Farrans Glanua and NI Water have joined forces with the Responsible Plastic Management Program to work towards their shared goal of sending zero plastic to landfill. Work has already started on several projects across Northern Ireland.

Plans to reduce the amount of plastic being sent to landfill are in place as part of the trunk main works at Fofanny, Tullywhisker and Blackrock to Crocknabohill.

Working together, Farrans Glanua and NI Water, as part of the IF105 Integrated Partnerships Framework, are upgrading the Fofanny strategic watermain, which brings water from Fofanny Water Treatment Works (WTW) in the Mournes west towards Mayobridge and Newry, providing supply to a population of over 30,000.

The construction works, which includes the commissioning of the new trunk main and outlet mains with associated connections, fittings and maintenance, have been progressing well, with works now running through the main street of Hilltown, County Down.

Crocknabohill is situated within the Lough Macrory Water Supply Zone and receives a gravity supply of water from Blacklough. During periods of high consumer demand, lack of hydraulic capacity within the upstream network results in reduced supply. With population growth within the area, the Crocknabohill – Blacklough project will bring significant improvement to the local water network.

During several plastic audits, pipe coverings had been identified as a single use plastic waste stream that could be eliminated from operations. NI Water and Farrans Glanua have been working closely with the supply chain to remove this product from material procurement by purchasing hard, reuseable, recyclable covers instead.

The new initiative, replacing the ‘single use’ plastic socks with collectable end caps which are washable and reusable results in less single use plastic, the avoidance of fly away littering and will continue to ensure a clean water supply. This targeted project results in responsible plastic management  for this trunk main framework, ensuring as little waste as possible, better circularity and a zero plastic to landfill objective.

Gary McFadden NI Water Senior Project Manager said:

“NI Water strives to work in an environmentally responsible manner, demonstrating high standards of environmental care in our projects. We are pleased to work together with Farrans in association with the Responsible Plastic Management Programme to help reduce plastic and work towards our common goal of sending less plastic to landfill.”

John Murphy, Utilities Director at Farrans, said:

“We are delighted to be involved in the Responsible Plastic Management Program and working with NI Water to tackle plastic waste on our projects. Sustainability is embedded into our core business strategy and culture. Farrans Glanua’s actions to date have included packaging refusal, single use plastic audits, training and awareness sessions, a review of our procurement to eliminate plastic in our supply chain, removal of plastic from our marketing and stationery departments and the integration of recycled plastics in our PPE and materials. This project in partnership with NI Water is another significant step in our journey to our zero plastic waste goal.”

Aaron Marshall, RPM Engagement Director, added: “It is so fantastic to see the commitment to sustainable practices on behalf of both Farrans Glanua and NI Water in this critical infrastructure development for Northern Ireland.

“A focus on Zero Plastic to Landfill means efforts in avoiding unnecessary plastics, opportunities for reusable plastics and ensuring plastic is segregated as a resource for recycling rather than treated as a throw away waste. That’s circularity in action.”

NI Water and Farrans Glanua continue to maintain a strong focus on environmental protection, ensuring the lowest impact is made on the natural environment during the construction and operation of water assets.