Vandalism may cause pollution

Vandalism may cause pollution

30 January 2013 - by BY DAVID TELFORD

VANDALS who regularly targeted a sewage treatment plant in Annsborough over a 12-month period could have been responsible for a major pollution incident, Northern Ireland Water has warned.

Over the past year, there have been 24 separate incidents at the plant, which treats raw sewage from approximately 2,100 properties in the Castlewellan and Annsborough areas.

The vandal attacks — the most recent of which occurred on January 13 — have resulted in damaged control panels, computers and various other equipment on site.

NI Water says it’s biggest fear is that damage to equipment poses a real threat to the treatment processes being undertaken at the site and could potentially lead to a major pollution incident affecting local watercourses.

Mr. Alec McQuillan, the organisation’s head of wastewater, said the incidents at the Annsborough plant over the past year have resulted in “considerable expense and disruption.”

He revealed almost £100,000 has been spent repairing damaged equipment, introducing increased security and installing new equipment at the site.

“That expense creates a drain on limited resources and means that other priority improvements to our services cannot be delivered,” he explained.

“However, what worries us more is the potential for a major pollution incident to occur as a result of the damage being caused.

“This area has a well-deserved reputation for the beauty of the waterways and coastline and we, as a company, view the protection of that environment as a major priority.”

The NI Water chief said it is for this reason the organisation is particularly concerned about the potential the attacks have to cause a significant incident.

He added: “We have been working closely with the PSNI and have increased our own staffing levels at the Annsborough site in an effort to apprehend those responsible, but so far without success.”

NI Water’s concern at what’s happening at the treatment plant is shared by the district’s most senior PSNI officer, Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones.

She said those responsible for the “senseless acts of vandalism” are putting themselves in danger and putting the whole community at risk of a potentially serious pollution incident.

“I would appeal to whoever is responsible for these attacks to stop now, before even more serious damage is caused,” continued the police chief.

“I am also appealing to the public in the Annsborough area to be vigilant and if they have any information, or see anything suspicious, to contact the PSNI at Newcastle police station on 0845 600 8000.”

Chief Inspector Bones said people who prefer to provide information without giving their details, can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.