakeholder to wastewater treatment works for partnerships, and references the need for treatment; and the development of a strategic drainage infrastructure plan for Belfast and the • More frequent spills from sewerage development of guidance for similar plans overflows causing pollution in our inland across Northern Ireland. and coastal waters.

2.3 If these issues are not addressed future development may be constrained, and flooding and pollution will intensify. Due to the complex nature of the drainage problems, no one organisation can tackle these alone. This new integrated approach to drainage and wastewater management is needed to address these inter- related problems. 3 , Ards and North Down, Belfast City, City, 04 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT BACKGROUND AND STRATEGIC CONTEXT | 25 CHAPTER 02 THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE BACKGROUND AND Our unique natural environment is important to all of us and is something we need to nurture. It enhances our everyday lives by STRATEGIC CONTEXT promoting our health and well-being, encouraging economic growth and tourism and helping to tackle the social issues which often develop WATER in run down areas. TERM STRA NG TEG LO Y The Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes an integrated 01 approach to the protection, improvement and sustainable use of water b o d ie s. LONG TERM WATER STRATEGY 01 The WFD also includes Shellfish Water Protected Areas (SWPAs) which must be protected and improved to contribute to the high quality of The Long-Term Water Strategy’s flood risk 05 shellfish products harvested for human consumption from licensed vision is to: aquaculture beds. “manage flood risk and drainage in The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) is one of a number of a sustainable manner to facilitate L I E existing directives that sit below the WFD and its objective is to protect the social, economic and environmental V I M environment from sewage pollution through the effective collection, treatment development.” N M G 04 and discharge of waste water. The Directive sets treatment levels based on the This Vision is translated into the following five A W R size of population (population equivalent) served by the sewerage system and strategic aims: G I T the sensitivity of waters receiving their treated discharges. 02 H R O 1. Deliver Sustainable Flood Resilient W A T E R P Development; 03 2. Manage the Catchment to Reduce Flood 02 R isk; 3. Provide Sustainable Integrated Drainage THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT in Rural and Urban Areas; STRATEGY (RDS) 05 4. Improve Flood Resistance and Resilience The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) in High Flood Risk Areas; and is the spatial strategy of the Northern UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE 5. Be Prepared for Extreme Weather Events. Ireland Executive which informs the spatial aspects of the strategies of all Government DEVELOPMENT GOALS These aims are about proactively reducing Departments in Northern Ireland. Council The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (also flood risk by making space for water through 03 Local Development Plans and development known as SDGs) were formally agreed by the land-use planning, catchment management schemes are required to ‘take account’ of UN at the Sustainable Development Summit and by making best use of existing drainage the RDS by considering how they might: THE FLOODS DIRECTIVE in New in September 2015, and came into and blue/green infrastructure. The Floods Directive requires Member States effect from January 2016. The Goals are an • Promote a more sustainable The Strategy suggests that a framework to establish a framework for the assessment internationally agreed set of global high level approach to the provision of water must be put in place that ensures drainage and management of flood risks that aims targets relating to international development and sewerage services and flood risk providers work openly and collaboratively to reduce the adverse consequences of to tackle poverty and inequality. management. to achieve this. Such an approach will flooding on human health, the environment, help make investment more effective and • Integrate water and land-use planning. cultural heritage and economic activity. reduce the future costs of maintaining • Manage future water demand. While many areas may be at risk of flooding, and operating drainage and wastewater • Encourage sustainable surface water the Directive requires areas at significant risk infrastructure. This is the crux of integrated management. to be identified and looked at in more depth. urban drainage and is what LWWP is all One of the strategic aims of the RDS is Four of the twelve identified Areas of about - making the best use of the finite to : Strengthen Belfast as the regional Potential Significant Flood Risk that require resources available to manage surface water economic driver and Londonderry as the Flood Risk Management Plans to be in an effective and sustainable manner. principal city of the North West. developed fall within the scope of this Plan. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT BACKGROUND AND STRATEGIC CONTEXT | 27 SECTION 1 SYNOPSIS

• The Living With Water Programme • This consultation document, (LWWP) is a new multi-agency ‘Living With Water in Belfast’, initiative, established to take is the draft strategic drainage forward a holistic and integrated infrastructure plan for the greater approach to future drainage and Belfast area, and covers the areas wastewater management, through served by the six Wastewater the development of a strategic Treatment Works which discharge drainage infrastructure plan for into Belfast Lough. the greater Belfast area and an ‘Integrated Drainage Investment Planning Guide’ for the rest of Northern Ireland. • The LWWP is central to the delivery of the Floods Directive, Water Framework Directive, the United Nations SDG, the Northern Ireland Regional Development Strategy and the Long Term Water Strategy. It will help adapt and mitigate against climate change.

LAGAN WEIR SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT | 2 9 SECTION 02 THE CASE FOR CHANGE

OUT-OF-SEWER FLOODING AT A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IN BELFAST SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE | 3 1 CHAPTER 03 OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

When it rains, some of the water naturally seeps into the earth or makes its way directly to a watercourse. The rest finds its way via a network of underground pipes, into rivers and estuaries and finally into Belfast Lough. Some of this water is carried by separate storm drains and pipes and some flows into the sewers and is carried along with sewage to a wastewater treatment works. We rely upon a vast network of drainage and flood defence infrastructure, including: rivers, culverts and weirs; sewers, wastewater treatment works and pumping stations; road gullies and drainage pipes; waterways and canals; lakes, loughs and reservoirs; green infrastructure (parks, open spaces); and coastal and river fl o o d d e fe n c e s. This graphic provides examples of some of the existing infrastructure within Belfast. PRIVATE DRAINAGE RIVERS & CULVERTS INFRASTRUCTURE

COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW

ROAD DRAINAGE WWTW

SEWER TIDAL & COASTAL DEFENCES

OUR DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE SEWER

SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE | 3 3 CHAPTER 03 OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

HOW IT ALL WORKS 3.1 The policy, regulation and funding of drainage and wastewater management in Northern Ireland is currently provided by a number of different organisations.

Organisation Responsibilities

D fI • water and drainage policy, funding and legislation • road drainage (parts of which discharge into NI Water sewers), management and maintenance of designated rivers and flood defences • flood risk management planning under the floods directive • planning policy and strategic planning MAJOR WATERCOURSE () ROAD GULLY DAERA / NIEA • wastewater policy and legislation • environmental standards and regulation • river basin management planning under the water framework directive

N I W a te r • drinking water provision • ownership, management and operation of some reservoirs and their associated catchments (NI Water is the second biggest land owner in NI) • surface water collection associated with its licence • wastewater collection (via combined and foul sewers) and treatment

Utility Regulator • Economic regulation of NI Water’s activities relating to the provision of water and sewerage services

C o u n c ils • development control and planning COMBINED SEWER MINOR WATERCOURSE • ownership, management and operation of some ponds, lakes and reservoirs Figure 3.2: Examples of Existing Drainage Infrastructure • community assets including parks and other public spaces

3.2 Although the majority of existing drainage and wastewater infrastructure is managed and operated by WATERCOURSES & FLOOD DEFENCES 3.4 Belfast is currently protected from coastal these public bodies, some is the responsibility of private landowners. This can cause significant problems if and fluvial (river) flooding by seawalls around it is not maintained adequately in critical locations. 3.3 Figure 3.4 below shows the main urban the harbour area and flood defences along watercourses and culverts which feed into a number of the key watercourses. Many of Belfast Lough, all of which have the potential the watercourses are culverted (piped) and to flood during periods of heavy prolonged therefore have limited capacity for taking rainfall. D fI Rivers is responsible for maintaining ad d itio n al flo w s. the free flow of water in all watercourses in NI that have been designated by the Drainage Council. © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7

SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE | 3 5

ROAD DRAINAGE Station. Whilst there has been significant investment in sewerage networks in the 3.5 The drainage of public roads, footways and greater Belfast area in recent times including, public realm areas in Belfast is the responsibility most notably, the £164m Belfast Sewers of DfI Roads. These hard surfaces are usually Project (completed in 2010 see Annex B), drained via a system of gullies, drainage investment has not kept pace with the level channels and pipes which collect and discharge of development and growth experienced. water to a nearby watercourse, surface water With the limited funding available, the priority sewer or combined sewer. However, given the has been to invest in the provision of secure, age of the infrastructure in Belfast, most of the clean drinking water supplies. This has created surface water from roads is discharged into the a legacy of underinvestment in wastewater THREE MILE WATER combined sewerage network, it is mixed with infrastructure with much of the original sewage and other pollutants and pumped to sewerage system built in the 19 th c e n tu ry one of the six Wastewater Treatment Works remaining in service. (WwTW) for treatment. GLAS-NA-CRADDEN 3.8 These sewerage networks were designed as combined systems with both sewage and PRIVATE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS surface water from rainfall flowing through the same pipes; their main purpose was to take 3.6 A significant length of drainage infrastructure in this wastewater to the nearest river. Nowadays the greater Belfast area is privately owned and environmental standards require wastewater to not maintained by any public body. Some of undergo appropriate treatment before being this private drainage infrastructure (PDI) carries returned to the environment. The sewage significant flows from the public drainage which previously discharged to the nearest FARSET and sewerage networks. A recent desk- river is now treated at WwTW. based assessment estimated that there are FORTH / CLOWNEY around 87km of known PDI in the Belfast area 3.9 Separate foul and storm sewers have RIVER LAGAN (excluding private open watercourses). Over been a mandatory requirement in all new time the condition of all drainage infrastructure developments for over 30 years. However, a CONNSWATER / LOOP high percentage of our sewers, particularly in / KNOCK RIVERS deteriorates and, without maintenance, will eventually fail, leading to flooding and other our town centres, remain combined, carrying types of disruption. The majority of PDI has both surface water and sewage within one pipe. BLACKSTAFF been in existence for many decades and is This means that rainwater is still often pumped therefore likely to be in poor condition. and treated unnecessarily with sewage.

SEWERAGE NETWORKS 3.7 The sewerage networks in the greater Belfast area comprise hundreds of kilometres of sewers and over 100 pumping stations, including the largest two in Northern Ireland: Sydenham Wastewater Pumping Station (WwPS) and the Belfast Sewers Tunnel Terminal Pumping Figure 3.4 – Main Belfast Watercourses Figure 3.9 – Original Brick Combined Sewer Overflow Chamber SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE | 3 7 CHAPTER 03 OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

3.10 Excessive rainfall can also overload sewerage WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS (WwTW) Figure 3.11 - Belfast Sewer Networks areas and WwTW systems which can result in flooding and pollution; this is why combined sewer overflows 3.11 Most of the wastewater in the greater (CSOs) are needed. CSOs prevent overloading of Belfast area is collected and pumped to sewers by allowing surface water that has been one of six WwTW, where it is treated, before mixed with sewage to rise inside the combined being discharged safely into Belfast Lough. sewer and eventually enter a separate pipe, Depending on the environmental standards, which discharges directly to a river or coastal there can be up to six stages in the wastewater water without treatment, as shown in figure treatment process. Figure 3.11 shows the 3.10. If there was no overflow in place, this locations of the six sewerage networks and sewage would force its way out of the network WwTW that discharge into Belfast Lough. of pipes to the surface, causing flooding. These overflows should, however, only operate during 3.12 The largest of these works is Belfast WwTW heavy rainfall when the discharge is diluted. which is operating at capacity with all treatment Where they spill too frequently and cause units fully utilised. This means that treatment pollution these are categorised as unsatisfactory units cannot be taken out of service to and must be rectified. complete routine maintenance and there is no redundancy to cope with unexpected shocks.

3.13 Growth in the catchment means that Whitehouse WwTW must be upgraded in order to achieve more stringent discharge standards before it passes a key size threshold that is defined under legislation. The work to upgrade Whitehouse WwTW is predicted to occur around 2022/2023. The final effluent from Whitehouse WwTW is discharged directly to the shore at the high tide mark because its sea outfall was not extended when the M5 motorway was built on reclaimed ground. This needs to be extended to meet minimum environmental standards.

Figure 3.10 - Combined Sewer Overflow Figure 3.12 - Aerial view of Belfast WwTW SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT | 39 CHAPTER 03 OVERVIEW OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

3.14 At Greenisland WwTW the existing outfall discharges above the mean low water mark and is undersized, causing flooding of the site and pollution of Belfast Lough during periods of intense rainfall. The current WwTW was built in 2001 with a 15 year design life which means it has insufficient treatment capacity to meet future growth in the catchment.

3.15 To enable the water quality objectives to be met in Inner Belfast Lough, additional storm water storage is also required at Carrickfergus Figure 3.15 – Aeration Lanes at Whitehouse WwTW WwTW. As with Greenisland WwTW the existing outfall discharges above the mean low water mark, has inadequate hydraulic capacity and therefore needs to be extended.

3.16 Kinnegar WwTW also requires an increase in treatment capacity to meet future growth in the catchment and facilitate the closure of further unsatisfactory CSOs that have been causing odours in the adjacent wetlands.

3.17 Since each WwTW has been built there has been significant development around their boundaries which limits opportunities for site expansion. When Belfast WwTW was Figure 3.16 – Carrickfergus WwTW originally constructed, its 1.6km outfall discharged into the open lough. Since the Figure 3.18 – Land Reclamation in since 1901 (coloured areas) early 1900s land reclamation means the sea outfall from Belfast WwTW now discharges in an enclosed bay between Giant’s Park and 3.18 The solid red line defines the boundary of Belfast Harbour Victoria Terminal. This has Belfast Harbour in 1901; the dark blue lines caused significant sedimentation around the show the extent of the original sea outfalls, end of the outfall, which has resulted in it with discharge points extending out into becoming partially blocked. It must now be open water. However, the coloured areas extended to deeper water to allow for greater highlighting new land reclamation, show how dilution and dispersion. this is impacting on the existing outfalls to e ffe c tive ly d isc h arg e fin al e ffl u ent.

Figure 3.17 – Belfast WwTW Outfall under construction (courtesy of National Museum NI) SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT | 41 CHAPTER 04 THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT

OVERVIEW 4.1 M u c h o f the drainage and wastewater infrastructure serving greater Belfast is in need of urgent upgrade and requires significant levels of additional investment. Signs that the drainage systems and treatment works are becoming increasingly overwhelmed and failing include: some constraints on new developments of houses and businesses; more regular instances of flooding; increased sewage Figure 4.2 - Rubbish items and a fatberg recovered from sewers spills and pollution; and more frequent sewer collapses and blockages. Figure 4.1 shows 4.2 Flushing inappropriate items (such as baby sewage related debris on scaffolding erected wipes, nappies, cotton buds and sanitary over the Blackstaff River at Boucher Playing products) down toilets and drains can cause fields for a concert. This will only have been a blockages in the sewerage system which in small fraction of the debris discharged into the turn can then cause the sewers to overflow river from upstream combined sewer overflows into the environment and pollute our rivers. in the weeks before the concert. The majority Operational problems also arise from the of this pollution is dispersed by rivers into presence and accumulation of fats, oils and the sea, where it will go on to be a hazard to greases (FOG) in the sewerage system. If marine life, some of it is sorted by the sea and poured down kitchen sinks or drains, FOG thrown back up onto beaches. can harden and cause fat blockages known as ‘fatbergs’, which can lead to flooding and Figure 4.3 - Fly Tipping at Forth River, Belfast pollution. NI Water spends millions of pounds every year clearing blockages. 4.3 Fly-tipping of rubbish is another problem that 4.4 Figure 4.4 provides a graphic illustration of pollutes the land and waterways. It can be some of the current drainage problems that dangerous to human and animal health and is exist. These issues will continue to escalate expensive to clear away. If you see someone if we do not invest in our drainage and fly-tipping, please report it to the local council. wastewater infrastructure.

Figure 4.1 – Sewage related debris on scaffolding over the Blackstaff River FIG 4.4 CURRENT DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

Without addressing these issues, Belfast will continue to be prone to flooding, environmental problems will increase and the future development of Belfast could be threatened.

01 Agriculture Run-off / Waste from Livestock hment Poor land management practices including over-use of fertilisers and poor management of livestock can cause pollution in our rivers and coastal water. Upper Catc Sparse 02 Erosion Woodland Natural erosion along the coastline / riverbank caused by the action of waves or high water flow from a river. 03 Surface Water Flooding Also known as ‘Pluvial’ flooding occurs when intense rainfall 01 cannot drain away quickly enough. hment 04 Tidal / Coastal Flooding Local parks 01 This occurs during exceptionally high tides or storm surge and leisure e v e n ts. Middle Catc 02 05 06 05 River Flooding Also known as ‘Fluvial’ flooding occurs when intense rainfall over a prolonged period causes a river to overflow. 03 Combined 06 Out of Sewer Flooding Sewer 06 Overflow This occurs when the sewerage network is overwhelmed by WwTW hment intense rainfall or when a sewer becomes blocked due to 04 Untreated inappropriate items being flushed or when the sewer suffers from a structural failure. effluent that Fully is spilling treated Lower Catc Tidal / Coastal effluent Flood Risk SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT | 45

Four of the twelve Areas of Potential Significant Flood Risk identified in the Northern Ireland Flood Risk Assessment 2018 fall within the Plan area.

NEED TO PROTECT AGAINST FLOODING 4.7 In 2011, the Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT)4 predicted that: CARRICKFERGUS 4.5 The effects of flooding on human activity are wide ranging, with the potential to impact on health, cause pollution, damage buildings and severely compromise economic and social activities. The Northern Ireland Flood Risk Assessment (NIFRA) 2018 indicates that there “the combined effects of climate NEWTOWNABBEY are around 25,000 properties at risk of coastal or fluvial flooding across NI and 24,500 properties change, growth and urban creep at risk of surface water flooding. The NIFRA will lead to a median increase in 1:10 identifies 45 flood risk areas across Northern year sewer flood volumes of 51% by Ireland. Twelve of these areas have also been identified as Areas of Potential Significant around 2040 compared with current Flood Risk (APSFR) and require Flood Risk p re d ic te d flo o d in g ” Management Plans to be developed. As shown & MALLUSK in figure 4.5, four of the APSFR are in the greater Belfast area and fall within the scope of this P lan . Within the last ten years there have been a number of significant flood events in Belfast 4.8 In January 2014, the flood defences at Belfast which have caused considerable disruption for Harbour came within centimetres of being property owners. overtopped when we experienced the highest 4.6 Whilst it is recognised that not all flooding ever recorded tidal surge within Belfast Harbour. can be prevented, the impact it has can be With much of the city centre between 1m to managed by designing our systems and 2m below extreme high tide levels, and with BELFAST infrastructure in such a way that when these global sea levels rising at an accelerating rate systems are breached the excess water can be that is currently between 3 and 4mm per year, directed away from people and property. This a similar event in the future could cause serious approach is known as design for exceedance disruption to commerce, the transportation and will become increasingly important as network, and the social fabric of the city. flood risk continues to increase due to climate change, urban creep and lack of capacity in the drainage and wastewater infrastructure.

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 Figure 4.5 - APSFR within the Plan Area

4 OFWAT Report - Future Impacts on Sewer Systems in . OFWAT is the body responsible for economic regulation of the Water and Sewerage industry in England and . SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT | 47 CHAPTER 04 THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT

4.9 Any significant depth of tidal flooding within 4.10 Using standard flood damage analysis, over the NEED TO ENHANCE THE WATER ENVIRONMENT • More frequent blockages due to the city centre is likely to drain slowly as the 100 year life of the scheme the level of flood deteriorating sewer condition causing capacity of the drainage network is exceeded. risk is estimated to cause damages valued 4.11 As outlined previously, much of the wastewater collapses, and from increasing volumes of This also raises the likelihood of contamination today at approximately £250m. This value infrastructure in the Plan area is now having to wet wipes and other material that should as tidal flooding overwhelms and mixes excludes the impact on the local economy as operate under immense pressure, well above not be flushed. Wet wipes also block with foul sewage and other contaminants. a result of unproductive employment and loss its design capacity. Funding has not kept pace overflow screens and combine with fats, Flooding in Belfast city centre is likely to cause of access which is estimated at an additional with the scale of development and growth oil and greases to form fatbergs. major disruption for several days or even £87m (in accordance with economic national or with improvements required to support • Water quality issues throughout the weeks, with major clean-up and recovery appraisal guidance). Directives including the Water Framework catchment and in Belfast Lough due consequences. Work is therefore underway Directive. These pressures are resulting in: to sewer overflows. It is identified that on a £18m Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation of the circa. 340 overflows in the Plan • Some constraints on new connections for Scheme which includes approximately 8.6 km area approximately 50% are estimated housing, industry and businesses. of new flood defences from Weir to be unsatisfactory. Not all overflows on Lockview Road to Northern Road in Belfast • Increased instances of out of sewer contain screens, and those that do are Harbour Estate. These defences will comprise flooding throughout the catchment often overwhelmed by the type and scale a combination of permanent and temporary with approximately 80 properties of inappropriate materials now being barriers and flood gates. already registered as being prone to flushed into the sewers. internal property flooding from sewer networks. Many more properties and roads experience external flooding due to capacity constraints or blockages.

Figure 4.9 - Belfast Harbour January 2014 Tidal Surge Figure 4.11 - Emergency Overflow at Sydenham WwPS SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT | 49 CHAPTER 04 THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT

4.12 These unsatisfactory intermittent sewerage 2019 by DAERA 5 indicated a decline in quality Figure 4.13 - Inner Belfast Lough WwTWs overflows and continuous discharges from the of the Belfast Lough Shellfish Water Protected WwTW along with pollution from other sources Area due to excessive amounts of bacteria. This including agriculture have led to a deterioration means that the shellfish cannot be harvested in the water quality within the inner part of and put into the food chain without complex Belfast Lough. Whilst the Outer Belfast Lough purification processes first being followed, area currently meets the Water Framework which impacts on the economic sustainability Directive ‘Good Status’ target, the classification of this important industry. for both the Belfast Harbour and Inner Belfast Lough are ‘Moderate Status’. An assessment in

CASE STUDY WHITEHOUSE WwTW

As an example, Whitehouse WwTW treats the accumulate until investment is secured and the wastewater from around 90,000 people and unsatisfactory overflows are resolved. This debris businesses in the Newtownabbey and Mallusk contains materials such as wet wipes, plastic razors areas. The treated wastewater from the site and hygiene products that are not appropriate for discharges directly to the shore of Belfast Lough. being flushed down toilets. These items are mostly On occasions, when the flow arriving at the made of plastic and can block the overflow screens treatment works is in excess of what it can treat, designed to retain material within the sewerage combined sewer overflows also operate and system when it overflows. It can also block the discharge dilute sewage at the same location. pipes and pumps needed to convey the sewage In January 2019 NI Water assessed that there was to the WwTW. The volume of the debris that over 100 tons of sewage related debris on the accumulates in some locations is only an indicator 4.13 Figure 4.13 above shows the location of the by drawing the nutrients from Carrickfergus shoreline near the Whitehouse area, most of which of the much larger volume of materials that is designated shellfish waters within Inner Belfast and Greenisland back into the shallow waters has since been removed, but will continue to dispersed into the wider freshwater and marine Lough, the designated bathing waters in Outer of the inner lough. This has a direct impact on environment. Belfast Lough and the location of the 6 WwTW the water quality at the designated Shellfish that discharge into Belfast Lough. As well as Waters and subsequently the quality of the being subject to the tide, a counter clockwise shellfish that are harvested. gyre within the lough directly impacts on the dispersal of nutrients from WwTW discharges,

Sea Outfall at Whitehouse WwTW and sewerage related debris on nearby shore

5 https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/shellfish-action-plans-2019 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT | 51 CHAPTER 04 THE NEED FOR INVESTMENT

NEED TO FACILITATE ECONOMIC GROWTH 4.15 To continue to facilitate this economic Figure 4.18 - Indicative Wastewater System Capacity development a modern, fit for purpose (NI Water will honour existing commitments to provide connections for previously approved planning applications) 4.14 In recent years the city has been revitalised sewerage and drainage network is essential. © through investment in cultural facilities, retail, This was summed up succinctly at the 2018 Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 Insufficient wastewater system capacity, NI Water returning leisure and housing. Prior to the Covid-19 Belfast Region City Deal conference by the negative responses to new planning consultations. p an d e m ic , the 2018 Annual Tourism Statistics Institution of Civil Engineers, who stated: Wastewater system capacity constraints identified, under R e p o rt showed that NI tourist numbers further investigation. Potential for NI Water to return had increased from 4 million overnight trips negative responses to new planning consultations. in 2013 to 5 million trips in 2018, resulting in Wastewater system capacity constraints identified, an estimated £968m being spent in the local potential for NI Water to return negative responses to economy annually. Belfast is at the centre of new planning consultations. this growth with new hotels opening in the “If you want to put up the cranes city in recent years and annual cruise ship you have to invest in the drains.” dockings more than doubling, from 57 in 2013 to 118 in 2018.

4.16 In 2017 Belfast City Council (BCC) published confirmed that, without significant levels of The Belfast Agenda , setting out a vision investment in the Belfast sewerage network and for Belfast in 2035 - “Belfast will be a city re- WwTW, it may have to refuse new connections. imagined and resurgent. A great place to live In some parts of greater Belfast, NI Water has and work for everyone.” already had to provide negative planning consultation responses to planners, due to a 4.17 To help achieve this, BCC has published growth lack of capacity. NI Water will, however, honour plans for the city, with a growth aspiration of existing commitments to provide connections 66,000 additional population by 2035, targets to for previously approved planning applications. deliver 33,000 new homes, including 1,800 social housing units, 46,000 additional jobs, 1.5 million 4.19 The map at figure 4.18 is an indicative square feet of Grade A office accommodation illustration of wastewater system capacity and at least 3,000 new hotel bed spaces by 2021. identified in September 2020 by NI Water and is currently under review. Wastewater system 4.18 However, delivery of these plans could be capacity issues are emerging as LWWP studies impacted by the lack of capacity in the and appraisals progress. Figure 4.14 - New University Belfast Campus under construction sewerage networks and WwTW. NI Water has SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH | 5 3 CHAPTER 05 LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH

NEED FOR A NEW APPROACH 5.3 This is about taking a holistic approach to rural 5.5 These problems can be alleviated through an NEED FOR PARTNERSHIP WORKING and urban drainage provision by ensuring that integrated and catchment based approach to 5.1 As outlined in chapter 4, m u c h o f th e watercourses, culverts, sewers, road drainage future drainage and wastewater management. 5.7 Through analysis carried out as part of the drainage and wastewater infrastructure and surface water drainage are constructed For greater Belfast, this is about taking a strategic development of the Long Term Water Strategy, serving greater Belfast is in need of urgent and operated in an integrated manner to and collaborative approach to investment in stakeholders identified that significant levels of upgrade and requires significant levels of address flood risk. To achieve this, stakeholders drainage and wastewater management through investment were needed to provide a modern, additional investment to protect against must work together to develop and deliver development and delivery of this Plan. This effective and efficient drainage and wastewater flooding, enhance the water environment outcomes that: includes managing rain water higher up the system to serve greater Belfast. However, it was and to facilitate economic growth. However, • are wider than the individual focus of any catchment through good agricultural and land recognised that this could not be delivered by investment alone is not enough, we need to do one participant, in accordance with the management practice including the use of one organisation alone and that more effective things differently and deliver an integrated and approach taken in the Programme for Natural Flood Management (NFM). This helps to integrated solutions had to be found . catchment based approach to future drainage Government; and control run-off, reduce agricultural pollution, soil and wastewater management. erosion and reduce peak flows. The provision of 5.8 A lth o u g h DfI Roads and Rivers, NI Water, and • address issues in water quality and the risk flood storage areas further down the catchment the Northern Ireland Environment Agency 5.2 The challenges of delivering integrated of flooding at the same time. retains water during times of high rainfall, (NIEA) all have some drainage responsibilities, drainage are recognised in Sustainable Water, helping to manage downstream flooding. their focus has traditionally been on preparing 5.4 Without a sustainable and integrated approach A Long Term Water Strategy which includes a These storage areas help even out discharge to investment plans to address their own to drainage, rain water will run quickly off strategic aim to: maintain river flow in times of drought while individual responsibilities related to drainage poorly-managed land upstream of a town with also providing a range of habitats to improve and wastewater management. T his approach insufficient opportunity to soak into the ground biodiversity. doesn’t always lend itself to solving multiple and recharge groundwater, or be captured for issues and providing benefits for all. irrigation and other agricultural uses. This water 5.6 This catchment based approach is very much reaches the town very quickly, via watercourses in line with current best practice including 5.9 For example, o ne of the biggest issues that Provide Sustainable Integrated and culverts, and is increased by runoff from recent guidance by the Construction Industry needs addressed is the amount of surface Drainage in Rural and Urban Areas. rain falling onto impermeable surfaces in Research and Information Association (CIRIA) water entering our drainage and wastewater the town. This becomes a flash flood which on ‘Delivering Better Water Management infrastructure. When clean rainwater mixes overwhelms piped drainage systems and causes through the Planning System’6. with sewage, it not only increases wastewater sewer overflows and property flooding (often collection and treatment costs but it also with sewage). When this now heavily-polluted causes increased instances of pollution and water drains away into the watercourses and flo o d in g . However, as shown in Figure 5.9, sewerage networks it continues downstream this is a problem that cannot be solved by one to the next community causing the same organisation in isolation; an integrated and problems there. The volumes of water are often collaborative approach is needed. also too great for WwTW to accommodate resulting in untreated sewage discharging into the watercourses and coastal waters.

6 https://www.ciria.org/ItemDetail?iProductCode=C787F&Category=FREEPUBS SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH | 5 5 CHAPTER 05 LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH

Figure 5.9 - The Issue Cycle CASE STUDY STORING SURFACE WATER IN GREEN SPACES Local Authority & Other Stakeholders QUEEN MARY’S WALK, LLANELLI, WALES rainfall the swale holds the water back, allowing 03 01 evaporation and infiltration before gradually The sewerage network in Llanelli, Wales was under releasing the remaining water into the sewer Rivers at current capacity Proposed development increasing pressure due to the high volumes of network. The swale has been planted out with Need physical space to Requires surface and foul storm water it had to manage. In September a range of attractive plants and trees to help attenuate and store water ISSUE discharges 2013, Welsh Water, working in collaboration with hold back more rainwater. The project, which CYCLE other stakeholders, completed a RainScape project cost in the region of £850,000 will potentially to construct a natural conveyance and storage remove approximately 4,365 cubic metres DfI Roads & N I W a te r R iv e r s channel known as a ‘swale’ on the Queen Mary’s (4.365 million litres) of water a year from the Walk playing fields. During periods of heavy sewer network. 02 Sewers and WWTW at/beyond capacity Need storm water separation and surface water discharge to watercourse

DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW LWWP APPROACH 5.11 These were the Metropolitan Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) and the 5.10 Through the LWWP, DfI officials have been R ain Sc ap e programme delivered in Llanelli taking a leading role in developing partnerships by Welsh Water and Carmarthenshire County Photos of Swale at Queen Mary’s Walk, Llanelli, Wales courtesy of ARUP with many stakeholders across central and local Council. The following case study is of a surface government and the private sector to develop water management project completed under a new approach for integrated drainage and the RainScape programme in Llanelli. 5.12 These programmes illustrated the benefits • detailed asset surveys and integrated wastewater management. This work has of stakeholders working together, to create drainage modelling are used to assess the included examining alternative and innovative catchment based solutions, where: most effective way of conveying water to approaches that are being implemented in th e se a; • surface water discharges into combined other cities with catchments similar to Belfast. sewers are reduced or removed through a • detailed water quality sampling and Two examples of effective partnership and process known as ‘storm separation’; integrated environmental modelling are programme working were identified where used to determine the extent of increased stakeholders had successfully worked together • surface water is managed at source; storm storage and wastewater treatment; to deliver integrated shared drainage and • drainage works undertaken in urban areas an d wastewater management solutions. include a focus on improving amenity and • construction works are integrated to biodiversity (for example daylighting a address all types of flooding holistically at culverted watercourse to reduce the risk the same time. of flooding may also allow this to become an attractive feature within an urban park); SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH | 5 7 CHAPTER 05 LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH

NEED FOR CATCHMENT BASED SOLUTIONS 5.14 Conventional drainage and wastewater 5.17 When considered holistically, existing green solutions are often focussed on addressing spaces and blue corridors such as rivers can 5.13 Drainage and wastewater solutions as shown in the case study below, conventional the local symptoms of a more strategic issue form an extensive city-wide network of blue/ implemented in the past have tended to be solutions can involve extensive operating and which requires a collaborative catchment green infrastructure that can drain, absorb and of a conventional nature whether this was via maintenance costs which can make them based approach to solve such as making retain water. Opportunities for using blue/ constructing bigger drainage pipes or building unsustainable in the long term. space for surface water across an entire urban green infrastructure are discussed in detail in taller flood walls. These off-the-shelf solutions area. Because of this, conventional solutions Chapters 7, 8 and 9. Blue/green infrastructure are usually tried and tested with low levels of sometimes inadvertently cause or exacerbate offers many more benefits to communities than risk and therefore appear attractive. However, problems elsewhere in the catchment. just drainage by providing new opportunities for walking and cycling and acting as a catalyst 5.15 For example, building a conventional flood wall for cultural change in the way we live and CASE STUDY CONVENTIONAL SEWERAGE DESIGN might prevent localised flooding from a river. travel. The Infrastructure Minister, Nichola However, the increased water levels this creates Mallon has recognised these benefits and has In 2013, NI Water estimated that for the • inadequate understanding of the sources in the river during a storm event could prevent provided a new £20m blue/green infrastructure Glenmachan sewerage sub-catchment of Belfast of pollution and how the environment the surface drainage systems in the area being fund in 2020/21. In announcing the new fund WwTW (which is around 15% of the total area naturally degrades and disperses pollution, able to discharge during a storm event causing the Minister said: that drains to the works) over £150m would be which required NIEA to take a precautionary them to backup and create flooding. The required to provide increased capacity to address approach to future combined sewer bigger problem may actually be the flow of the risk of out of sewer flooding and to close 21 overflows in order to have confidence that water down the river during the storm event. unsatisfactory combined sewer overflows. water quality targets would be met. The catchment based solution might be to slow A conventional solution was scoped under The solution for the Glenmachan Sewerage the river flow down by providing flood storage upstream using low impact green spaces. which the flow from these overflows would be network is now being re-examined as part of the The £20m funding for blue/ intercepted, stored in storm tanks before being wider integrated drainage investment planning drained via the existing Belfast Sewers Tunnel work for this Plan. This includes examining green infrastructure will support (Annex B) to Belfast WwTW and then pumped opportunities to provide additional watercourse IMPORTANCE OF BLUE/GREEN our communities through this up over 45 metres before being treated and capacity to facilitate surface water discharges INFRASTRUCTURE transformation, promoting active finally discharged into Belfast Lough. and reduce the loading on the combined 5.16 Green spaces such as parks, sports pitches, golf travel and shaping our places to live in If this solution had been constructed it would sewerage network which could reduce the scale of the proposed sewerage upgrades. courses, fields and private gardens have not the new normal. This funding will be have led to a legacy of higher operational costs traditionally been considered to be drainage and carbon emissions. Surface water from this infrastructure. Yet, when these green spaces community led and departmentally large area of Belfast would have been pumped are developed and replaced with hard surfaces, supported. In partnership we can up to 5 times, stored in multiple locations, the rainwater that was previously absorbed and and finally treated. The sheer scale of this attenuated becomes surface water which can ensure lasting change for people conventional solution was thought to be the cause flooding. Green spaces therefore already across the north. only way ahead at that time as there was: play a key role in managing surface water flood • limited support to deal with surface water at risk and should be considered as an integral source from policy makers and land owners; part of the urban drainage system. • limited capacity in the watercourses to allow any further storm discharges so as to protect against flooding downstream; and SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH | 5 9 CHAPTER 05 LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH

5.18 The importance of open blue/green spaces CASE STUDY CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY in managing our future drainage needs is Table 5.19 - LWWP Design Principles recognised in Belfast City Council’s Open Manage / address water quality and flooding 1 Spaces Strategy. Through Strategic Principle issues at source. measures aimed to support future improvements 5 (Increase resilience to climate change) the in the rivers’ ecological status, as required by the Use SuDS. Manage water on the surface strategy states: 2 Water Framework Directive. where feasible. Reduce surface water flows into the The Greenway has also helped alleviate flood 3 combined sewerage system. risk in East Belfast. The flood alleviation element of the project, incorporating 4.1km of new Manage flows through the catchment. reinforced concrete floodwalls and 1.2km of flood 4 Reduce peak river flows downstream where appropriate. embankments, has helped to reduce the risk of Open space can be used to slow flooding to approximately 1700 homes. Manage existing infrastructure – upgrade down surface water, reducing rates of 5 and adopt/designate problematic PDI where One of the most visible elements of the fe asib le . Photo courtesy of www.scenicireland.com Connswater Community Greenway is a series of discharge into our drainage system Manage existing infrastructure – consider new pedestrian and cycle bridges which now and reducing flooding risk. As part of 6 maintenance of drainage assets. The £40m Connswater Community Greenway provide connections between communities, the Living With Water Programme, NI linking a network of green spaces. The Create enhanced blue/green spaces – project has developed a new 9km linear park 7 through East Belfast, which connects existing Connswater, Knock and Loop rivers which acted Water is working to help reduce these enhance biodiversity. green and open spaces and provides accessible as barriers to public movement at one time are Provide amenity – consider social, risks, and increase capacity in an aging 8 paths for both walking and cycling. now facilitating sustainable travel and healthier environmental and wider benefits. lifestyles, and are reconnecting people and places. surface water network, by increasing The Greenway follows the paths of the Create more resilient systems, tackling The Connswater Community Greenway, which space to deal with surges of surface Connswater, Knock and Loop rivers which have 9 challenges of climate change and could have been delivered as separate flood all been artificially altered at some time in the water in existing open spaces. These exceedance. alleviation and community regeneration projects, past. The project restored the rivers back to more Coordinate delivery to minimise disruption clearly demonstrates the multiple benefits areas would be allowed to flood safely 10 natural forms in order to increase biodiversity, and maximise value for money. of collaborative working; such as supporting allowing greater public access and improving during heavy rainfall events. community cohesion, economic development, 11 Establish cost effective solutions. their general appearance. Debris and rubbish improvements in public health, cleaner rivers and were also removed from riverbanks and stone- Promote sustainable development and greater flood resilience. 12 retaining walls were replaced with more natural planning policy. forms including native aquatic planting. These LWWP DESIGN PRINCIPLES 5.20 Figure 5.20 provides examples of the various types of drainage and wastewater 5.19 Building on the experiences of Glasgow and management measures being developed for Llanelli, LWWP stakeholders developed and the greater Belfast area through this Plan. agreed the following design principles for developing integrated, sustainable catchment based solutions to meet the long term drainage and wastewater management needs of greater Belfast. FIG. 5.20 - EXAMPLES OF CATCHMENT BASED DRAINAGE AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

In Chapter 4 we illustrated the problems and poor practices of managing water through a catchment. The diagram below illustrates the LWWP 01 Upper Catchment Management approach to managing water through a catchment and the measures Measures could include drain blocking, tree planting etc. to slow the flow of water we can take to protect against flooding, improve water quality and our at the top of the catchment. environment and enable the area to expand and develop. Each of the numbers on the schematic map relates to a drainage solution or measure 02 River / Floodplain Reconnection that will contribute positively to our objectives. Re-connecting our rivers to the natural floodplain and allowing areas to flood to protect properties downstream. Measures could include changing the river line, 05 daylighting of culverted rivers and providing instream attenuation structures. hment 03 03 Urban SuDS Measures could include SuDS Ponds, Wetlands, Swales, Woodland / Cross-field Hedge Planting, retrofit, land management NFM, Detention Basins, Green roofs

Upper Catc and Rainwater harvesting. 01 03 01 04 Water Run-off Infiltration Measures to reduce surface water run-off such as Infiltration systems and pervious pavements. Also measures to prevent run-off from agricultural land such as filter / buffer strips to help improve water quality. 02 05 Storage Constructed online storage and offline storage to help manage the flow of water hment Increased Growth through the catchment, which could include flooding of multi-function areas such 01 03 Development as car parks or green spaces. Permit green 04 spaces to flood 06 Road Alterations Middle Catc Measures such as changing the camber or alignment of the road could help 04 improve surface water run-off and help protect properties. Measures could also 02 09 include raising or lowering kerbs and road levels, drainage separation and design for exceedance. 03 06 07 Drainage Network Alterations Measures could include storm separation, oversized pipes to provide storage (hard 07 SuDS), new sewers, CSO improvements / closures, bigger sewers. Increased Leisure hment 08 Sewage treatment Upgrade or new WwTW and improvement to WwTW outfalls. 08 09 09 Direct Defences Lower Catc Reduced Tidal / 09 Measures such as flood walls and embankments, tidal barriers etc. can reduce tidal Coastal Flood Risk Cleaner Beaches and coastal flood risk. 08 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH | 6 3 CHAPTER 05 LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH

DELIVERING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO 5.22 This approach is not currently ‘business as usual’ INTEGRATED DRAINAGE INVESTMENT STAGE 1: ESTABLISH STUDY AREAS AND but rather a step change in the way drainage DRAINAGE INVESTMENT and wastewater is managed on a catchment PLANNING (IDIP) WORKING GROUPS 5.21 It is recognised that over 80% of the capital basis and requires a new way of working. This 5.23 Through the LWWP, a new integrated drainage 5.24 To ensure thorough assessment of the wider investment needed to implement the Plan step change could mean that the solution to investment planning (IDIP) process has been geographical area covered by the Plan, four will be on hard engineered infrastructure a flooding issue which is the responsibility of developed to encourage the main drainage distinct study areas were established as shown measures, particularly sewerage networks and one drainage organisation could be solved organisations and other stakeholders to work in fig u re 5.24, based on the natural drainage of WwTW. However, blue/green infrastructure by holding water back in an area, like a green collaboratively to develop solutions that the area and the sewerage network. Technical has an important role to play. If developed space, that is the responsibility of an entirely seek to resolve drainage and surface water working groups, comprising key stakeholders, and implemented successfully as part of a fully different organisation. This approach is in management issues within a catchment in a were set up to assess each study area using an integrated catchment based programme, this line with recently issued guidance from holistic manner. The IDIP process has been IDIP process developed by the LWWP Team. should result in the scale and cost of some of the Construction Industry Research and used to inform development of this plan, with Through this process, these groups helped the hard engineered solutions being reduced Information Association (CIRIA) - ‘Delivering 3 of the 4 stages substantially completed. It identify the strategic drainage pressures and or, in some cases, not required. Better Water Management Through the is intended that the IDIP process continues issues within the study areas, along with the 7 Planning System’ . As illustrated in figure 5.22, to evolve and remain live over the life of the opportunities for solutions, such as green space by working collaboratively the organisations Plan as new partners are identified and new in existing parks that could be used to help involved in drainage and wastewater can pressures, issues and opportunities emerge. control the flow of water. develop integrated solutions that not only address their own problems but also address © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 issues faced by other stakeholders.

Figure 5.22 - The Solution Cycle

Local Authority & Other Stakeholders 01 03 Land made available for blue Network capacity available BELFAST / green integrated water within the catchment. NORTH FORESHORE LOUGH management solutions. SOLUTION Reduced storm water treatment. WwTW CYCLE DfI Roads & N I W a te r R iv e r s CONNSWATER 02 & LAGAN EMBANKMENT Capacity created within river catchments- BLACKSTAFF Storage volumes available for surface/storm separation. Water attenuated and infiltrated in the catchment for longer, improving water quality.

Figure 5.24 –Study Areas 7 https://www.ciria.org/ItemDetail?iProductCode=C787F&Category=FREEPUBS SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH | 6 5 CHAPTER 05 LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH

STAGE 2: LONG LISTING OF STAGE 4: DETAILED ANALYSIS AND INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATED DRAINAGE MODELLING (IDM) OPPORTUNITIES AND INITIAL SCREENING SHORTLISTING (ONGOING) MODELLING (IEM) 5.30 As NI Water is not responsible for managing all 5.25 The LWWP team then developed a long 5.27 The final stage involves the more detailed 5.28 To inform this Plan stakeholders agreed in 2016 surface water in urban areas or for determining list of potential drainage and wastewater analysis necessary to inform business cases. to invest around £3m on: the investment required in watercourses, its Drainage Area Plan (DAP) models are focussed management solutions to help achieve the This detailed technical and cost benefit analysis • detailed surveys to assess all of the Plan objectives. These potential solutions were will inform the final schedule of preferred on the combined or foul sewerage networks various sources of pollution that may be that are connected to WwTW. DAPs have screened to see if they could contribute to options for each study area. As shown in impacting on water quality; meeting one or more of the objectives using figure 5.27 this stage will be informed by never therefore included the modelling of the LWWP design principles in Table 5.19. three new modelling and appraisal tools • development of a detailed Integrated watercourses. In order to progress Stage 4 that are being developed and used by the Environmental Model (IEM) for the Inner and assess the opportunities for integrated LWWP team to inform the scoping of projects Belfast Lough catchment, including the drainage solutions identified through IDIP STAGE 3: INITIAL ANALYSIS and their prioritisation. Development and principal watercourses, to understand Stages 1 to 3 in detail and to inform business implementation of these new tools represents how these pollutants interact with the cases, stakeholders agreed the scope of 5.26 The potential drainage and wastewater a change in the way drainage and wastewater natural ecosystem and how natural ‘Integrated Drainage Models’ (IDM). These management solutions in each catchment is managed on a catchment basis and will be dispersion can impact water quality; and models will be developed and used to understand all elements of the drainage system were then were assessed using a high level central to the development of a NI Integrated • the use of IEM to identify the optimum where significant investment may be necessary, Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) scoring system Drainage Investment Planning Guide. combination of sustainable measures from source to sea. Where necessary the scope that takes into account environmental impacts. to achieve water quality objectives in of the IDM may include catchment modelling, The MCA used the following objectives: accordance with the Water Framework Figure 5.27 – Detailed Analysis & Shortlisting particularly for more complex areas. • Primary Objectives: Flood Risk, Water Directive, including the future discharge standards for WwTW and wastewater Quality and Growth. Integrated Drainage Investment Planning 5.31 In early 2020, NI Water agreed to manage the storm tank sizes. IDM work, most of which will be carried out • Secondary Objectives: N atu ral by specialist engineering companies based in Environment, Heritage, Social Inclusion, 5.29 NI Water has been managing this work, most of Belfast that have already been developing NI Contribution to the economy and Design which is being carried out by the Agri-Food and Water’s DAPs to ensure model alignment and for Exceedance / Climate Change. Biosciences Institute (AFBI). Feedback from the Integrated In t e g r a t e d integration. The IDM commenced in mid-2020 IEM independent technical reviewers confirm • Technical Objectives: Plannability, Environmental D ra in a g e and is being overseen by a steering group that this work is fully aligned to, and in some areas Buildability and Cost (both capital and M o d e llin g M o d e llin g includes DfI and NI Water. maintenance). exceeds, best practice in the UK and Ireland. Since inception the IEM has been overseen by The potential schemes with the highest MCA a steering group that includes DfI, NI Water, score became the initially preferred options DAERA Marine, NIEA and the Utility Regulator. Integrated Appraisals & Business Cases for each of the study areas, and were carried Most of the surveys have been completed forward to the next stage and included in this and the models built, with the work to be Plan – see Section 3. completed in 2022. The IEM completed to date Project Prioritisation & has supported the outline water quality related Integrated Capital Delivery proposals set out in this Plan. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH | 6 7 CHAPTER 05 LIVING WITH WATER: SECTION 2 THE NEW APPROACH SYNOPSIS

INTEGRATED APPRAISALS & BUSINESS PLAN OUTPUTS CASES • The policy, regulation and funding of • Other signs that the drainage systems and 5.34 Section 3 sets out the approach that is drainage and wastewater management in treatment works are becoming increasingly 5.32 In order to progress detailed appraisals of being proposed for managing drainage and Northern Ireland is currently provided by a overwhelmed and failing include: more integrated drainage schemes that focus on wastewater on a catchment basis. The initially number of different organisations. regular instances of flooding; increased LWWP objectives rather than those of any preferred options identified through the IDIP • This Plan coordinates and optimises the sewage spills and pollution; and sewer single participant, new appraisal guidance and process are presented in the following chapters: strategic planning of future drainage collapses and blockages. The frequency business case templates are being developed. (i) Chapter 6 – Policy Measures - N e w and wastewater related works in the and intensity of these events will only Development is being overseen by a Steering policies and procedures to encourage Belfast area for more efficient and continue to increase due to climate change, Group of representatives from DfI, DoF, DAERA / greener drainage solutions and a effective management, allowing for the urbanisation and a lack of capacity in the NIEA, Utility Regulator, NI Water & D fI Rivers. collaborative approach to drainage and future growth and prosperity of the city, drainage and wastewater infrastructure. 5.33 This will set out how the six components of wastewater management; greater protection from flooding and the • One of the biggest issues that needs appraisal (financial, manufactured, intellectual, enhancement of the water environment. addressed is the amount of rainwater (ii) Chapters 7, 8 & 9 – Catchment Based human, social and relationship, and natural), entering our drainage and sewerage S o lu tio n s – These potential measures are • Much of the drainage and wastewater can be applied in the LWWP context to assess infrastructure. Not only does this increase focused on managing rain water more infrastructure serving the greater Belfast value for money in business cases and to wastewater collection and treatment costs naturally through the catchment by area is in need of urgent upgrade and inform project prioritisation. All proposals by allowing the surface water to mix with controlling runoff, reducing peak flows in requires significant levels of investment. included within the Plan will be subject sewage, it also causes increased instances the drainage systems and providing areas Whilst it will be a challenge to provide to further environmental assessment and of pollution and flooding. This requires an for flood storage. These measures include the estimated £1.4 billion of investment associated approvals. that is needed, this Plan provides an integrated and collaborative approach and both blue/green infrastructure and cannot be solved by one organisation in conventional hard engineered measures. opportunity to invest in essential drainage and wastewater infrastructure in Belfast isolation. However, traditionally individual and provide the foundation to grow the drainage organisations have focussed on (iii) Chapter 10 – Upgrades to Wastewater their own area of responsibility, trying to Treatment Works – N o am o u n t o f city in a sustainable manner. Without this investment, flooding and pollution will solve problems by looking at their own catchment based and blue/green assets and issues. solutions will remove the need for the intensify and the future development of effective treatment of the wastewater that the city may be further constrained. • The LWWP team is working with the we produce. Upgrades to WwTW within • NI Water has confirmed that, without this drainage providers and other key the Plan area are needed in terms of the investment, there is a likelihood that it will stakeholders to develop a new, strategic volume of wastewater they can treat and not be able to provide new connections for and sustainable long-term approach to the standard to which it is treated. new planning applications. In some parts drainage and wastewater management. of the city, NI Water has already provided This approach combines a range of negative responses to new planning work by various organisations to make applications due to constraints in its sewer the most out of the opportunities that networks. NI Water will continue to provide already exist within Belfast to improve new connections for development with the city’s resilience, not just in terms of approved planning applications. flooding, but in terms of its ability to grow whilst delivering multiple benefits to our communities and the natural environment. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT LIVING WITH WATER: THE NEW APPROACH | 6 9

SECTION 2 SYNOPSIS

• This change could well mean that the • The LWWP also promotes the use of solution to a flooding or environmental issue blue/green infrastructure, such as upper in one location, that is the responsibility of catchment management and river one drainage organisation, could well be attenuation rather than continuing our solved by using land or assets owned by a reliance on hard engineered measures different organisation at another location such as bigger pipes and higher flood in the city. This involves the organisations defences. Blue/green infrastructure offers working together in partnership outside many additional benefits to communities by their normal areas of responsibility, to providing new opportunities for walking and develop solutions that not only address their cycling and acting as a catalyst for cultural own problems but which could also address change in the way we live and travel. issues faced by other stakeholders. • Although blue/green infrastructure has a • This has involved the development of key role to play in helping to address our a new integrated drainage investment future drainage needs, it is still recognised planning (IDIP) process involving a number that most of the investment needed for of new tools. This new IDIP process will Belfast will be on upgrading the existing form the basis of a Northern Ireland hard engineered drainage and wastewater Integrated Drainage Investment Planning infrastructure to provide sufficient capacity (IDIP) Guide. This Guide will inform to reduce flooding, improve wastewater the development of strategic drainage collection and treatment standards and to infrastructure plans for other flood risk facilitate growth. areas across Northern Ireland.

GARRON PLATEAU SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT | 7 1 SECTION 03 THE PLAN OUTPUTS

CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT POLICY MEASURES | 73 CHAPTER 06 POLICY MEASURES

OVERVIEW SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (SuDS) CASE STUDY RAINGARDEN AT PRIMARY SCHOOL, BANGOR 6.1 Significant investment is needed in Belfast’s Policy Background drainage and wastewater infrastructure to 6.3 Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) is a facilitate development and growth, reduce Clandeboye Primary School in Bangor has, in a first The project reduces the risk of flooding in collective term for a number of approaches to for Northern Ireland, created a rainwater garden the Clandeboye area as well as encouraging pollution and protect the city against flooding. manage surface water that address flooding We also need to develop new policy measures in its 4 acres of woodland, to reduce and prevent biodiversity and providing an additional and pollution and aim to improve local the risk of flooding. The innovative flagship project educational resource for the pupils. The rainwater and to change and influence behaviour to amenities. ensure that maximum benefit is gained from by NI Water and the Department for Infrastructure garden provides an extra layer to the school was a £70,000 investment as part of a wider SuDS curriculum on ecosystems, a hands-on learning our investment and to avoid unintentional 6.4 SuDS work by effectively mimicking the natural problems in the future, for example, through system costing £1.7 million. tool on the environment and a safe place for drainage cycle which has been altered by the children to learn about living with water. poor land management practices or flushing increased use of hard impermeable surfaces in The system collects rainwater flowing overland inappropriate items down the toilet. construction and development. They do this by: from the school playground and filters it through a stone and vegetation strip. Rainwater from the 6.2 This chapter provides an overview of key • Storing run-off and releasing it slowly school roof is diverted and held in an underground policy measures identified in the Long Term (attenuation); storage unit (disguised as a turtle). When the Water Strategy as being necessary to facilitate • Allowing water to soak into the ground storage is full the valve opens, releasing the water integrated and sustainable drainage provision. (infiltration) or evaporate; down a channel which the pupils then use as a This list is not exhaustive and may be added duck run play facility. The water then collects in to as the need for further policy is identified • Slowly transporting (conveying) water on 2 split-level ponds, forming the rainwater garden through time. the surface; and which provides further water storage and a fun educational resource to learn about ecosystems. Figure 6.3 – Benefits of SuDS • Filtering out pollutants by allowing sediments to settle out. This reduces the rate at which the water reaches Control the quality of Manage the quality the local watercourse, Clandeboye Stream. run-off to support the of runoff to prevent 6.5 Typically SuDS are referred to as hard or soft. m a n a g e m e n t o f fl o o d p o llu tio n Soft SuDS are usually natural or landscaped risks, and maintain and features including swales, detention ponds Policy Proposal The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) protect the natural and permeable paving. Hard SuDS include 6.6 The Water and Sewerage Services Act (Northern is progressing policy work to resolve the water cycle oversized pipes and attenuation tanks. There following issues that will enable soft SuDS are many different types of SuDS, the choice of Ireland) 2016 removed the automatic right for developers to connect surface drains to the to be widely adopted. WATER WATER which is determined by the local characteristics of the site including the space available, public sewerage system and provided NI Water • Establish procedures for the approval of QUANTITY QUALITY topography, geology and the available with a power to refuse a connection if SuDS have SuDS and blue/green infrastructure to SuDS discharge points. There are other benefits of not been considered. The Act also provides NI permit construction and design in line SuDS over traditional drainage systems. For Water with powers to adopt hard SuDS. However, with current CIRIA Guidance. DESIGN example, in housing developments, SuDS the use of soft SuDS in new developments BIO- • Establish arrangements for the future have been shown to improve amenity with remains low due to issues and concerns around AMENITY maintenance of all types of SuDS and DIVERSITY the introduction of trees and shrubs and fewer maintenance, ownership and liability. blue/green infrastructure. hard surfaces. It has been suggested that Create and sustain Create and sustain the use of soft SuDS and the improved visual • Make the consideration of all types of better places for people better places for nature attractiveness they provide has increased SuDS and blue/green infrastructure the house values by 10% to 20% 8. preferred drainage solution in all new development.

8 Susdrain [online] Benefits for developers. Available from: http://nia1.me/2p9 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT POLICY MEASURES | 75 CHAPTER 06 POLICY MEASURES

NATURAL CATCHMENT MEASURES / NATURAL • Restoring Peatland s - Figure 6.7 below COORDINATING FUTURE DELIVERY OF THE shows how dams can be installed in FLOOD MANAGEMENT channels within peatland to retain water. LIVING WITH WATER APPROACH Policy Background This can reduce run-off, prevent pollution Policy Background and protect these important habitats. 6.7 Natural Flood Management (NFM) is about 6.10 Significant progress has already been made in sustainably managing land within river Policy Proposal recognising the role that blue/green spaces catchments to provide flood storage during can provide in meeting our future drainage 6.8 Opportunities exist to utilise public and private storm events, in order to lower peak river flows needs since inception of the LWWP and the land such as parks, green spaces and farmland and reduce the risk of flood damage. Possible solid foundations provided by the Long Term to provide appropriate flood storage for rivers measures include: Water Strategy. and reduce surface run-off. • Reforestation – w o o d lan d s o ffe r n atu ral 6.11 For example, following engagement with 6.9 A number of opportunity sites have been rainwater collection and attenuation the LWWP team in 2016 and a development considered and identified within this Plan which reduces run-off in low intensity process that included a public consultation, and are noted within the following chapters. Policy Proposal rainfall event; Belfast City Council (BCC) launched a Green However, there are currently no means of and Blue Infrastructure Plan (GBIP) for Belfast 6.13 Using blue/green spaces to attenuate and store • River Floodplain Restoration – rive rs encouraging and incentivising private land in 2020. This outlines how vegetated areas water is only one aspect of the Living With reconnected with natural floodplains owners to utilise their land for NFM purposes. (the green) and waterways (the blue) can Water approach to drainage and wastewater where it can be demonstrated that this Therefore, in order to make full use of our provide a broad range of economic, social management as set out in Chapter 5. This would reduce downstream flood risk; and green spaces, new policy guidance will be and environmental benefits in and around our approach also includes necessary hard developed to enable NFM to be considered • Temporary Flood Storage – at strate g ic urban areas. engineered measures such as flood defences, locations within the catchment, river and applied where appropriate. larger pipes and enhanced WwTW. To deliver banks can be lowered allowing water to 6.12 The GBIP recognises that these natural DfI is developing new policy and this approach, a new NI Integrated Drainage overspill onto adjacent land, or land can and semi-natural assets are increasingly guidance to encourage public and private Investment Planning (IDIP) Guide along with be used for storing rainwater. seen as ‘infrastructure’ and like any type of landowners to utilise their land for NFM new modelling and appraisal tools are being infrastructure, these assets will only continue • W e tla n d s – low lying land could be made including tree planting, wetlands, flood developed. These should provide a solid basis to provide us with benefits if we actively into permanent flood storage. storage and attenuation. for the drainage providers working together plan, invest in and manage them to ensure to deliver a catchment based approach to that they are utilised sustainably. To do this, drainage and wastewater management. it sets a vision that by 2035, green and blue However, it is recognised that for this approach infrastructure will be strategically planned to succeed and deliver programmes of to enhance ecosystem services that benefit schemes on the ground, it will need to be everyone visiting, living and working in Belfast. championed, coordinated and possibly funded This now provides a solid foundation for centrally. This includes continuing to develop progressing the Living With Water approach partnerships with key stakeholders including across the Plan area. large landowners, councils, other government departments and public bodies.

Figure 6.7 - Drain blocking to reduce run-off from peatlands SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT POLICY MEASURES | 77 CHAPTER 06 POLICY MEASURES

6.14 Similarly, it will be important that this approach OTHER DRAINAGE & ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Table 6.15 - Other Drainage and Environmental Policy Measures is reflected in future land use planning decisions to ensure blue/green space can be MEASURES Title (Policy Lead) Description retained for drainage. 6.15 There are a number of other drainage and Dealing with Legacy • Agree way forward for dealing with flooding caused by surface water not environmental policy measures being Drainage Issues (DfI) being able to drain into rivers due to the water levels created by existing Through the LWWP, DfI is developing taken forward by Government that will help flo o d d e fe n c e s. new arrangements for a catchment based contribute to the 3 key objectives of the Plan to: approach to drainage and wastewater • Policy for dealing with legacy surface water flooding caused by run-off from management (in line with the proposed • p ro te c t fro m flo o d in g ; private land (e.g. fields). • Facilitate the provision of storm sewers for new and existing developments. IDIP Guide) to: • e n h a n c e the environment; and • Develop partnership arrangements for integrated maintenance • be championed, coordinated and • g ro w the economy. programmes for drainage infrastructure. funded centrally within DfI including Drainage Provision for • Develop methodology for flow calculations and greenfield / brownfield run- determining the procurement strategy These are summarised in table 6.15. New Developments (DfI) off from new development sites. for each element of the Plan; • Establish arrangements for the future approval, inspection and enforcement • be developed and delivered in of new drainage infrastructure as part of the Drainage Assessment process. partnership with key stakeholders • Develop a policy for ‘Design for Drainage Exceedance’ to be incorporated including large land owners, councils, into a new drainage infrastructure. other government departments and public bodies; and Provision of Additional Provide powers and associated funding for NI Water to: Drainage Powers (DfI) • effectively deal with misconnections (e.g. foul connection to storm sewer) • become a key consideration in future and adopt sections of private drainage infrastructure that have clearly land use planning decisions. become key parts of the sewerage network; and • enter on to land or watercourses to carry out works for drainage purposes. Sustainable Land • Current Nitrates Action Plan (NAP) is approved by the EC and in place from Management (DAERA) 2019 – 2022. • Implement an Ammonia Action Plan intended to deliver reductions in ammonia emissions from agriculture. Enhanced Wastewater • Possible sensitive water designation of the Shellfish Water Protected Collection & Treatment Area in Belfast Lough which introduces increased wastewater treatment (DAERA) requirements. • Review of private sewerage discharge consents to ensure private sewage treatment meets UWWTD requirements and NI Water adoption standards. • Use of Integrated Environmental Modelling to inform water quality management measures and consenting of wastewater discharges (public and private) where this is assessed to be needed. • Significant review of wastewater discharge consents and compliance assessment by NIEA. NI Marine Litter Strategy • Implement actions contained within NI Marine Litter Strategy. (DAERA) FIGURE 7.5 OVERVIEW OF BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA | 79

CHAPTER 07

BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA The Blackstaff study area The terrain generally slopes from the CATCHMENT BASED SOLUTIONS was further divided into 6 Belfast Hills in the west, Finaghy in the smaller sub-catchments south and Malone in the east towards based on river flow and the Blackstaff River at Boucher. the location of pressures. INTRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTEGRATED CATCHMENT The locations of the strategic pressures and 7.1 As set out in Chapter 5, the Living With Water BASED SOLUTIONS issues, along with the approach involves the development of 7.4 A series of opportunity sites for potential strategic objectives and catchment based solutions which are fo c u se d blue/green infrastructure were identified the strategic opportunity- on managing rain water more naturally by across the study area along with a number based solutions for each controlling run-off, reducing peak flows in of planned capital projects that could be of the sub-catchments, the drainage systems and providing areas extended to cover integrated drainage. These can be seen on the for flood storage. This chapter identifies the are outlined in this chapter and include following maps. strategic drainage pressures and issues within the surrounding Belfast Hills where upper the Blackstaff study area and includes potential catchment management and NFM schemes CLOWNEY opportunities for integrated catchment could be implemented to reduce run-off and based solutions to address these. Solutions increase water retention to slow the flow include a combination of potential blue/green of surface water. These opportunities also FARSET infrastructure such as river restoration works and include existing capital projects at Boodles conventional hard engineered measures such as Dam, BCC’s Peace IV programme, the Urban BALLYMURPHY sewerage network improvements. Villages redevelopment of Ballysillan Playing Fields, proposed NI Water sewerage network 7.2 The Blackstaff study area extends from Belfast Hills improvements and historic water features from in the west, to Ligoniel in the north, to Malone in the industry that could be re-utilised to the east and Finaghy in the south. An overview of help reduce flood risk. LOWER BLACKSTAFF the catchment is provided at figure 7.5. COLIN GLEN 7.5 It is emphasised that while these identified opportunities have been subject to an initial PRESSURES AND ISSUES high-level feasibility, they are conceptual 7.3 The main pressures and issues identified by the indicative proposals that seek to identify and Technical Working Group are: highlight how we may optimise our existing GLENMACHAN environment, enabling us to better manage and • Flood risk in various areas attributed to a live with water. However, further opportunities number of sources including surface water exist within the various catchments to work that is unable to enter the drainage network with other government departments and and flood risk from rivers and sewerage public bodies such as the Northern Ireland networks that are overwhelmed during Housing Executive. The LWWP team will storm events; continue to work with partners to explore • Water quality issues arising from opportunities. Progression to a programme The main rivers are the Blackstaff, Forth, Woodvale, unsatisfactory combined sewer overflows due of capital investment is dependent on the Ladybrook, Colin Glen, Farset and the Ballygomartin. to lack of capacity within sewerage networks, successful outcome of public engagement All of the combined / foul sewer network drains to misconnections to the network (wastewater / consultation, detailed appraisal and design Belfast WwTW with only a small proportion of the drains connected to storm only drains) and work and securing the necessary funding and surface water drainage network in the area separated invasive species along some rivers; and approvals (e.g. business case, planning). from the combined system. • Development issues throughout the area due to sewerage network capacity constraints. © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 PRESSURES / ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA | 81 02 BELFAST HILLS 01 BOODLES DAM Managing the uppermost parts of the river catchments can reduce Work between DfI and BCC in CLOWNEY surface water run-off and increase water attenuation and retention. relation to the regeneration Woodland creation, riparian buffer strips and drain blocking slow of Ligoniel Park is examining CATCHMENT the flows of surface water and store it. This work could potentially opportunities to reconnect an be taken forward in partnership with BCC, the National Trust and the existing Mill Race to Boodles 02 Belfast Hills Partnership. Dam and potentially provide up to 2,500m 3 of temporary 01 Slope stability issues in Ligoniel Park surface water storage, Development issues lowering the peak flows in throughout the area due to the Forth River during a storm sewerage network capacity 03 event and helping to reduce constraints. Flood risk in the Glenbank flood risk. Reconnection of Drive / area. the Mill Race should also help improve the water 02 04 02 quality. This in time could be linked into BCC’s PEACE 01 Water quality issues in the Clowney Water. IV programme and provide a link into the Belfast Hills.

03 01

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01 03 01 FORTH RIVER / SPRINGFIELD DAM 03 BCC’s PEACE IV proposals include CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES providing a 12km Community 01 Greenway along Forth River from • Reduce the number of people and Glencairn to Bog Meadows and properties at risk of flooding within and 05 carrying out enhancements at a downstream of the Beechmount, Glenbank 01 number of sites along the way Drive and Crumlin Road areas. including Springfield Dam & Park. • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological Expanding the scheme to provide Status in the Forth River and Clowney further integrated walking and Water and Good Ecological Potential in the cycling networks that feature river B lac kstaff R ive r. sections provides opportunities to 05 FORTH RIVER/CLOWNEY AREA - • Facilitate sustainable development across reduce flood risk by incorporating the area and further downstream. Flood risk in the Beechmount attenuation features within the river COMBINED SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS area, Royal Victoria hospital, channel. It also utilises Springfield NI Water works to provide increased capacity within the combined Park Centre and Broadway. Dam together with the natural sewerage network together with appropriate screening at CSOs to ravines in the area to temporarily help mitigate flood risk and improve water quality. Works will be store storm water. dependent on the completion of further appraisals.

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 PRESSURES / ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA | 83

FARSET 01 BELFAST HILLS CATCHMENT Managing the uppermost parts of the river catchments to reduce surface water run-off and to increase water attenuation and retention.

Development issues throughout GLENWOOD / FARSET AREA 01 the area due to sewerage network – COMBINED SEWERAGE capacity constraints. IMPROVEMENTS NI Water works to provide increased capacity within the combined sewerage network 01 02 together with appropriate screening at CSOs to help mitigate flood risk and improve 01 water quality. Works will be Flood risk in the dependent on the completion Ardoyne, Crumlin and of further appraisals. Ballysillan areas.

01

02 BALLYSILLAN PLAYING FIELDS Working in partnership with the Urban Villages Initiative, BCC has produced a long-term development plan to create a thriving, welcoming and shared space at Ballysillan Playing Fields. D fI together with the Executive Office and BCC are examining opportunities to extend the CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES floodplain areas through the park. Such • Reduce the number of people and opportunities have the potential to reduce properties at risk of flooding within flood risk in the immediate area and and downstream of the Ballysillan, further downstream as well as provide Ardoyne and Crumlin areas. environmental and aesthetic benefits. • Contribute to achieving Good NI Water is also working with stakeholders Ecological Potential in the River Lagan. to examine opportunities to remove • Facilitate sustainable development surface water from its combined sewerage at and further network and to improve local water quality. downstream in Belfast City Centre.

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 PRESSURES / ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA | 85 BALLYMURPHY

CATCHMENT 01 01 Development issues BELFAST HILLS 03 throughout the area due Managing the uppermost parts of the to sewerage network river catchments to reduce surface BOG MEADOWS capacity constraints. water run-off and to increase water There is potential within the Bog attenuation and retention. Meadows to provide further storm storage as well as linking in with BCC’s PEACE IV proposals. 02 Opportunity exists to extend the Community Greenway proposals Flood risk in the Whiterock Road, to accommodate works to reduce Springfield Road, Divismore flood risk and free up capacity within Park, Ballymurphy Road, the downstream Blackstaff Culvert. Glenalina Road, Moyard Park Due to water quality issues within areas, Rodney Parade and St 01 the Ballymurphy Stream, the river is James Road areas. 01 02 currently disconnected from the Bog 01 02 Meadows ponds. To enable potential reconnection of the river, sewerage improvements have been identified to 02 02 address any unsatisfactory CSOs.

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03 WHITEROCK / FALLS PARK 03 Opportunities identified within this area to create a number of offline storage 03 ponds, as well as online attenuation CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES works and river restoration / re- • Reduce the number of people / meandering that could help reduce the properties at risk of flooding within flood risk in the area. and downstream of the Rodney Parade Potential also for river restoration works / St James Road, Whiterock Road / to the Ballymurphy Stream that could be Springfield Road and Springfield Park / tied into the development of BCC owned BALLYMURPHY AREA Moyard Park areas. green space to create an enhanced COMBINED SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological 03 amenity area and an area of biodiversity. NI Water works to provide increased capacity within the combined Potential in the Blackstaff River. Water quality, aesthetic Opportunities within Falls Park could see sewerage network together with appropriate screening at CSOs to • Facilitate sustainable development in and invasive species the creation of online and offline storage help mitigate flood risk and improve water quality. the Whiterock Road and Springfield / issues in the Blackstaff ponds and the possibility of storage Works will be dependent on the completion of further appraisals. Moyard Heights area as well as further River, Ballymurphy Stream around the existing football pitches downstream. and Bog Meadows. through the re-grading of the area.

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 PRESSURES / ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA | 87

CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES 01 • Reduce the number of people downstream BELFAST HILLS GLENMACHAN of the Sicily Park, Upton Park, Lille Park, Managing the uppermost parts of the river Stockmans Lane, Glenhill Park, Orchardville catchments to reduce surface water run-off and CATCHMENT to increase water attenuation and retention. Crescent, Road / Glen Road and 02 Greystown Avenue areas. • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological ANDERSONSTOWN Potential in the Blackstaff River. Opportunity to redevelop some BCC owned green space by opening up culverted rivers and • Facilitate sustainable development in Upper incorporating storm attenuation features. This has , Harberton, Glenmona and the potential to create improved green spaces with Glen Road Heights area as well as further attractive parklands and river walks, reduce flood risk downstream in Belfast City Centre. and improve water quality.

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04 02 01 FINAGHY NORTH 03 03 Opportunity to carry out river alterations to provide storage 02 02 along Ladybrook River along 02 the perimeter of the Radius 03 Visteon Site. If coupled with 03 03 storm separation, this could free up capacity in the sewerage STOCKMANS / BOUCHER 02 network. There are also 04 The Blackstaff River passes 03 opportunities to link with the through Woodlands Playing 01 Stockmans / Boucher concepts. Fields, Musgrave Park and 02 Boucher Road Playing Fields 01 before being culverted for the Development issues 05 remainder of its length to the River Lagan. Opportunities throughout the area due 02 to sewerage network exist to create storage areas in capacity constraints. these green spaces to allow 01 the river to flood in these areas. Opportunities also 02 05 exist for storm water storage Flood risk in the Upper in the redundant Upper Falls FINAGHY SOUTH WwTW site and other capital , Sicily 03 Sewerage and drainage network improvements including Park, Upton Park, Lille improvements in the Upper Lisburn Water quality issues Glenmachan Phase 2. Park, Stockmans Lane, Road area aimed at reducing the risk arising from sewage Combined, these could help Glenhill Park, Orchardville of flooding in the Sicily / Locksley Park, spills at CSOs as well as reduce flood risk in the area Crescent, Andersonstown Marguerite, Upton / Lille Park areas water quality issues in the and free up capacity within Road, Glen Road and of south Belfast, tied into NI Water’s B lac kstaff R ive r. the watercourse and improve Greystown Avenue. Glenmachan Phase 1 and 2 sewerage water quality. improvement works.

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 PRESSURES / ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA | 89

02 BANKMORE SQUARE LOWER BLACKSTAFF 01 Opportunity to provide localised storm water attenuation as part of the 02 CATCHMENT redevelopment of Bankmore Street along As part of any regeneration proposals in this area, Critical infrastructure - the line of the proposals for the Belfast there is potential for storage ponds to be created Blackstaff Relief Culvert. Rapid Transit Phase 2. in the waste ground beside Monarch Street. This Development issues throughout could help store storm water from the nearby 03 the area due to sewerage Blackstaff culvert as well as helping to create an area 03 network capacity constraints. Water quality in the for biodiversity. B lac kstaff R ive r. DISTILLERY STREET Sewerage network improvements. 04

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05 03 GLENMACHAN PHASE 2 PROJECT 01 06 (Boucher Tunnel & Sewer Improvements) NI Water scheme to extend the 05 existing deep storm water tunnel will reduce flood risk nearby in the Sicily Park and Marguerite Park areas and significantly CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES improve water quality in the rivers • Reduce the number of people and by addressing approximately 20 properties at risk from flooding within unsatisfactory CSOs. and downstream of the Donegall Road, 01 Maryville Avenue, Great Northern Street 06 Flood risk in the Royal and Northbrook Street areas. Victoria Hospital and • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological 04 LISBURN ROAD Opportunities exist to Donegall Road area as Potential in the Blackstaff River and BELFAST TRANSPORT HUB create a storage pond in well as the Maryville downstream in the River Lagan. DfI and developers have been examining Avenue, Great Northern Drumglass Park. Working • Facilitate sustainable development in opportunities to disconnect storm drainage from Street and Northbrook in partnership with BCC, Belfast City Centre. the combined sewer network, attenuating it using Street areas. this could create an SuDS, before discharging it into the Blackstaff River. improved parkland and This storm separation may, along with other sewer possible wetland area. network improvements, assist NI Water in accepting the increased foul flows into the combined sewers that will result from the site being re-developed.

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COLIN GLEN Development issues HANNAHSTOWN throughout the area due Linking to Blackstaff to sewerage network 01 opportunities, there is CATCHMENT the potential to carry capacity constraints. 02 BELFAST HILLS Managing the uppermost out drainage network Water quality issues in 01 parts of the river catchments to alterations to intercept and the Colin Glen River. re-direct the surface water Waste management facilities in reduce surface water run-off and flow by providing capacity upper catchment area have potential to increase water attenuation within the Ladybrook River. for impacts on water quality. and retention.

03 Flood risk in the 01 Hannhstown Hill, 01 Glen Road, Lenadoon, 01 01 Stewartstown Road and Blacks Road areas.

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CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES COLIN GLEN CORRIDOR 03 River and floodplain restoration works are possible along • Reduce the number of people and the Colin Glen River in partnership with the Colin Glen Trust. properties at risk of flooding within and Works could include instream structures (e.g. leaky dams), downstream of the Hannahstown Hill to river re-meandering and small storage / detention areas. Blacks Road area. • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological Opportunities also exist for further storage areas along the Status in the Colin Glen River and Good Colin Glen River and Suffolk Playing Fields areas. There is Ecological Potential downstream in the 04 also additional storage potential in the upper areas of this catchment by utilising existing waste management sites. River Lagan. Erosion and deposition The Kinnegar Road Stream runs along the perimeter of • Facilitate sustainable development in issues within the Colin Wedderburn Park and there is potential to provide storm the catchment and downstream in the River during high flows. water attenuation within the park by carrying out river and Finaghy areas. meandering works and providing instream structures.

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA | 93

BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA OVERVIEW OF OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS 02 01 01 Ballysillan Playing Fields Redevelopment This map provides an overview of the 02 03 04 Boodles Dam/Forth River Restoration & Storage opportunity based solutions identified from 05 Belfast Hills- Upper Catchment Management all six sub-catchments which will be taken 04 06 07 Whiterock/Falls Park River Restoration & Storage forward for more detailed assessment as part Hannahstown Area - Drainage Network of the delivery of the Plan. 08 Alterations Sewerage network improvements Colin Glen Corridor - River and Floodplain throughout the area including increased 09 10 capacity, CSO screening and storage. Restoration

11 Finaghy North – Possible River Restoration and 03 Drainage Network Alterations 05

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08 16 12 Andersonstown -River Restoration & Storage 15 13 Stockmans/Boucher – Blackstaff River Storage 09 Finaghy South Sewerage Improvements 12 14 13 (including Sicily Park / Marguerite Park) Glenmachan Phase 2 Sewerage Project (inc 15 Boucher Tunnel) 11 16 Lisburn Road – Storage opportunities in 10 Drumglass Park 17 Bog Meadows – Storm Storage 14 18 Bankmore Square SuDS 19 Belfast Transport Hub 20 Donegall Road – Possible Storage Ponds

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 FIGURE 8.5 – OVERVIEW OF CONNSWATER & LAGAN EMBANKMENT STUDY AREA | 9 5 CHAPTER 08

CONNSWATER & LAGAN The terrain generally slopes from The sewer network within the study area drains to the the Craigantlet Hills to Belfast Belfast WwTW at Dargan Road, the Kinnegar WwTW at EMBANKMENT STUDY AREA Lough and the Castlereagh Hills Airport Road West and the Seahill WwTW near Helens CATCHMENT BASED SOLUTIONS and Malone to the River Lagan. Bay. Sewers are predominantly combined, with the The eastern part of Craigantlet Hills newer developments, typically located towards the and the eastern Castlereagh Hills outer extents, comprising separate surface water and slope away from Belfast towards foul systems. INTRODUCTION (wastewater drains connected to storm Dundonald and . only drains) and invasive species along 8.1 As set out in Chapter 5, the Living With Water some rivers; and The main rivers are the Lagan, approach involves the development of Farset, Lower Blackstaff (relief • Development issues throughout the area due culvert), Connswater, Knock, catchment based solutions which are focused to sewerage network capacity constraints. on managing rain water more naturally by Loop, Enler, Tillysburn Stream, controlling run-off, reducing peak flows in Knocknagoney Stream and the drainage systems and providing areas OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTEGRATED CATCHMENT Crawfordsburn River. for flood storage. This chapter identifies the BASED SOLUTIONS SEAHILL strategic drainage pressures and issues within the Connswater and Lagan Embankment study 8.4 A series of opportunity sites for potential blue/ area and includes potential opportunities green infrastructure were identified across the for integrated catchment based solutions to study area along with a number of planned address these. Solutions include a combination capital projects that could be extended to cover of potential blue/green infrastructure such integrated drainage. These are outlined in this as river restoration works and conventional chapter and include the surrounding Castlereagh, hard engineered measures such as sewerage Craigantlet and Holywood Hills where upper network improvements. catchment management and NFM schemes could be implemented to reduce run-off and increase 8.2 This study area extends from the city centre water retention to slow the flow of surface water in the west of the catchment towards from the hills. These opportunities also include Crawfordsburn in the north east. It covers the existing capital projects such as the Belfast Tidal LAGAN areas of Malone and Stranmillis in the south Scheme, York Street Interchange and proposed NI DUNDONALD west, and Castlereagh in the south Water sewerage network improvements. CONNSWATER east and Dundonald in the east. An overview 8.5 It is emphasised that while these identified of the catchment is provided at figure 8.5. opportunities have been subject to an initial high-level feasibility, they are conceptual indicative proposals that seek to identify and PRESSURES AND ISSUES highlight how we may optimise our existing 8.3 The main pressures and issues identified by the environment, enabling us to better manage and Technical Working Group are: live with water. However, further opportunities exist within the various catchments to work • Flood risk in various areas attributed to a with other government departments and public number of sources including tidal risk from bodies such as the Northern Ireland Housing the Lagan Estuary, surface water that is Executive. The LWWP team will continue to The Connswater & Lagan Embankment study area was further divided into 5 smaller unable to enter the drainage network and work with partners to explore opportunities. sub-catchments based on river flow and the location of pressures. The locations flood risk from rivers and sewerage networks Progression to a programme of capital of the strategic pressures and issues, along with the strategic objectives and the that are overwhelmed during storm events; investment is dependent on the successful strategic opportunity based solutions for each of the sub-catchments, can be seen outcome of public engagement / consultation, on the following maps. • Water quality issues arising from detailed appraisal and design work and securing unsatisfactory combined sewer overflows the necessary funding and approvals (e.g. due to lack of capacity within sewerage business case, planning). networks, misconnections to the network © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 PRESSURES / ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS CONNSWATER & LAGAN EMBANKMENT STUDY AREA | 97

01 YORK STREET INTERCHANGE LAGAN Building on the proposals being taken forward by DfI Roads to redevelop the York Street interchange, there is an opportunity to CATCHMENT increase run-off attenuation and work with NI Water to increase the amount of storm water separation as part of the proposals. 01 Tid al flo o d risk throughout Belfast City Centre along with back drainage issues in the 03 Corporation Street 01 Flood risk in the area resulting from 01 Ravenhill area. water that is unable 01 to recede during high tides and tidal floods. 02 02 RAVENHILL FLOOD 03 ALLEVIATION SCHEME NI Water is progressing a capital improvement project 02 to reduce the risk of out of 02 se w e r flo o d in g . Lagan Estuary currently failing to achieve Good Ecological Potential. 03 Development issues throughout the area due to sewerage network capacity constraints. SEWERAGE NETWORK IMPROVEMENTS NI Water has identified a number of sewerage network improvements that will include CSO CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES screening and the • Reduce the number of people and properties at provision of additional risk of coastal flooding from the Lagan Estuary 03 storage. Works will and Belfast Lough. be dependent on the BELFAST TIDAL SCHEME completion of further • Reduce the number of people and properties at The proposed scheme extends from Belfast appraisals. risk of flooding within the Ravenhill area. Harbour to Stranmillis Weir and will comprise a • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological number of different forms of both permanent and Potential in the Lagan Estuary and downstream temporary flood defences. Maps showing the line to Belfast Harbour, and Good Ecological Status of the flood defences can be viewed at h ttp s:// in Belfast Lough. www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/topics/rivers-and- • Facilitate sustainable development in Belfast flooding/rivers-and-flooding-projects . City Centre. © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 PRESSURES / ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS CONNSWATER & LAGAN EMBANKMENT STUDY AREA | 99 02 01 KNOCK RIVER CORRIDOR CONNSWATER RIVER CORRIDOR Potential river restoration in the CONNSWATER grounds of Stormont Estate. 02 Potential for stormwater run-off reduction, including Avoniel Leisure Centre re-development, Ballymacarrett Opportunities also exist along Development pressure at the Knock River near Cherryvalley, CATCHMENT Castlehill Manor area along Walkway, the King George V Playing Fields linked into Glentoran FC’s plans for the re-development of the Oval Gilnahirk Stream and Kingsway with sewerage network Stream including Gilnahirk Park and 01 capacity issues throughout the Stadium and NI Water’s replacement of Sydenham WwPS. BCC and NI Water have already amended the timing of Tullycarnet Park. Flood risk in the Cregagh study area. some schemes to help facilitate these works. In addition, NI Water has identified Road, Mount Merrion a number of sewerage network Avenue, Ladas Drive, improvements that will include Sandown Road, Grand CSO screening and the provision of Parade, Castlereagh additional storage. Road to the Sydenham By-pass, Gilnahirk Road, 06 03 Kingsway Park, Kingsland, Kingsdale areas of Gilnahirk ORANGEFIELD / Tullycarnet, Summerhill, 02 STREAM CORRIDOR: Cloghan and Castleview Land in the Dixon areas of Stormont. Park, Greenville 01 04 01 03 01 Park area that could 02 complement the work 03 01 03 carried out on the 01 03 Connswater Greenway. 03 03 01 04 01 03 UPPER 05 06 ROAD NI Water sewerage network improvements.

05 06

03 05 CASTLEREAGH AND CRAIGANTLET CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES Water quality issues in the Upper LOOP RIVER CORRIDOR HILLS Newtownards Road, Eastleigh Dale, Working in partnership with the National Trust to create a Managing the upper most parts of the • Reduce the number of people / Gilnahirk Road, Kingsway Park, Kingsland, wetland in the Lisnabreeny area, there is potential to provide river catchments to reduce surface properties and infrastructure at risk Kingsdale, Cregagh Road, Mount Merrion further storm water storage as part of the scheme. water run-off and increase water of flooding in the areas noted above. Avenue and Ladas Drive areas as well as attenuation and retention. Woodland • Contribute to achieving Good This could be linked to the potential within the Cregagh Glen creation, riparian buffer strips and along the Connswater and Knock Rivers and areas along the Loop River to help store storm water and Ecological Potential in the and the Orangefield stream. drain blocking to store and slow Connswater downstream to Belfast reduce surface water run-off. These areas include Cregagh surface water flows. Given that most Harbour, and Good Ecological Green and Playground, Loop River Park and Cherryvale Park. of the surrounding hillside is in private Status in Belfast Lough. NI Water has also identified a number of sewerage network ownership, any potential works may • Facilitate sustainable development improvements that will include CSO screening and the need to be carried out in partnership in the sub-catchment area. provision of additional storage. Works will be dependent on with DAERA and linked to an Agri- the completion of further appraisals. Environmental scheme.

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01 HOLYWOOD GOLF COURSE STREAM CORRIDOR SEWERAGE NETWORK Potential for floodplain restoration works to help slow the IMPROVEMENTS CATCHMENT 03 flow of water through the catchment including Glenlyon Park Improvements in the Development pressure of a new power and along the Croft Burn and Woodlands Stream. Potential Knocknagoney, Kinnegar and station within Belfast Harbour Estate opportunities in DAERA owned lands at Redburn Park in the form Holywood areas that include 01 along with sewerage network capacity of NFM and areas of engineered storage. These works could increasing capacity, CSO issues throughout the study area. be complemented by increased attenuation potential in the screening and the provision of Flood risk in Holywood, Glendarragh Loughview development proposals being considered by Ards and additional storage. Works will be area of Knocknagoney, Parkway, North Down Borough Council. dependent on the completion of Garnerville, Lower Holywood further appraisals. Road, Knocknagoney Drive and Knocknagoney Park. This includes potential flood risk arising from 01 private drainage infrastructure in the 01 Glendarragh area. 02 04

02 02 03 03 01

02 03 01 02 04 02 SEWERAGE NETWORK 02 HOLYWOOD HILLS IMPROVEMENTS Managing the uppermost Water quality issues in NI Water improvements in parts of the river Holywood, Parkway, My Lady’s Mile area catchments to reduce Garnerville, Lower CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES surface water run-off and to Holywood Road areas, • Reduce the number of people and properties increase water attenuation Knocknagoney Drive and at risk of flooding within and downstream of and retention. Woodland Knocknagoney Park. the Knocknagoney, Parkway, Garnerville and creation, riparian buffer Water quality and Lower Holywood Road areas. 03 strips and drain blocking to odour issues believed • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological TILLYSBURN STREAM CORRIDOR store and slow surface water to be associated with Status in Belfast Lough. Working with various organisations, flows. Given that most of unsatisfactory discharges • Facilitate sustainable development in the including DfI Roads and BCC, there is the the surrounding hillside is from combined sewer sub-catchment area including Belfast potential to allow surface water into storage in private ownership, any overflows to the lagoons H arb o u r. areas within the proposed park and ride site potential works may need to alongside the Sydenham at Tillysburn and Knocknagoney Linear Park. be carried out in partnership Bypass and their Works to nearby watercourses in the form of with DAERA and linked contributing rivers. floodplain restoration or instream structures to an Agri-Environmental also have the potential to increase capacity. sc h e m e .

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01 SEAHILL CRAIGANTLET AND HOLYWOOD HILLS This study area is surrounded by hills and there is CATCHMENT potential to manage the uppermost parts of the river catchments to increase water attenuation and retention and reduce run-off. Woodland creation, riparian buffer strips and drain blocking would help to store and slow the surface water flows and reduce diffuse pollution. Given that 01 most of the surrounding hillside is in private ownership, any potential works may need to be WATER QUALITY ISSUES carried out in partnership with DAERA and linked Current Water Framework Directive to an Agri-Environmental scheme. status of the Crawfordsburn River is Moderate Ecological Status. Waterbody is failing to achieve Good Ecological Status.

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01

CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological Status in the Crawfordsburn River surface waterbody. • Facilitate sustainable development in the sub-catchment area.

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02 01 Flood risk in the Comber CRAIGANTLET AND CASTLEREAGH HILLS DUNDONALD Road, Old Dundonald This study area is surrounded by hills and there is potential to manage the uppermost parts of Road, East Link the river catchments to reduce surface water run-off, increase water attenuation and retention CATCHMENT Road, Dunlady Road, and reduce diffuse pollution. Woodland creation, riparian buffer strips and drain blocking Upper Newtownards would help to store and slow the surface water flows and reduce diffuse pollution. Given that Road, Ballyoran and 01 most of the surrounding hillside is in private ownership, any potential works may need to be Carrowreagh areas. carried out in partnership with DAERA and linked to an Agri-Environmental scheme. Water quality issues associated with unsatisfactory CSOs in the Dundonald area.

01

01 03 02 02 02 02 02

SEWERAGE NETWORK IMPROVEMENTS Improvements in the Dundonald area that include increasing capacity, 03 CSO screening and the Development issues provision of additional throughout the area due storage. Works will 02 to sewerage network be dependent on the CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES capacity constraints. DUNDONALD AREA completion of further • Reduce the number of people and properties at risk of Working in partnership with LCCC to help deliver the Castlereagh appraisals. flooding within and downstream of the Comber Road, Urban Integrated Development Framework (CUIDF). LCCC Dundonald Road, Dunlady Road, Upper Newtownards proposals for developments at Dundonald Leisure Park, within Road, Ballyoran, Carrowreagh, Dundonald Village area and Dundonald Village and along the Enler River at Moat Park could East Link Road. Also downstream in the Comber area. be extended to introduce blue/green infrastructure to help solve • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological Potential in the flooding issues. River restoration works along the Enler River and Enler River and Good Ecological Status downstream in various tributaries, including leaky dams, for example, as well as Lough. NFM work at the Billy Neill Soccer Centre of Excellence, could all contribute to solving issues. BCC land along the Comber Greenway • Facilitate sustainable development in the sub-catchment also has potential. area and downstream in Comber.

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 CONNSWATER & LAGAN EMBANKMENT STUDY AREA | 107 CHAPTER 08 CONNSWATER & & LAGAN EMBANKMENTLAGAN EMBANKMENT STUDY AREA 12 OVERVIEWCATCHMENT OF OPPORTUNITY PROPOSALS BASED SOLUTIONS NI Water sewerage network improvements at My Lady’s Mile and Upper Newtownards Road This map provides an overview of the opportunity based solutions identified from all five sub-catchments which will be taken forward for more detailed assessment as part of the delivery of the Plan. 11 Sewerage network improvements throughout the area including increased capacity, CSO screening and storage. Upper Catchment 01 Management 12 in Craigantlet, 01 Holywood and Castlereagh Hills Golf Course Stream Corridor river restoration 02 11 02 10 02 03 11 Blue/green Tillysburn Stream Corridor infrastructure and river river restoration 04 restoration works in Dundonald Area 08 12 03 10 10 09 Belfast Tidal 05 09 Sc h e m e Knock River Corridor - river 07 restoration & storage

04 06 11 08 York Street Connswater River Corridor - storm Interchange 06 Sc h e m e water run-off reduction and replacement of Sydenham WwPS

05 07 Ravenhill Flood 06 O ran g e fie ld Stre am C o rrid o r – Alleviation Scheme Loop River Corridor – river restoration & storage river restoration & storage

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 FIGURE 9.5 – OVERVIEW OF NORTH FORESHORE STUDY AREA | 1 0 9 CHAPTER 09

NORTH FORESHORE The main rivers are the Water, Mile Water, Three Mile Water, Lisnalinchy Burn, Woodburn River, STUDY AREA Copeland Water and River, all of which discharge CATCHMENT BASED SOLUTIONS into Belfast Lough. The terrain generally slopes south easterly towards Belfast Lough.

INTRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTEGRATED CATCHMENT 9.1 As set out in Chapter 5, the Living With Water BASED SOLUTIONS approach involves the development of 9.4 A series of opportunity sites for potential blue/ catchment based solutions which are focused green infrastructure were identified across the on managing rain water more naturally by study area along with a number of planned CARRICKFERGUS controlling run-off, reducing peak flows in capital projects that could be extended to the drainage systems and providing areas cover integrated drainage. These are outlined for flood storage. This chapter identifies the in this chapter and include the surrounding strategic drainage pressures and issues within hills and existing blue/green spaces such as the North Foreshore study area and includes Belfast Waterworks where upper catchment potential opportunities for integrated catchment management and NFM schemes could be GREENISLAND based solutions to address these. Solutions implemented to reduce run-off and increase include a combination of potential blue/green water retention to slow the flow of surface infrastructure such as river restoration works and water from the hills. These opportunities also The sewerage network within conventional hard engineered measures such as include existing capital projects such as the NI the study area drains to the sewerage network improvements. Water sewerage network improvements. WHITEHOUSE & MALLUSK Belfast WwTW at Dargan Road, 9.2 This North Foreshore study area extends from 9.5 It is emphasised that while identified Whitehouse WwTW facilities Duncairn and Fortwilliam in the south to opportunities have been subject to an initial beside the M5, Greenisland Newtownabbey in the west and Carrickfergus high-level feasibility, they are conceptual WwTW on the A2 Belfast Road in the north. An overview of the catchment is indicative proposals that seek to identify and and Carrickfergus WwTW provided at figure 9.5. highlight how we may optimise our existing adjacent to the A2 Belfast Road. environment, enabling us to better manage and The sewerage networks are live with water. However, further opportunities PRESSURES AND ISSUES FORTWILLIAM predominantly combined, with exist within the various catchments to work the newer developments, typically 9.3 The main pressures and issues identified by with other government departments and public located towards the outer extents, the Technical Working Group (TWG) can be bodies such as the Northern Ireland Housing comprising separate surface water summarised as follows: Executive. The LWWP will continue to work with and foul systems. • Flood risk in various areas attributed to a these partners to explore these opportunities. number of sources, including capacity issues Progression to a programme of capital investment is dependent on the successful in the sewerage networks; The North Foreshore study area was further divided outcome of public engagement / consultation, into 4 smaller sub-catchments based on river flow • Water quality issues arising from detailed appraisal and design work, and and the location of pressures. The locations of the unsatisfactory combined sewer overflows securing the necessary funding and approvals strategic pressures and issues, along with the strategic due to lack of capacity within sewerage (e.g. business case, planning). networks, misconnections to the network objectives and the strategic opportunity based (wastewater drains connected to storm only solutions for each of the sub-catchments, can be seen drains) and invasive species along some on the following maps. rivers; and • Development issues throughout the area due to sewerage network capacity constraints. © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 PRESSURES / ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS NORTH FORESHORE STUDY AREA | 111

01 02 FORTWILLIAMCHAPTER 09 CAVEHILL COUNTRY PARK / FORTWILLIAM / BELFAST ZOO STREAM CORRIDOR CATCHMENTNORTH FORESHORE 02 Opportunities with Belfast Hills Partnership, BCC and National Building on any potential Water quality issues in the Trust to manage upper catchments to reduce run-off and increase NFM works in the Cavehill CATCHMENT PROPOSALS Limestone Road, Grove water attenuation and retention. Woodland creation, riparian / Belfast Castle area there 01 Leisure Centre, Fortwilliam, buffer strips and drain blocking to slow and store surface water. may be opportunities for Flood risk in the Mount Vernon, Parkmount Road, Shore , Alexandra online storage along the 03 Road, Loughside Recreational Centre, Graymount, Whitewell, Gardens, North Circular Fortwilliam Stream corridor. Limestone Road, Fortwilliam, Antrim Road, Alexandra Road, York Road and Shore PREMIER DRIVE STREAM CORRIDOR Gardens, Cave Hill Road, York Road and Shore Road areas. Road areas associated with Upper catchment management and opportunities at existing Flood risk associated with capacity, operation and asset unsatisfactory CSOs including BCC owned green space at Northwood Linear Park and Loughside SEWERAGE NETWORK condition of wastewater system in Fortwilliam Pumping condition and performance Recreation Centre and Playing Fields to divert and attenuate IMPROVEMENTS Station and Grove Leisure Centre areas. of a strategic wastewater storm water to help address flood risk in the area. Improvements in the Fortwilliam pumping station. area that include increasing capacity, CSO screening and the 01 provision of additional storage. 01 Works will be dependent on the 02 completion of further appraisals.

01 03 02 05 01 02 05 NORTH 04 01 CIRCULAR ROAD Sewerage network 02 improvements.

CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES 04 • Reduce the number of people / properties Development issues throughout at risk of flooding within and downstream the area due to sewerage CARR’S GLEN RIVER CORRIDOR of the Mount Vernon, Parkmount Road, network capacity constraints. Opportunities at watercourses, reservoirs and dams that have connections back to Belfast’s Shore Road, Loughside Recreational Centre, historic linen industry. Graymount, Whitewell, Fortwilliam, Antrim Opportunities to work with BCC along this river corridor to optimise these reservoirs Road, Alexandra Gardens, Cave Hill Road, (Waterworks and Alexandra Park) to store storm water and reduce peak flows along the river. Grove Leisure Centre and York Road areas. • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological Opportunities for re-development of the former Carr’s Glen Reservoir near NI Water’s offices Potential downstream to Belfast Harbour. at Westland Road. These works along with the potential to use existing green space in areas like Grove Playing Fields for storm attenuation and the potential for NFM in the upper areas • Facilitate sustainable development in the of Cave Hill could significantly reduce flood risk in the area. sub-catchment area.

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01 WHITEHOUSECHAPTER 09 / MALLUSK CAVEHILL COUNTRY PARK / BELFAST SEWERAGE NETWORK IMPROVEMENTS CASTLE / BELFAST ZOO / HILL / Improvements in the Whitehouse / Mallusk CATCHMENTNORTH FORESHORE 02 COLLINWARD / SQUIRES HILL / MOSSLEY area include increasing capacity, CSO Flood risk in the Monkstown This study area is surrounded by hills and there is screening and the provision of additional CATCHMENT PROPOSALS and areas. potential to work with Belfast Hills Partnership, BCC, storage. Works will be dependent on the 01 Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and completion of further appraisals. Flood risk in the Carnmoney 03 National Trust to manage the uppermost parts of Industrial Estate to the Shore Water quality issues the river catchments to reduce surface water run- Road area as well as the associated with network off and to increase water attenuation and retention. Mallusk and Ballyhenry areas. capacity problems and Woodland creation, riparian buffer strips and drain overflows within the blocking would help to store and slow the surface catchment upstream of w ate r flo w s. Development issues Whitehouse WwTW and in throughout the area due to Belfast Lough. sewerage network capacity 01 constraints.

03 02

01 02 03 04 04 03 01 01 02

03 03 NEWTOWNABBEY AREA There is potential to work with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Woodland Trust to carry out river 04 and floodplain restoration works in areas Flood risk in the Hightown 02 like Three Mile Water Conservation Park, CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES area of Glengormley GLENGORMLEY AREA Monkstown Wood and Glen Park. There is • Reduce the number of people / properties and infrastructure at and Collinward area of Potential to build on any upper catchment also the potential to include stormwater risk of flooding in the Carnmoney Industrial Estate, Shore Road, C arn m o n e y. management works in the surrounding hills attenuation within the site of the old Mallusk, Ballyhenry, Monkstown, Whiteabbey, Hightown and by working in partnership with Antrim and UUJ campus as part of any future re- Collinward areas. Newtownabbey Borough Council to use existing development plans. Opportunities should • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological Status in the Three green space like NI Water’s land at Valley Leisure be taken to make full use of existing features Mile Water and Ballymartin Water and downstream in Inner Centre, to help attenuate storm water. These like the former Mill Pond at Mossley Mill Belfast Lough. works could be tied in with the council’s existing beside Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough C o u n c il o ffi c es • Facilitate sustainable development in the sub-catchment area. development plans.

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01 03 GREENISLANDCHAPTER 09 KNOCKAGH, TROOPERSLANE: SEWERAGE NETWORK This study area is surrounded by hills and there is IMPROVEMENTS CATCHMENTNORTH FORESHORE potential to manage the uppermost parts of the river Improvements in the Greenisland catchments to reduce surface water run-off and to area include increasing capacity, CATCHMENT PROPOSALS increase water attenuation and retention. Woodland CSO screening and the provision 01 creation, riparian buffer strips and drain blocking would of additional storage. Works will help to store and slow surface water flows. Given Flood risk in Moyard, be dependent on the completion 03 that some of the surrounding hillside is in private Downview and Station Road of further appraisals. ownership, any potential works may need to be carried areas as a result of surface Flood risk in Old Shore out in partnership with DAERA and linked to an Agri- water and river flood risk all Road, Belfast Road and Environmental scheme. contributing to sewerage Brackenridge Areas. network capacity issues. River flood risk from the Greenisland Stream and the Downview Gardens Stream along with surface water flows generated from the hills at 01 Knockagh and Greenisland 02 G o lf C lu b . 03

02

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02 Water quality issues in the Moyard, Downview, Station Road, Old Shore Road, Belfast 02 Road, Brackenridge areas and Belfast Lough.

02 CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES Development issues throughout the area due to GREENISLAND CATCHMENT • Reduce the number of people / properties at sewerage network capacity There is potential to work with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and DfI risk of flooding within and downstream of the constraints. Rivers on a number of areas within this catchment to help attenuate flows and Moyard, Downview, Station Road, Old Shore build on any upper catchment management works that are developed. Road, Belfast Road and Brackenridge areas. Potential opportunities include attenuation in Knockleigh Walk parkland as well • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological as instream structures along the Ashbourne Stream, Trooperslane Stream and Status downstream in Inner Belfast Lough. Greenisland Golf Course streams. These could help improve and link to Mid and • Facilitate sustainable development in the East Antrim Borough Council’s Greenisland Greenway. sub-catchment area.

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01 CARRICKFERGUSCHAPTER 09 WOODBURN TO LOUGH SEWERAGE NETWORK This study area is surrounded by hills and there is IMPROVEMENTS NORTH FORESHORE potential to manage the uppermost parts of the Improvements in the CATCHMENT river catchments to reduce surface water run-off Carrickfergus area include CATCHMENT PROPOSALS and to increase water attenuation and retention. increasing capacity, CSO 01 Woodland creation, riparian buffer strips and screening and the provision Flood risk in the Castle Road, Downshire drain blocking would help to store and slow of additional storage. Works Road, Cloughlands, Lennox, Woodburn the surface water flows. Given that some of the will be dependent on the Road, Meadow Hill, Windslow, Prospect surrounding hillside is in private ownership, any completion of further Downs, Joymount, Rosebrook and potential works may need to be carried out in appraisals. Taylors Avenue areas. partnership with DAERA and linked to an Agri- Environmental scheme.

Development issues throughout the area due to sewerage network capacity constraints.

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02 02 01

02 01 02 01 01 01 02 02 02 02 02 02

02 Water quality issues in local watercourses and 02 CATCHMENT OBJECTIVES Belfast Lough linked to • Reduce the number of people / properties at risk of flooding within unsatisfactory CSOs. CARRICKFERGUS CATCHMENT and downstream of the Joymount, Rosebrook, Taylors Avenue, Carrickfergus is classified as one of the 12 Areas of Potential Significant Flood Risk (APSFR) identified in Castle Road, Downshire Road, Cloughlands, Lennox, Woodburn the 2018 Flood Risk Assessment. Working in partnership with a number of organisations, like Mid and Road, Meadowhill, Windslow and Prospect Downs areas. East Antrim Borough Council, the Woodlands Trust, DfI Rivers and NI Water, there is potential for river and • Contribute to achieving Good Ecological Status in the Kilroot floodplain restoration works to help store storm water in existing green spaces. These include NI Water’s River and Good Ecological Potential in the Woodburn River, the reservoirs at South and North Woodburn, Lough Mourne and Copeland Reservoir, Mid and East Antrim Copeland Water and in Lough Mourne. Also Good Ecological Status Borough Council parkland at Woodburn Playing Fields, land near Prospect Steam and Salthill Park. downstream in Outer Belfast Lough and Good Ecological Potential Potential for further extension to this by including land at Ulidia Integrated College as well as road downstream in Inner Belfast Lough. alterations in the Hawthorn Avenue area to transfer excess surface water into Salthill Park. • Facilitate sustainable development in the sub-catchment area.

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 NORTH FORESHORE STUDY AREA | 119 NORTH FORESHORE 05 STUDY AREA Premier Drive Stream Corridor - OVERVIEW OF OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS 01 River Restoration & Storage Upper Catchment Management/Natural Flood Management. 01 02 02 02 02 06 Carrickfergus Catchment- Carr’s Glen River Corridor- Natural Flood Management, River Restoration & Storage River Restoration & Storage 02 02 02 02

03 03 Greenisland Catchment- 01 03 River Restoration & Storage

08 03 07 04 Glengormley Area- Fortwilliam Stream Corridor- Surface Water Management / Storage 08 River Restoration & Storage 07 01 08 08 07 Newtownabbey Area- River and Floodplain This map provides an overview of the opportunity based solutions identified from Restoration all four sub-catchments which will be taken 04 forward for more detailed assessment as part of the delivery of the Plan. 05

Sewerage network improvements 06 throughout the area including increased capacity, CSO screening and storage.

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 CHAPTER 10 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA-WASTEWATER TREATMENT SOLUTIONS | 121 INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA-WASTEWATER TREATMENT SOLUTIONS

INTRODUCTION • The need to provide enhanced levels of WASTEWATER TREATMENT OBJECTIVES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CATCHMENT BASED final effluent treatment at WwTW, in line 10.1 As set out in Chapter 5, the Living With with regulatory standards; 10.4 The main objectives identified by the TWG are: SOLUTIONS Water approach involves the development • The need to extend sea outfalls at four 10.5 A major long term programme of sewerage • Reduce risk of coastal flooding impacting of catchment based solutions to address the WwTW in line with regulatory standards; network transfers and WwTW upgrades performance of Greenisland and drainage and wastewater problems across an d have been identified for the Plan. These Whitehouse WwTW; greater Belfast. This approach is focused on improvements are outlined in this chapter • The need to increase the capacity at managing rain water more naturally through • Reduce the number of people / properties and include providing combined wastewater WwTW to meet current requirements the catchment by controlling run-off, reducing at risk of internal out of sewer flooding storage both within the network and at and allow for future growth (as set out in peak flows in the drainage systems and across the six sewerage networks; WwTW, enhancing wastewater treatment Section 2, Belfast WwTW has no capacity providing areas for flood storage. capacity and standards. The improvements to complete routine maintenance • Reduce the risk of external out of sewer also include extending the sea outfalls of four 10.2 Chapters 7, 8 and 9 outline potential or cope with unexpected shocks. flooding across the six sewerage networks; WwTW to improve dilution and dispersion of opportunities for integrated catchment based Significant capacity problems also exist at • Facilitate sustainable development by tre ate d e ffl u e n t. solutions which include a combination of both Kinnegar, Whitehouse, Greenisland and increasing capacity within WwTW and blue/green infrastructure and conventional Carrickfergus WwTW). sewerage networks to support new 10.6 The scale of these works will be dependent on hard engineered measures. However, no connections; and the delivery of the catchment based solutions amount of catchment based solutions will © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 • Contribute to water quality improvements identified in chapters 7, 8 and 9 and the amount remove the need for the efficient and effective and achieving Good Ecological Potential of rain water removed from the sewerage treatment of the wastewater that we produce. and Good Ecological Status in catchment networks. Progression is dependent on the This chapter identifies the pressures and issues watercourses, in Belfast Harbour and the successful outcome of public engagement across the six WwTW that discharge into Belfast Inner Lough. / consultation, detailed appraisal and design Lough and includes potential opportunities work and securing the necessary funding and for integrated catchment based solutions to CARRICKFERGUS WWTW approvals (e.g. business case, planning). meet the future wastewater treatment needs of greater Belfast. Figure 10.3 shows the location of the six WwTW. GREENISLAND WWTW

PRESSURES AND ISSUES WHITEHOUSE WWTW SEAHILL WwTW 10.3 The main pressures and issues identified by the Technical Working Group (TWG) are: BELFAST WWTW KINNEGAR WWTW • Risk of out of sewer flooding in the networks upstream of all of the WwTW and coastal flooding at Whitehouse and Greenisland WwTW; • Water quality issues arising from unsatisfactory discharges from combined se w e r o ve rflo w s; Figure 10.3 – Location of WwTW in Belfast Lough WASTEWATER TREATMENT WASTEWATER TREATMENT CHAPTER 10 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA-WASTEWATER TREATMENT SOLUTIONS | 123 INNERPRESSURES ANDBELFAST ISSUES LOUGH OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS Sewerage network capacity issues Transfers of sewage flows from existing STUDY01 throughout AREA-WASTEWATER the Study Area that feed 01 catchments to treatment facilities that into the various WwTW. currently have capacity, to provide the TREATMENT Environmental Designations SOLUTIONS required increase in capacity at the other 02 (e.g. RAMSAR sites). WwTW sites. 03 Designated Shellfish Waters. Upgrading five WwTW to meet more 02 stringent discharge standards based on 03 Water quality within Belfast Lough environmental needs and to provide 04 and counter clockwise gyre. additional capacity for the new connections 05 Designated Bathing Waters. necessary to facilitate economic growth. 01 Provide the increased treatment capacity 01 02 03 necessary to facilitate the upgrade of the 03 sewerage networks served by the six WwTW. Upgrading the outfalls at Belfast, Whitehouse, 04 04 Greenisland and Carrickfergus WwTW. 02 01 04 04 05 01 03 03 04 03 02 02 01 01 04 02 02 03

01 03 01

© Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 © Crown copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7 CHAPTER 10 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA-WASTEWATER TREATMENT SOLUTIONS | 125 INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA-WASTEWATER TREATMENT SOLUTIONS

WASTEWATER TREATMENT W w T W Description OVERVIEW OF OPPORTUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS Whilst there is expected to be no increase in treatment capacity required as a result of 10.7 A review has been completed of the wastewater treatment and collection proposals and these provide a Carrickfergus the catchment transfers, as with the other sites, the WwTW will require the provision of blueprint to meet the strategic objectives of the Plan and provide multiple benefits for the community. An an additional treatment stage and increased storage provision. overview of the proposals which can be carried forward for more detailed assessment is provided in Table 10.7 below. Due to the age of the existing facilities, current population growth projections and the proposals to transfer some wastewater flow to the works, the WwTW requires a major K in n e g a r upgrade. The WwTW will also require the provision of an additional treatment stage and Table 10.7 – Wastewater Treatment Proposals increased storage provision. W w T W Description No major upgrade is anticipated at Seahill with any future work being routine S e a h ill An upgrade is required to cater for growth in the catchment which will see the WwTW maintenance. cross certain thresholds that will necessitate a more stringent treatment standard. The W h ite h o u se envisaged proposals will see a number of sub-catchment transfers both to and from To better satisfy water quality objectives a new extended outfall is proposed for the Whitehouse WwTW to help manage capacity constraints within the catchments along treated wastewater discharging from Belfast WwTW. Under the existing proposals the with the provision of an additional treatment stage and increased storage provision. current outfall will be retained and refurbished for discharge of storm water. Flows from Whitehouse WwTW currently discharge onto the shoreline and into the It is proposed that the upgrade needed to meet the objectives detailed above will be Shellfish Water Protected Area (SWPA). Two new outfalls are proposed; one for storm taken forward in phases; the first of which is due to commence in 2020: and one for final effluent. It is anticipated that the final effluent outfall will need to • Phase 0 will see the treatment capacity of the WwTW increased in the short term Sea Outfalls extend to the shipping channel beyond the SWPA. to permit new connections to the sewerage network, where there are no other The outfall at Greenisland WwTW is undersized and causes flooding of the site during constraints, until Phase 1 is operational. periods of intense rainfall. The proposal is to provide separate new storm and final B e lfa st • Phase 1 will provide a further increase in capacity to cater for longer term growth effluent outfalls. Carrickfergus WwTW has two outfalls of different lengths which both projections and will allow the WwTW to meet enhanced environmental standards discharge above mean low water at spring tide (MLWS) and are on the surface of the required to meet water quality objectives within Belfast Lough. shore and seabed. These are to be replaced by new separate storm and final effluent • Phase 2 will include provision of an additional treatment stage to help meet water outfalls which will be buried and discharge further into Belfast Lough. quality requirements specifically relating to aquaculture and shellfish along with the provision of additional storage to meet water quality requirements and any odour control measures required.

Greenisland WwTW has been identified as a site with land available allowing for a possible significant increase in treatment capacity. An opportunity exists to transfer some of the sewage loads from both Whitehouse WwTW and Carrickfergus WwTW Greenisland catchments to Greenisland WwTW to free up capacity at both these facilities. A new treatment process is required to cater for the increased flow. As with the other sites, the WwTW will also require the provision of an additional treatment stage and increased storage provision. CHAPTER 10 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT | 1 2 7 INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA-WASTEWATER TREATMENT SOLUTIONS

10.8 It is recognised that the timing of the sewerage particularly downstream at the WwTW. For network improvements and WwTW will need example, improvements to upstream blue/ to be carefully managed to ensure that no green infrastructure, such as rivers, could enable downstream area is detrimentally affected storm separation to be completed removing by upstream improvements. For example, rain water from the combined sewerage the capacity of the WwTW may need to be network. This not only potentially reduces the increased before sewerage networks are scale of the sewerage network upgrades but improved upstream to ensure the additional also impacts on the scale of the improvements sewage loads can be safely treated. needed at the WwTW. Chapter 12 provides more information on the phasing of works. 10.9 The type and scale of solutions employed to deliver these improvements will also be informed by the ongoing integrated drainage and environmental modelling work (set out in Chapter 5) and delivery of the catchment based solutions set out in chapters 7, 8 and 9. This will require careful phasing of works to ensure solutions of optimum scale are delivered,

BELFAST HARBOUR SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT | 1 2 9 CHAPTER 11 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT HABITATS REGULATIONS ASSESSMENT (HRA) INTEGRATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL selection of the most sustainable solutions for long term drainage and wastewater (SEA) 11.6 The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/ ASSESSMENT management. 11.1 The SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) has EEC) on the conservation of natural habitats 11.8 The environmental assessment process has 11.9 The SEA objectives were integrated within been implemented 9 in order to integrate and of wild fauna and flora obliges member formed an integral part of the development the Plan development Multi Criteria Analysis environmental considerations into the states to designate, protect and conserve and assessment of this Plan. The key stages (MCA) to promote the selection of sustainable preparation of plans and programmes and is habitats and species of importance. Article 6(3) when environmental assessment was included integrated water management solutions. a means of ensuring a high level of protection of the Habitats Directive requires that: in development of this Plan are outlined These SEA objectives are given in Table 11.9. for the environment, while also promoting in Figure 11.8. Having the environmental The sub-objectives highlighted in green sustainable development. assessments integrated with the Plan are within the scoring criteria used within assessment process was to encourage the 11.2 The SEA Directive requires that certain plans objectives of the MCA. and programmes, prepared by statutory bodies, Any plan or project not directly which are likely to have a significant impact on connected with or necessary to the the environment, be subject to the SEA process. PLAN SEA/HRA conservation of a site but likely to Strategic level pressures and issues identified Screening for all potential environmental 11.3 An SEA Screening Report was completed in have a significant effect thereon, at IDIP Workshops by TWG p re ssu re s March 2017 and sent to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs either individually or in combination (DAERA), as the statutory consultee for SEA in with other plans or projects, shall be Long list of water management so lu tio n s Environmental team inputs Northern Ireland. It was concluded that the Plan subject to appropriate assessment of would require SEA. its implications for the site in view of Shortlist of water management solutions Environmental team inputs 11.4 SEA Scoping and scoping consultations were the site’s conservation objectives. undertaken between April 2017 and May 2019. Due to minor amendments to the scope of the Optioneering of grouped actions Environmental team inputs

Plan, DAERA were consulted again in March 2020. area within Study Areas Completed for each catchment 11.5 An integrated environmental assessment 11.7 Any proposed plan or project that has potential of options took place as part of the Plan Selection of preferred option for each Study Environmental assessment against assessment process. An HRA was also to result in a significant effect on a designated Area following Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) Strategic Environmental Objectives (SEOs) European site will require an Appropriate (developed by SEA team) undertaken as part of the environmental 10 assessment process and the outcomes were Assessment (AA) . incorporated into the SEA Environmental Report. Environmental assessment against SEOs Integration Review (developed by SEA team)

Draft Belfast Plan SEA Environmental Report

Final Belfast Plan SEA Statement

9 Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. 280/2004) 10 Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 Figure 11.8 - Environmental Assessment Stages of Plan SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT | 1 3 1 CHAPTER 11 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Table 11.9 - SEA Objectives Table 11.9 - SEA Objectives C r ite r ia O b je c t iv e Sub-Objective In d ic a to r s T a rg e t C r ite r ia O b je c t iv e Sub-Objective In d ic a to r s T a rg e t Biodiversity, 1 Su p p o rt A Preserve, protect, Status, condition, Potential to Population & 2 Su p p o rt B Support social Incorporation Potential to Flora & Fauna International maintain and area and number m ain tain Human Health sustainable inclusion through of amenity and provide amenity and National where possible of International or enhance e c o n o m ic the provision re c re atio n b e n e fits and recreational Environmental e n h an c e and European internationally growth and of amenity (e.g. parks, areas, with Designations internationally sites and species. p ro te c te d social inclusion in / recreation bathing waters, m u lti-b e n e fit fo r flo ra an d protected species SACs, SPAs, Ramsar species and their B e lfast. facilities, through landscape visual integrated water fauna and avoid and their key site s key habitats, integrated water improvements) management d am ag e to habitats, through in line with management. into planned sc h e m e s. natural habitats integrated water conservation development. and species. management. objectives. Provision of B Preserve, protect, Status, condition, Potential to am e n ity / maintain and area and number maintain or recreational areas where possible of ASSI, SLNCI, enhance national in socially sensitive enhance national NRs, LNRs and an d lo c al areas (e.g. NRAs and local nature local conservation conservation and ). conservation designations and site s an d Geology, Soils 3 M in im ise A M in im ise Area and zoning Minimal potential site s an d their species. their species, and Land Use damage or loss of damage to the o f lan d . for disruption p ro te c te d in line with soil resources and function and to and loss of species, or other conservation Loss or damage lan d u se . quality of the to sensitive soils sensitive soil and known species objectives. soil resource in land resources, of conservation and land uses the study area e.g. peatlands with potential for concern, through and ensure enhancement of integrated water and productive compatibility agricultural land. lan d u se s. management. with existing Population & 2 Su p p o rt A Support the Potential cost/ Potential to or proposed Human Health sustainable growth of the contribution contribute to the land uses in e c o n o m ic Belfast Economy, to the Belfast Belfast economy, development growth and th ro u g h e c o n o m y. generating and operation o f w ate r social inclusion in integrated water B e n e fit-c o st ratio in c o m e , management B e lfast. management. of proposals. p ro v id in g employment, infrastructure. N atu ral with multi- environment b e n e fit c ap ital. integrated water management sc h e m e s. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT | 1 3 3 CHAPTER 11 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Table 11.9 - SEA Objectives Table 11.9 - SEA Objectives C r ite r ia O b je c t iv e Sub-Objective In d ic a to r s T a rg e t C r ite r ia O b je c t iv e Sub-Objective In d ic a to r s T a rg e t W a t e r 4 Support the A Support the WFD Status of surface No deterioration Material Assets & 7 Su p p o rt A Support the Population / Po te n tial Water Framework by contributing and groundwater’s in water body Infrastructure sustainable sustainable infrastructure to e n ab le Directive (WFD) to improvements hydromorphology. status and g ro w th o f g ro w th o f vulnerable to / at development in and the Floods in water quality N I W ate r d ata – potential to material assets Belfast, through risk o f flo o d in g . Belfast through Directive. an d w ate r contribute to CSO spills & UIDs. and infrastructure integrated water River / network provision of river status through the achievement in Belfast. management. c ap ac ity. and drainage integrated water of water body n e tw o rk management. objectives under capacity and th e W F D . management B Support the D fI R ive rs flo o d No increase o f flo o d risk to Floods Directive extents and in flo o d risk infrastructure. by contributing re c e p to r d ata – and potential Cultural, 8 C o n se rve , A C o n se rve , Potential for Potential to to flo o d risk Fluvial, Coastal, to contribute Architectural & protect, and protect, and impacts on known protect, and management P lu v ial. to w ard s Archaeological where possible where possible archaeological where possible th ro u g h NI Water Data – m an ag in g flo o d H e r it a g e e n h an c e e n h an c e or architectural e n h an c e , integrated water D G 5. risk. the built, the built, heritage features heritage features management. archaeological archaeological or their settings. in development A ir 5 Minimise impacts A Minimise impacts E stim ate d No increase in and cultural and cultural Potential for and operation on air quality. on air quality in construction and potential to h e ritag e . h e ritag e . heritage features/ o f m u lti- the development and operation reduce emissions trails to be b e n e fit w ate r and operation e m issio n s. from construction incorporated management infrastructure. o f w ate r Noise and odour and operation into water management complaints. o f w ate r management infrastructure. management so lu tio n s. infrastructure. Potential for Climatic Factors 6 Su p p o rt A Development DfI Rivers climate Po te n tial heritage features sustainable o f w ate r c h an g e flo o d to provide to be restored due development that management extents and adaptability to to Plan activities. is adaptable to infrastructure that re c e p to r d ata – future climatic climatic change. is adaptable to Fluvial, Coastal, change and safe potential future P lu v ial. exceedance climatic change Potential for the with water and can be safely development management e xc e e d e d . o f w ate r infrastructure. management infrastructure that can be designed to be safely exceeded. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT | 1 3 5 CHAPTER 11 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Table 11.9 - SEA Objectives 11.12 Generally the assessment of the preferred This should lead to improvements in the options found there to be the potential condition of habitats in the International and C r ite r ia O b je c t iv e Sub-Objective In d ic a to r s T a rg e t for construction phase disturbances on National protected sites in Belfast Lough. Landscape & 9 Minimise impacts A Minimise impacts Lan d sc ap e Potential to biodiversity, flora and fauna, people, water Upgrading the WwTW is expected to increase Visual Amenity on landscape and on landscape and sensitivity to protect and, quality, air quality, material assets and the volume of wastewater and storm water to w n sc ap e . to w n sc ap e . infrastructure where possible, infrastructure, cultural heritage features and that can be treated, making them more development. e n h an c e landscape and visual amenity within each of adaptable to future climate change effects. the Study Areas. Potential for landscape and visual amenities 11.15 The assessment process has taken the impacts on 11.13 In the medium to long term, there is potential assumption that the LWWP approach will be visually sensitive w ith th e development for positive impacts on people, soils, landscape, followed during implementation of the Plan, areas (e.g. LCAs, water, climatic factors, air, material assets and i.e. that the first step will be to look at the wider country parks). and operation o f m u lti- infrastructure, heritage, biodiversity and flora catchment and possible blue/green solutions Provision of b e n e fit w ate r and fauna in the Blackstaff, North Foreshore rather than hard engineered infrastructure, with am e n ity / management and Connswater and Lagan Study Areas. These potential to provide the benefits discussed recreational areas infrastructure. positive impacts particularly arise from multi- above. Should this approach not be followed, in socially sensitive benefit schemes, i.e. ones that can protect it would not be in line with the Plan objectives areas (e.g. NRAs people, features and assets from flood risk, and the outcomes are likely to be closer to and Peace Lines). which can also be adjusted to protect against those discussed in the ‘Do Nothing’ scenario. the likely future risks from climate change. The 11.10 As part of the Plan assessment process, all • synergistic effects (two or more effects options that can keep and store water have available options to the Plan were subject to having a greater overall effect than the potential to create new amenity areas, new HRA SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS environmental screening as part of the initial expected); and habitats and improve water quality, while also 11.16 The HRA considered three broad impact short listing process and then environmentally providing extra capacity in the water network • temporary and permanent effects. themes and focused on the following possible assessed via the MCA. Within the SEA process that is needed so that new properties and like ly sig n ific an t e ffe c ts: the preferred set of options for each Study The same method was used to assess the infrastructure can be built to support growth. Area have been fully assessed. Any likely ‘Do Nothing’ scenario, or what effects are 11.14 In the Belfast Lough Study Area, positive • The possibility of likely significant habitat short, medium and long term effects have expected if the Plan does not go ahead. impacts are expected for material assets, loss effects cannot be discounted for been described, as well as how significant which could be significant in the long term. three European sites without further these effects are likely to be, and whether This comes from proposed upgrades to the evaluation and analysis, or the application they are positive or negative. The assessment SEA SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS WwTW, which can lead to a greater volume of of measures intended to avoid or reduce of potential impacts is based on comparison wastewater that can be collected and treated the harmful effects of the potential with the SEA objectives. The potential for the 11.11 The full outcomes of the environmental to a higher standard, supporting the planned projects on these sites. following effects and how they relate to each assessments of the Do Nothing Scenario population growth of Belfast. There is also other was also assessed: and the preferred options for all four Study • The possibility of likely significant Water Areas can be found in Section 8 of the SEA potential for positive impacts on biodiversity, Quality and Habitat Deterioration effects • secondary effects (those that happen Environmental Report. The outcomes of the flora and fauna, water quality, air quality and cannot be discounted for ten European because of primary effects); MCAs for all options considered in each Study climate in the medium to long term, following sites without further evaluation and Area can be found in Appendix F of the SEA the planned WwTW upgrades. Water quality analysis, or the application of measures • cumulative effects (an increased impact Environmental Report. and status of the coastal waters in Belfast intended to avoid or reduce the harmful from more than one effect combined); Lough, as well as the Shellfish Water Protected effects of the potential projects on Area, are expected to improve, supporting the European sites. objectives of the Water Framework Directive. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT | 1 3 7 CHAPTER 11 ENVIRONMENTAL SECTION 3 ASSESSMENT SYNOPSIS

• The possibility of likely significant implementation of blue/green infrastructure Disturbance and Displacement effects as a primary solution for water management • The greater Belfast area was divided into four (iii) Hard Engineered Drainage & Flood cannot be discounted for three European and hard engineered infrastructure as a latter separate Study Areas based on the natural Alleviation Measures - Sewerage network sites without further evaluation and stage, where necessary. In order to mitigate drainage of the area and the wastewater improvements and flood defences analysis, or the application of measures against the potential risk of failure to fully network which sometimes is pumped that are needed to complement any intended to avoid or reduce the harmful meet the LWWP objectives, it is imperative against gravity. catchment based and blue/green effects of the potential projects on that blue/green solutions are considered in solutions. In some circumstances hard • Each area was assessed by a Technical European sites. the first instance, where applicable, before engineered solutions may be the only Working Group made up of representatives or in combination with hard engineered viable option that will address the 11.17 Having conducted further investigation and from DfI Roads and Rivers, NI Water, NIEA and infrastructure. In the absence of undertaking objectives identified within a catchment. analysis it was concluded in the HRA that other key stakeholders including the relevant these catchment based solutions, in line implementation of the Plan will not adversely Councils and Belfast Hills Partnership. (iv ) Upgrades to Wastewater Treatment affect the integrity of any European site. with LWWP objectives, there is a risk that Works - No amount of catchment based the drainage and wastewater management • These groups helped identify the strategic and blue/green solutions will remove options will be undertaken in a non-integrated drainage pressures and issues within the the need for the efficient treatment MITIGATION way, i.e. the Do Nothing Scenario. four Study Areas along with potential of the wastewater that we produce. opportunities such as existing green spaces Upgrades to WwTW within the Plan 11.21 This mitigation will be fully taken into 11.18 SEA and HRA mitigation measures have been that could be used to help control the flow area are needed in terms of the volume consideration and utilised, where appropriate, recommended and provided in Section 9.1 of water or planned capital schemes that of wastewater they can treat and the at the next stages of planning for the of the SEA Environmental Report where there could be modified to incorporate integrated standard to which it is treated. is a risk of potential negative impacts from proposed integrated drainage and wastewater d rain ag e . • Although all of these proposals have been developing or implementing the Plan. These management schemes and projects that come • A series of potential integrated drainage subjected to initial high-level feasibility mitigation measures aim to prevent, reduce from the Plan. proposals were then developed for the four studies and environmental assessment and as fully as possible offset any significant areas focussed on achieving the overarching and some have been progressed to outline adverse effects on the environment due to the objectives of Protect, Enhance and Grow design, many are still at conceptual stage. implementation of the preferred options within MONITORING which fell into four categories. • Progression to a programme of actual th e P lan . 11.22 A recommended environmental monitoring (i) Policy Measures - New policies and schemes on the ground is dependent on programme is provided in Section 9.2 of 11.19 The overarching potential negative impacts procedures to encourage greener drainage the successful outcome of further public the SEA Environmental Report. This wider associated with the Plan are related to the risk solutions and a collaborative approach to engagement / consultation, detailed environmental monitoring will be undertaken of failure to follow the integrated process and drainage and wastewater management. appraisal and design work and securing before the development stage of the next fully achieve the LWWP objectives. It is a vision (ii) Catchment based & Blue/Green Infrastructure the necessary funding and approvals. of the LWWP to develop a Plan for Belfast in cycle of the Plan. This should identify at an Measures - Sustainable drainage systems • These short and longer term proposals do order to protect against flood risk, enhance the early stage any unforeseen adverse effects, as and river restoration works that are aimed at however form the blueprint for integrated environment and support economic growth, well as any positive outcomes that are due to managing water on the surface and, where water management within the study in accordance with the principles set out in the implementation of the Plan. possible, at source. Storing and attenuating area that can help to meet the strategic Long Term Water Strategy. surface water and building storage within the objectives and provide multiple benefits river network will allow storm separation to for the community. 11.20 The current approach (i.e. the Do Nothing be carried out within the sewerage network Scenario) for water management has seen and ultimately reduce the amount of water • SEA and HRA mitigation measures have the majority of investment aimed at hard needing to be treated at the Wastewater been recommended where there is a engineered infrastructure. The LWWP Treatment Works. risk of potential negative impacts from promotes a more integrated and sustainable developing or implementing the Plan. approach to water management through the SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT | 1 3 9 SECTION 04 THE DELIVERY FRAMEWORK

ORMEAU AVENUE SEWER UPGRADES (2019) SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT THE WORK PROGRAMME | 141 CHAPTER 12 THE WORK PROGRAMME

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMME integrated sustainable solutions. Innovative PHASING OF PROGRAMME cannot be completed until the proposed modelling and planning approaches have Boucher Road Sewerage Tunnel extension 12.1 Living With Water in Belfast is a long term plan been initiated and these will continue to (CRITICAL PATH) has been completed to provide the necessary that promotes partnership working to develop progress over the Plan period alongside 12.4 The integrated nature of drainage and additional capacity downstream. Figure 12.4 and deliver integrated sustainable solutions for public engagement and detailed design wastewater systems, and delivery of sustainable below provides an overview of the programme the benefit of society. Figure 12.1 below sets out work, to develop a programme of capital integrated solutions, necessitates careful phasing phasing and critical path needed between the the strategic programme for implementation of improvements. The timing and pace of of capital improvements such that no part of planning and modelling work, delivery of blue/ the Plan over the next 12 years. implementation of the Plan will also be the system is detrimentally affected, either in green infrastructure, sewerage improvements dependent on securing the necessary funding the short or the long term. This is known as the and upgrades to Belfast WwTW. This phasing 12.2 Since 2015, stakeholders have been working and approvals. ‘critical path’ and is why the programme must approach has been used to develop the short, together to understand common risks, the be delivered in a series of multiple phases. For medium and long term programmes outlined in scale of interdependencies between the 12.3 This chapter outlines the programme of work example, the Sicily Park sewerage upgrades the following paragraphs. various types of drainage and wastewater that is needed to progress these proposals systems and to identify opportunities for from concept through to delivery. Integrated Drainage Investment Figure 12.4 - Programme Phasing and Critical Path POLICY DEVELOPMENT & Planning & Modelling IMPLEMENTATION 1c NFM S u D S Blue/Green Infrastructure PLANNING, MODELLING, DESIGN, APPRAISAL & CONSULTATION (River Attenuation & Restoration) 3 Sewer Network & Wastewater Treatment Appraisials Urgent & Committed Sewerage Network Upgrades in Integrated Drainage and Sewerage Schemes B lac kstaff C atc h m e n t Environmental Modelling & Appraisal 1a 2a 4 Belfast WwTW Belfast WwTW Belfast WwTW Belfast WwTW CAPITAL DELIVERY P H A S E 0 1b P H A S E 1 2b P H A S E 2 5 OUTFALLS CATCHMENT-BASED & BLUE/GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CRITICAL PATH

1 a /1 b /1 c Interim works to provide additional treatment capacity at Belfast WwTW must be completed to Glenmachan Sewerage Project facilitate approved development and urgent sewerage schemes (1a) and provide time for the Belfast Tidal full upgrade of the facilities to be completed (1b). Integrated drainage investment planning and HARD ENGINEERED DRAINAGE AND FLOOD ALLEVIATION MEASURES S c h e m e modelling must be completed to inform delivery of the blue/green infrastructure (1c). 2 a /2 b Belfast WwTW Phase 1 will provide additional treatment capacity to meet current sewage load and future growth and must be completed in advance of sewerage network improvements which will Belfast WwTW Belfast WwTW Belfast WwTW increase sewage load (less spills means more sewage load carried through to the treatment works) and B e lfa st P H A S E 1 P H A S E 2 OUTFALLS W w T W in advance of Phase 2 which will provide enhanced treatment processes and increased storm storage. P H A S E 0 Kinnegar, Whitehouse, Carrickfergus, Greenisland & Seahill WwTW 3 Blue/green infrastructure improvements such as river attenuation must be completed before any storm separation of the combined sewer network can be carried out which will impact on the scale of WASTEWATER TREATMENT IMPROVEMENTS the sewerage network improvements. 4 Storm separation of the combined sewer network must be completed before required hydraulic A p ril S h o r t Te rm A p ril Medium Term A p ril Longer Term M a rc h capacity of Belfast WwTW can be determined and the necessary upgrades constructed. 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 8 2 0 3 3 5 Hydraulic and sewage capacity of WwTW must be upgraded before the design of the outfall pipe can Figure 12.1 - Strategic Programme be finalised and construction can begin. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT THE WORK PROGRAMME | 143 CHAPTER 12 THE WORK PROGRAMME

SHORT TERM PROGRAMME Development and Implementation of Policy in Belfast. These measures are excellent Delivery of New Proposals M e a su re s examples of the LWWP approach to (2021/22-2024/25) drainage and will help to raise awareness 12.10 Subject to funding and approvals, an 12.7 The proposed policy and procedural investment programme of integrated drainage 12.5 This covers the first 4 years of the programme, of the need for NFM across Belfast. As with measures set out in Chapter 6 will be and wastewater management projects is to from April 2021 to March 2025. It also covers the Ballysillan pilot this should not only developed and implemented during the commence during this period. This will be the first 4 years of the 6 year PC21 investment reduce flood risk in the immediate area and early part of the programme. A number of informed by the IDM and IEM mentioned period for water and sewerage services. further downstream but will also provide these policy measures such as Sustainable environmental and aesthetic benefits. above and is likely to include: Delivery of Committed / Urgent Projects Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Natural Flood Management (NFM) will need to be developed • Belfast Castle NFM / SuDS - as part of • Upgrades of Greenisland WwTW, Kinnegar the proposals for the North Foreshore 12.6 The short term profile includes committed and implemented to facilitate delivery of the WwTW, Whitehouse WwTW, Carrickfergus Study Area, an opportunity has been projects or schemes that have already proposed blue/green infrastructure measures WwTW and Belfast WwTW (Phase 1); identified to provide some small scale commenced, or urgent works that must set out in Chapters 7 - 9. • Commencing the Glenmachan Sewerage flood risk management measures to proceed, to either facilitate new development Project - (including extending the Belfast attenuate surface water alongside the or address urgent pollution or flooding issues. Development & Delivery of Pilot Projects Sewers Tunnel along Boucher Road) access road within the grounds of Belfast These include: and completing sewerage network 12.8 Stakeholders are seeking to progress the Castle, including a swale and a leaky dam. improvements in the area; • the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme; following pilot projects to demonstrate how This project would assess the methods integrated blue/green infrastructure can for constructing and maintaining such • Carrickfergus sewerage network • investment needed within the provide NFM across a catchment. These measures and help raise awareness of improvements; and Whitehouse area to address unsatisfactory projects include: flood risk, SuDS and NFM and provide an • Replacement of Sydenham WwPS. spills from sewer overflows impacting on education tool for local schools. the Shellfish Water at Belfast Lough; and • Ballysillan Playing Fields – D fI is working 12.11 A number of integrated drainage and • Belfast WwTW Phase 0, which is intended with the Executive Office and BCC to Planning, Modelling, Design and Appraisal environmental improvement projects to provide an initial increase in capacity examine the possibility of extending the Work for New Proposals could also be taken forward to address to permit positive responses to planning river floodplain through the park as part of localised flooding issues, reduce pollution 12.9 The programme includes a significant amount application consultations and trade effluent an Urban Villages Regeneration Scheme. and provide capacity for new surface water of further planning, modelling, design and applications in those instances where Attenuating the rivers should not only connections. The exact locations and details appraisal work to further develop the Plan WwTW capacity is the limiting factor reduce flood risk in the immediate area of these projects will be determined through Outputs set out in chapters 7 - 10 into ‘shovel- (network capacity constraints may remain a and further downstream but will also IDM. However, it is likely to include upper ready’ projects. This includes completing the limiting factor) until Phase 1 is operational. provide environmental and aesthetic catchment management (e.g. drain blocking Integrated Drainage Modelling (IDM), Integrated benefits. NI Water is also examining and planting), river attenuation and floodplain Environmental Modelling (IEM) and sewer opportunities to separate out surface reconnection works across all three Study Areas network and wastewater treatment appraisals. water from combined sewers potentially - Blackstaff, Connswater & Lagan Embankment Enabling works are also needed to progress storing this within the park, reducing and North Foreshore. the extent to which combined sewer the new proposals including survey work, overflows operate within the area catchment monitoring, site investigations and improving local water quality. land requisition. • Forth River Attenuation - as part of the proposals for the Blackstaff Study Area, the LWWP team has identified a number of small flood management measures, including leaky dams and weirs, which could be provided along the Forth River SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT THE WORK PROGRAMME | 145 CHAPTER 12 THE WORK PROGRAMME

MEDIUM AND LONG TERM PROGRAMME Long Term Programme (2029/30-2032/33) (2025/26-2032/33) 12.14 The programme of new integrated drainage, sewerage and wastewater management 12.12 The medium term programme covers the projects will continue during this period. This period from April 2025 to March 2029, which could include completing: includes the last 2 years of the 6 year PC21 investment period for water and sewerage • sewerage network improvements across services and the first 2 years of PC27. The long all three Study Areas; term programme covers the last four years of PC27 from April 2029 to March 2033. • the upgrades to Belfast WwTW (Phase 2), constructing new sea outfalls to serve Medium Term Programme Belfast WwTW, Greenisland WwTW, (2025/26-2028/29) Whitehouse WwTW and Carrickfergus WwTW and refurbishing other sea outfalls; 12.13 The medium term programme will continue an d to include further planning, modelling, design • the programme of integrated drainage and appraisal to develop the new proposals and environmental improvement projects. into ‘shovel-ready’ projects for delivery during this 4 year period and beyond. The programme of new integrated drainage, sewerage and wastewater management projects will also continue during this period. This could include: • completing a number of ‘live’ projects carried over from earlier years, such as Greenisland WwTW, Kinnegar WwTW, Carrickfergus WwTW, Belfast WwTW Phase 1, the Glenmachan Project and Sydenham W w P S; • a programme of new sewerage network an d W w T W projects, such as Belfast WwTW Phase 2 and Greenisland sewerage improvements; an d • a programme of integrated drainage and environmental improvement projects across all three Study Areas including upper catchment management and river restoration works to address localised flooding issues, reduce pollution and provide capacity for new connections. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT FINANCING AND DELIVERY | 147 CHAPTER 13 FINANCING AND DELIVERY

ESTIMATED COSTS 13.2 This estimate is based on developing all of SHORT TERM INVESTMENT NEEDS the potential infrastructure projects identified 13.1 It is currently estimated that around £1.4 billion in the Plan but does not include whole life 13.3 Figure 13.3 below provides a profile of the current projected investment needs for the first four years of this could be needed to deliver the integrated costs (e.g. operational and maintenance costs). Plan (2021/22 – 2024/25). This is likely to be adjusted as the projects are developed and more robust cost drainage proposals in all four Study Areas However, it is hoped that the investment in estimates become available. over the next 12 years. Although most of this blue/green infrastructure will not only reduce funding is likely to be on hard engineered the need for some of the hard engineered Figure 13.3 - Short Term Investment Needs (£m) measures such as sewerage upgrades, as infrastructure but will also reduce whole life shown in figure 13.1 below, £201m (14%) is costs. The cost estimates do not include cross- 150 currently needed for blue/green infrastructure, departmental cost savings, such as the savings including river restoration and storage ponds. from spreading construction and maintenance costs across several delivery partners. 120

90 Figure 13.1 - Estimated Expenditure Split £28M OTHER COSTS

£201M BLUE/GREEN 60

30 £1.42 TERM INVESTMENT PROFILE (£M) SHORT 0 BILLION 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25

Ye a r 2 0 2 1 /2 2 2 0 2 2 /2 3 2 0 2 3 /2 4 2 0 2 4 /2 5 To t a l

£715M WwTW B lu e /G re e n 4 13 19 21 57 £479M SEWERAGE NETWORKS S e w e rs 11 38 36 31 116 W w T W 10 16 51 81 158 Other Costs 9 5 4 3 21 To ta l 34 72 110 136 352 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT FINANCING AND DELIVERY | 149 CHAPTER 13 FINANCING AND DELIVERY

MEDIUM AND LONG TERM INVESTMENT NEEDS FINANCING THE PLAN OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNANCE 13.4 Figure 13.4 below provides a profile of the current projected investment requirements for the period. 13.5 As stated initial estimates indicate that 13.7 DfI’s Living With Water Programme (LWWP) Given how far in the future this is, the medium and long term investment profile will inevitably change and implementation of the Plan could cost Division will be responsible for managing will therefore be kept under review. approximately £1.4billion, with £200m needed delivery of the Plan through the existing for investment in blue/green infrastructure. governance and delivery structures outlined Figure 13.4 - Medium and Long Term Investment Needs (£m) in Figure 13.7. A Programme Board, chaired 13.6 Almost £1.2billion of this investment is needed by DfI, with appropriate knowledge and 400 to upgrade WwTW and sewerage systems authority to take decisions on the long term across the greater Belfast area. With NI Water strategic approach to the provision of drainage continuing to receive around 70% of its infrastructure has been established. The Board 350 funding from public expenditure, it will be a is supported by an Interdepartmental Advisory significant challenge to fund delivery of the Group which will meet when required to assist Plan in the current financial climate, particularly 300 development and delivery of the programme. given the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on our economy. However, without 13.8 A LWWP Steering Group, made up of the 250 this investment, flooding and pollution will drainage providers NIEA, Belfast City Council intensify and future development of the area (BCC) and DfI LWWP, will oversee delivery of covered by the Plan may be constrained. We the integrated programme and report to the 200 all live with water so we all have a stake in Programme Board. The LWWP Steering Group delivering a long term, integrated solution for will oversee the Integrated Drainage Modelling 150 our drainage and wastewater management (IDM) and Integrated Environmental Modelling needs. The drainage of surface water and (IEM) work outlined in Chapter 5 and the the effective treatment and management of appraisal and delivery of integrated drainage 100 sewage are essential for good public health, projects by DfI Roads and Rivers, NI Water and economic growth and a healthy, natural other partner organisations such as BCC. environment. 50 13.9 With over 80% of the programme likely to be invested in sewerage networks and WwTW, the

MEDIUM AND LONG TERM INVESTMENT PROFILE (£M) 0 established regulatory Price Control structures for water and sewerage services will play a key 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30-2032/33 part in monitoring NI Water’s delivery of these elements of the Plan alongside other elements of the Company’s investment plans. This 2 0 2 9 /3 0 - Ye a r 2 0 2 5 /2 6 2 0 2 6 /2 7 2 0 2 7 /2 8 2 0 2 8 /2 9 To t a l function will be carried out by the established 2 0 3 2 /3 3 Output Review Group (ORG) which includes Blue / Green 22 25 25 20 54 146 D fI, NI Water, NIEA, Utility Regulator and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. S e w e rs 49 50 31 87 147 364 W w T W 83 72 131 97 175 558 O th e r 3 3 3 3 12 24 To ta l 157 150 190 207 388 1,092 SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT FINANCING AND DELIVERY | 151 CHAPTER 13 FINANCING AND DELIVERY

Figure 13.7: LWWP Governance & Delivery Structures NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR DELIVERING INTEGRATED DRAINAGE LWWP BOARD Responsibilities: is described in Chapter 5, with the potential NI • Ensure the programme stays on track 13.10 In order to progress development and delivery projects identified being set out in Chapters 7 U t ilit y B e lfa s t N I Environment • Provision of guidance to the programme of the integrated drainage and wastewater to 10. In order to progress detailed appraisals DFI R e g u la to r C it y W a t e r A g e n c y • Authorise programme changes management proposals, new arrangements are of integrated drainage schemes that focus (UR) C o u n c il (NIEA) • Monitor risks and agree remedial action needed for the various key stages of scheme on LWWP objectives rather than those of any development from initial planning through single participant, new appraisal guidance and to construction and long term maintenance, business case templates are being developed. LWWP INTERDEPARTMENTAL ADVISORY GROUP as illustrated in figure 13.10 below. The new Development of this appraisal guidance is planning, modelling and appraisal process being overseen by the LWWP Steering Group. DAERA D o F D fC SIB

Responsibilities: • Provide support/advice to LWWP Board Figure 13.10 – Key Stages of Project Development • Support the development and delivery of the Programme

PLANNING LWWP STEERING GROUP Responsibilities: • Overnight/Monitoring of delivery MODELLING D F I (LW W P / N I • Stakeholder Engagement NIEA UR BCC APPRAISAL Roads/Rivers) W a t e r • Reporting and escalation to LW W P B o ard PROCUREMENT DESIGN CONSTRUCTION Integrated Drainage Modelling & Integrated Environmental SEWERAGE & KEY STAGES OF SCHEME DEVELOPMENT Appraisal Steering Modelling Steering Group WASTEWATER Group DfI/NI Water NI Water /NIEA/UR /DfI/AFBI MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE

INTEGRATED DRAINAGE & FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT D fI R o a d s Partner Organisation N o r th e rn Price Control Output a n d R iv e rs (Dept, Council, etc) Ireland Water Review Group Responsibilities: • Monitoring NI Water’s performance • Monitoring water and sewerage investment • Change control SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT FINANCING AND DELIVERY | 153 CHAPTER 13 FINANCING AND DELIVERY

PROCUREMENT, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & 13.12 It may be decided that a project in one small STAFFING AND RESOURCES • continue to develop partnerships with key geographical area will include works to stakeholders including large landowners, MAINTENANCE improve drains owned by DfI Roads, carry out 13.13 In terms of delivery of this Plan, the proposed other government departments, councils 13.11 Each of the drainage providers have well storm separation to remove surface water from investment in hard engineered measures, and other public bodies; and established and proven arrangements for a NI Water combined sewer, develop a SuDS such as sewerage networks and WwTW, will • ensure integrated drainage and wastewater procuring, designing and constructing attenuation pond in a council park, and restore be taken forward by NI Water through the management becomes a key consideration upgrades and carrying out maintenance a previously culverted watercourse managed resources available through the PC21 and in future land use planning decisions. to their own assets. In order to efficiently by DfI into an attractive open river. DfI’s LWWP PC27 Price Controls. DfI’s LWWP Division implement this Plan, NI Water’s new framework Division may then decide that this be bundled will provide the central coordination and contract for the delivery of projects with a up to make a project greater than £10m to be management for development of the policy MONITORING AND REVIEW capital cost of up to £10m has been developed efficiently delivered by NI Water’s Major Project issues identified in this plan along with the 13.15 With a programme of this scale and nature so that it can also be used by DfI for the Framework with DfI Rivers fulfilling the role of appraisal, design, procurement and delivery it is imperative that options are reviewed detailed design and delivery of drainage type client. D fI’s LWWP Division will also determine: of the blue/green infrastructure measures and assessed on a continuous basis as new projects within the LWWP. NI Water and DfI are and coordinate delivery with hard engineered • when each Plan project should ideally evidence, modelling data and opportunities currently working together to establish a Major elements of the programme. take place, taking account of the critical are identified. This will ensure the programme Projects Framework so that this can be used path and phasing arrangements as set out 13.14 Small dedicated LWWP teams have been is delivered on the basis of the most up to date for the detailed design and delivery of projects in Chapter 12; and established within both DfI and NI Water to information available and not based on data with a capital cost of over £10m from the spring • any new asset ownership and related long manage the development and subsequent that may be 10 or 12 years old. of 2022. A key role of D fI’s LWWP Division will term maintenance responsibilities. implementation of the Plan. This has included be to determine the procurement strategy providing additional staff resources and 13.16 As detailed in Chapter 11 of this Plan, the wider for each element of the Plan in consultation funding to carry out ongoing modelling and environmental monitoring recommended in with the LWWP stakeholders so they can be appraisal work. However, most of the current Section 9.2 of the SEA Environmental Report delivered efficiently and with least disruption. staffing and support for the LWWP is being will be undertaken before the development stage of the next cycle of this Plan. This should This will include agreeing: provided from within the existing resources of the organisations involved. Additional staff identify at an early stage any unforeseen • which elements will be bundled up resources will be needed to: adverse effects, as well as any positive to make larger packages of work for outcomes that are due to implementation of delivery as a project under a contract or • progress delivery of the blue/green th e P lan . disaggregated into smaller packages that measures within the Plan where no existing can be delivered under separate contracts delivery mechanism exists; 13.17 In terms of benefits realisation, the Plan will be or in phases; • fulfil the proposed c oordination role for monitored annually as part of DfI’s reporting processes, with full reviews of the Plan to be • which procurement method should the future delivery of catchment based completed every four years. The LWWP will be used (options include partners’ own solutions set out in Chapters 7-9 including also be subject to the Department of Finance’s arrangements, frameworks or stand-alone determining the procurement strategy for NI Gateway Review process for NI capital competitions); and each element of the Plan; investment projects and will have a series of • which partner should act as a lead client independent peer reviews at key stages. and contract manager. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT FINANCING AND DELIVERY | 155

SECTION 4 SYNOPSIS

• Delivery of sustainable integrated solutions • It is currently estimated that a further necessitates careful phasing of capital £200m of public funding could be needed improvements such that no part of the for blue/green infrastructure measures system is detrimentally affected, either in such as river restoration. However, to the short or the long term. This critical path progress delivery of these measures, new has informed the strategic programme for arrangements are needed for the various implementation of the Plan over the next key stages of scheme development, from 12 years, which is currently estimated at planning through to construction and for around £1.4 billion. long term maintenance. • O ver £1.2 billion of this funding is needed • Frameworks are being established for hard engineered measures, such as whereby capital drainage projects can be sewerage networks and WwTW. With NI jointly procured and commissioned under Water continuing to receive around 70% of th e LW W P. its funding from public expenditure, it will • DfI’s LWWP Division will be responsible for be a significant challenge to fund delivery of overseeing delivery of the Plan through the Plan in the current financial climate. the existing programme governance and • However, without investment there may be delivery structures. development constraints in the wastewater • In terms of benefits realisation, the Plan treatment system in many areas across will be monitored annually as part of DfI’s Belfast, which may have implications for reporting processes, with full reviews of economic development, housing and the the Plan to be completed every four years. environment. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT GLOSSARY OF TERMS | 157 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

TERM DEFINITION TERM DEFINITION

A sse t An asset is a resource with economic value that an individual, company or Combined sewer overflows Combined sewer overflows are pipes and pumps which allow excess flows country owns or controls with the expectation that it will provide a future of highly-diluted wastewater which, in many cases passes through screens, b e n e fit. to remove plastic and rags, to be returned into watercourses / rivers and the sea to help prevent homes and businesses from being flooded. Many Attenuation tank A tank, drain or sewer that has been designed to hold back part of the peak of these overflows are designed to comply with national standards and any flow caused by a rainfall event (otherwise known as a storm), therefore discharges are consented to by the NIEA. making the peak smaller and reducing the risk of flooding. An attenuation tank on either a NI Water foul or combined sewer is called a Combined sewers These pipes carry both wastewater, from homes and businesses, and ‘wastewater storm tank’. rainwater, which runs off from roads, drives and roofs (impermeable surface areas), to wastewater treatment works. In NI most are owned by NI Water. Blue/green infrastructure A strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide Culverted watercourse A section of a watercourse that passes below the ground by means of a range of ecosystem services. Some organisations, such as Belfast City drain or culvert, where a “culvert” is used to describe any pipe or conduit Council, prefer to use ‘green / blue’ infrastructure; it means the same. through which a watercourse passes.

Blue/green spaces Blue spaces cover all open water bodies such as rivers, canals, reservoirs, Designated Watercourse A watercourse within NI that is designated by the Drainage Council under lakes and loughs. Green spaces cover all areas with natural porous surfaces the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973. Designated watercourses are such as grass and planting (e.g. parks, fields, gardens). maintained (not owned) by DfI Rivers.

C a tc h m e n t The area of land, including the hills and mountains, woodlands, and D ra in Pipes that convey surface water by gravity and are not classified as either buildings which water drains from, before flowing into a river, lake or lough. a foul sewer or combined sewer. Within NI this term is typically used to describe the drainage pipes that are neither owned by NI Water nor are a Climate Change The rising average temperature of Earth’s climate system, called global designated watercourse. warming, is driving changes in rainfall patterns, extreme weather, arrival of seasons and more. Collectively, global warming and its effects are known as Drainage Network A collective term to cover a system of open channels, watercourses or climate change. pipes that convey surface water.

Climate Change Adaptation The process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In Drainage and Wastewater A plan which sets out how water and wastewater companies intend human systems, adaptation seeks to moderate or avoid harm or exploit Management Plan to extend, improve and maintain a robust and resilient drainage and beneficial opportunities. wastewater system. The plan will take a long-term view, setting out a planning period that is appropriate to the risks faced by each company, but Climate Change Mitigation Climate change mitigation consists of actions to limit the magnitude with a minimum period of 25 years. or rate of global warming and its related effects. This generally involves reductions in human emission of greenhouse gases and actions to absorb Drainage Area Plan An investment plan for a single sewerage network, generally combined, carbon dioxide, such as planting trees. Within the context of drainage foul and connected networks. It is the output of a Drainage Area Study and wastewater this term is typically used to describe anything manmade. (DAS). However, natural features are also an asset, for example, a healthy peat bog Drainage Infrastructure A term used to collectively describe all the assets within a drainage system. provides storm attenuation. Drainage Scheme This is typically used to describe a project that includes work on a Coastal Flooding Flooding that has come onto land from the sea. watercourse in order to improve the drainage of an area. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT GLOSSARY OF TERMS | 159 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

TERM DEFINITION TERM DEFINITION

Drainage system A term used to collectively describe all drains, watercourses and sewers In te rn a l fl o o d in g Where the inside of a house or an attached garage is flooded that convey water from the land to a receiving water. Out of Sewer Flooding Flooding caused by water that has come out of a foul or combined sewer. Flood Risk Management A plan that identifies flood hazards / risks and a range of measures to P la n manage flood risk. Preparation of this is a requirement of the Floods Private Drainage A term used to describe drainage pipes that are neither owned by a public Directive. Infrastructure body nor a designated watercourse. This could include privately owned sewers, drains and pumping stations. Foul water sewers These carry wastewater from homes and businesses to a wastewater treatment works. In NI most are owned by NI Water. Public sewers Sewers that are owned and operated by NI Water.

Fluvial Flooding Flooding from a river or watercourse. Receiving water The body of water that a drainage system ultimately discharges into. This could be a lake, a major river or the sea. Habitats Regulations This refers to the several distinct stages of Assessment which must be Assessment (HRA) undertaken, to determine if a plan or project may affect the protected Rising main A pipe that is used to convey sewage or surface water flow from a features of a habitats site, before deciding whether to undertake, permit or pumping station to a higher area. As its contents are being forced to rise it authorise it. operates under pressure. Sometimes also called a pumping main.

Hard Engineering Hard engineering involves the construction of physical structures, typically River Attenuation The slowing down or dampening of river flows through features such as involving concrete. w e irs.

G u lly A gully is a drainage pit, covered by an open metal grating, located on the River Basin Management A plan that identifies water quality risks and how organisations and road edge. Its purpose is to drain rain water from the highway into a drain P la n stakeholders can work together to deliver a range of measures in order to o r se w e r. improve water quality. Preparation of this is a requirement of the Water Framework Directive. Integrated Drainage A plan that sets out how the water quality issues and flooding risks within Investment Plan the selected Study Area covered by the plan will be addressed through R iv e r fl o o d in g Flooding that has come onto land from a watercourse. Sometimes known changes and investment. These sit below the Plan. as ‘flu v ial flo o d in g ’.

Integrated Drainage Catchment scale modelling that replicates the sources of water in order R o a d d ra in A pipe used to convey surface water away from a road. In NI most are M o d e llin g to replicate the flow paths and locations of flooding that occurs under owned and operated by DfI Roads. existing conditions. It can then be used to assess how the risk of flooding could be mitigated by a range of interventions to determine the optimum Sea outfall A pipe that discharges treated effluent from a WwTW, flows from a CSO and so lu tio n s. / or flows from a wastewater storm tank overflow to the sea.

Integrated Drainage Scheme A project that includes both works on a watercourse, to improve the S e w a g e The flow in foul and combined water that is produced by a community drainage of an area, and foul and combined sewers. of people, for example, from toilets, sinks, washing machines, baths and showers. Typically used to describe the contents of foul and combined Integrated Environmental Catchment scale modelling that replicates the sources of pollution, natural sewers, which can also be called ‘wastewater’. Sewage is the one of the M o d e llin g processes (including ecosystem services) to replicate the water quality that main components of wastewater. occurs under existing conditions. It can then be used to assess how water quality can be improved by a range of interventions to determine the Sewage Related Debris (SRD) This is inappropriate materials such as cotton buds, sanitary products, optimum solutions. disposable nappies and other items that are flushed down public and private toilets and end up polluting our inland and coastal waterways. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT GLOSSARY OF TERMS | 161 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

TERM DEFINITION TERM DEFINITION

Sewerage network This term is used to describe all of the NI Water sewers, overflows, storm W a ste w a te r This is sewage plus other materials such as trade effluent (wastewater from tanks and pumping stations that convey flow to either a WwTW or to a commercial processes) and leachate (polluted water from landfill sites) that receiving water. could also be discharged into sewers or directly to the WwTW by a tanker.

S e w e rs These are pipes that carry surface water, or wastewater. Wastewater Management The collection, treatment and safe discharge of wastewater back to the environment. Soft Engineering Management practices that use sustainable ecological principles to restore shoreline stabilization and protect river habitats. Wastewater Pumping This is a structure to which foul and combined sewers discharge and S ta tio n s includes pumps used to pump the sewage to another location, which Stormwater Management A term used to describe plans to reduce the risk of surface water flooding. could be to another sewer, pumping station or to a WwTW. This could include policy work, preparedness planning and capital works by a wide number of organisations. Wastewater Storm tank A term used to describe a tank that is used to hold back part of the peak flow that occurs in a foul or combined sewer during a rainfall event. These Strategic Environmental A systematic process for evaluating the environmental implications of a can be located in the sewerage network or at a WwTW. After the peak Assessment (SEA) proposed policy, plan or programme which provides the means to look at flow the contents are typically either returned to the sewer or pumped to a cumulative effects and appropriately address them at the earliest stage of WwTW for treatment. decision making, alongside economic and social considerations. Wastewater Treatment WwTW have four main stages of treatment – preliminary, primary, Surface water This is caused by rainwater that falls on the ground, roofs, roads, pavements Works (WwTW) secondary and tertiary. The number of stages depends on what quality the and paths. It can either evaporate back into the air, infiltrate the ground, treated wastewater needs to reach before it can be safely returned back pond on the surface, or flow into a receiving water (such as a river, lake or into rivers or the sea. Some smaller WwTW can be privately owned. the sea) via a wide range of flow paths. Watercourse A channel or passage through which water flows. Surface water flooding This is sometimes known as ‘pluvial flooding’.

Surface water sewers These carry rainwater that falls on roads, drives and roofs directly to a local watercourse, river, soakaway or combined sewer. In NI most are owned by N I W ate r.

Sustainable Drainage Drainage systems designed to mimic nature and typically manage rainfall Systems (SuDS) close to where it falls.

Unsatisfactory Combined A combined sewer overflow that does not achieve minimum S e w e r O v e r fl o w environmental standards, generally being CSOs that overflow too often or are not screened appropriately. Regulators call these ‘Unsatisfactory Intermittent Discharges’, with the word ‘intermittent’ reflecting that the discharge only occurs when it rains.

Urban creep This term is used to describe changes to the urban environment due to home extensions, addition of conservatories and paving over front gardens for parking that can all add to the amount of water going into our sewers and drains. SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT A N N E X A | 1 6 3 ANNEX A CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: QUESTION 2: Do you agree that Belfast is facing significant drainage and wastewater management Do you agree that we need to change the way we manage water flowing through our Y E S / N O Y E S / N O issu e s? urban areas?

Please provide details Please provide details SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT A N N E X A | 1 6 5 ANNEX A CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

QUESTION 3: QUESTION 4: Y E S / N O Do you agree that during periods of heavy rain, green spaces in urban areas should be Y E S / N O Do you agree with the catchment based approach to address drainage and wastewater used to hold water on a temporary basis to help prevent the flooding of homes and management problems? businesses and help prevent sewage spilling into the City’s rivers and Belfast Lough? Please provide details SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT A N N E X A | 1 6 7 ANNEX A CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

QUESTION 5: QUESTION 5: Do you agree that we have identified all of the pressures and issues and set the correct objectives for each Do you agree that we have identified all of the pressures and issues and set the correct objectives for each study area, as set out in Chapters 7 - 10? study area, as set out in Chapters 7 - 10?

BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA Y E S / N O NORTH FORESHORE STUDY AREA Y E S / N O

Please provide details Please provide details

CONNSWATER AND LAGAN EMBANKMENT STUDY AREA Y E S / N O INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA (W w TW) Y E S / N O

Please provide details Please provide details SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT A N N E X A | 1 6 9 ANNEX A CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

QUESTION 6: QUESTION 6: Do you agree that we have identified all of the opportunities for integrated drainage measures for each Do you agree that we have identified all of the opportunities for integrated drainage measures for each study area, as set out in Chapters 7 - 10? study area, as set out in Chapters 7 - 10?

BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA Y E S / N O NORTH FORESHORE STUDY ARE A Y E S / N O

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CONNSWATER AND LAGAN EMBANKMENT STUDY AREA Y E S / N O INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA (W w TW) Y E S / N O

Please provide details Please provide details SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT A N N E X A | 1 7 1 ANNEX A CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

QUESTION 7: QUESTION 7: Do you agree that the proposed measures adequately address the pressures and issues and meet the Do you agree that the proposed measures adequately address the pressures and issues and meet the objectives for each study area, as set out in Chapters 7 - 10? objectives for each study area, as set out in Chapters 7 - 10?

BLACKSTAFF STUDY AREA Y E S / N O NORTH FORESHORE STUDY AREA Y E S / N O

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CONNSWATER AND LAGAN EMBANKMENT STUDY AREA Y E S / N O INNER BELFAST LOUGH STUDY AREA (W w TW) Y E S / N O

Please provide details Please provide details SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT A N N E X A | 1 7 3 ANNEX A CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

QUESTION 8: Do you agree that the levels of investment identified within this plan are necessary and Y E S / N O should be considered a high priority by the NI Executive?

Please provide details SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ANNEX B | 175 ANNEX B OVERVIEW OF BELFAST SEWERS PROJECT

INTRODUCTION There were excessive spills of dilute sewage from The key objectives were to improve water quality in • A large terminal storm water pumping station the old combined network causing pollution, and in the Lagan and Blackstaff Rivers, whist reducing the (41m deep x 37m diameter) with a pump The £164m Belfast Sewers Project was completed an increasing frequency of out of sewer flooding risk of flooding within inner city areas, such as the capacity of 16.75 cubic meters (or tons) per in 2010 and provided a solid start to address the events due to blockages, collapses, and inadequate River Terrace area off the . T h e m ain se c o n d important drivers for investment in the sewerage hydraulic capacity. To start addressing these issues new assets delivered by the project are: • The location of the tunnel is illustrated in Figure networks and wastewater treatment facilities that NI Water undertook the Belfast Sewers Project. It was • 9.4km of storm tunnel ranging in diameter from 2 b e lo w . serve Belfast. designed in the late 1990s, commenced on site in 1.95m to 4m and at a depth of up to 40m; 2006, and successfully completed in 2010. By the late 1990s, the city’s ageing sewerage network was suffering as a result of sustained periods of inadequate maintenance due to funding constraints, coupled with a lack of investment necessary to increase capacity to accommodate the city’s continued growth.

Figure 1: Belfast Storm Tunnel under Construction Figure 2: Storm Tunnel Location and CSO Discharge Input Locations SDIP CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ANNEX B | 177 ANNEX B OVERVIEW OF BELFAST SEWERS PROJECT

The main tunnel starts at Cromac Street and ends The project also incorporated the rehabilitation at a new Terminal Pumping Station (TPS) at Belfast and upgrading of parts of the Duncrue sewerage WwTW, which is within the Belfast Harbour estate. network, however the funding available at that time Tributary tunnels that commence at Glenmachan was not adequate to improve the vast majority of Street, Park Road and Queen’s Quay discharge the sewerage networks that serve greater Belfast. into the main tunnel. This tunnel was designed This project resulted in sewage discharges to the to intercept CSO discharges that were previously River Lagan and its tributaries in the city centre area discharged into the River Lagan via either gravity being significantly reduced, and protected over outfalls or storm pumping stations. Each of the 300 properties from out of sewer flooding (from up CSO pumping stations that the tunnel allowed to to a 1:30 year return period rainfall event). Under be decommissioned had become problematic and Living With Water in Belfast, the Storm Tunnel will be unreliable resulting in flooding, pollution and odours. extended by 3km under Boucher Road to Musgrave The tunnel then attenuates and conveys this Park in order to make connections that will reduce stormwater by gravity to the huge TPS, which the risk of flooding in additional areas and allow is illustrated under construction in figure 3. The reductions in pollution from 20 CSOs. section of 4m diameter tunnel and the TPS provides around 80,000m3 of storage before it spills, which is equivalent to the volume within 32 olympic sized swimming pools. Only if and when the total storage capacity of the tunnel and shaft is exceeded do storm pumps operate, and then discharge the dilute sewage into Belfast Harbour. After the storm has passed the tunnel is emptied and prepared for the next storm by pumping its contents into Belfast WwTW, where it receives full treatment before being discharged to Inner Belfast Lough.

Figure 3: The Tunnel Pumping Station Shaft under construction This is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Keeper of Public Records, © C ro w n copyright and database right 2020 NIMA MOU577.7