Remedial works have been on the wastewater system at the Long Walk in Galway City to reduce the number of wet wipes being discharged into the Corrib.
The works are being carried out on a waste water network chamber at the Long Walk, through which all sewage from the east side of the city flows through on its way to the Mutton Island Treatment Plant.
It is intended that these remedial works, which are due to be completed in September, will reduce the amount of wet wipes discharged into the river during storm water overflow events.
Anthony Skeffington of Irish Water said “The Long Walk wastewater network chamber consists of an entry pipe into a concrete chamber with twin pipes exiting the structure and crossing the River Corrib and out to Mutton Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
“The chamber contains weir plates which are designed to retain the solids in the event of an overflow to the river when heavy rainfall occurs.”
“The purpose of the overflow facility is to prevent surcharging of sewage upstream and causing damage to properties. All foul sewage from the east side of the city flows through this structure on Long Walk.”
These works will enhance the chamber’s ability to retain solid waste after heavy rainfall, so that only a “very dilute effluent” is discharged.
“The works will also reduce tidal infiltration into the chamber and seek to reduce the amount of wet wipes visible along the river bank.”
Part of the project will also involve installing monitoring equipment in the chamber so that Irish Water can measure the frequency and duration of overflow events.
Along with the benefits of improvements to infrastructure, he also highlighted the efforts that the public can make towards reducing the prevalence of wet wipes on the Corrib and on beaches by being aware of what you flush.
“Wet wipes would not appear on our beautiful beaches if they were not flushed down the toilet in the first place. We are appealing to the public to dispose of wipes in a bin and be happy in the knowledge that they are playing their part in protecting the local environment.
