Regional Sewage Treatment site agreed for Garff

Tue, 11 Apr 2023

The preferred location for the new Sewage Treatment works for the communities of Laxey and Baldrine has been revealed.

Following a comprehensive review of over 50 potential sites, considering land availability, proximity to residential areas, highway access for operational vehicles, environmental and ecological issues, carbon and whole life costs, the proposed location is within the North Eastern extent of the Axnfell Plantation.

Manx Utilities said the site footprint has been minimised to reduce visible and environmental impacts, whilst still allowing space for potential future expansion.

Where possible the site will be screened and any tree loss will be mitigated by additional planting of native, broadleaf trees both on site and at other Manx Utilities owned sites in the area. 

The land will be transferred to Manx Utilities ownership from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The treatment process at Axnfell and the provision of UV treatment at the Cairn for storm flows will not prevent the “Excellent” bathing water quality standard being achieved in Laxey.

A turbine, housed on the effluent pipeline at the Cairn site, will enable a significant amount of the electricity used to pump sewage up to the Axnfell site to be recovered, reducing the carbon footprint of the scheme. 

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