Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works
NI Water
Operations and Maintenance
Belfast, NI
In May 2024, NI Water awarded CAW, as part of TES-CAW JV, the contract to provide the operation and maintenance services at the Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) in Holywood, Co. Down. This contract was part of an overall contract to carry out a major capital upgrade at the Kinnegar WwTW under the Major Project Partnering Framework, IF106.
Kinnegar WwTW, originally built in 1963, was updated in 2000 to include secondary treatment and other upgrades. The plant currently has a design capacity to treat wastewater for approximately 108,000 people and serves East Belfast, the industrial area of Airport Road West, and Holywood.
The treatment works provide a comprehensive treatment process including inlet screening, primary settlement, Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) secondary treatment, final effluent storage and discharge and sludge thickening and dewatering.
CAW was selected to operate and maintain the site based on its expertise in optimising performance and efficiencies at similar treatment plants across Ireland, as well as a proven track record in maintaining operational plant performance whilst simultaneously facilitating major upgrade works.
Project Highlights
Overview
Between May 2024 and March 2025, CAW operated and maintained the Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) on behalf of NI Water, ensuring safe and efficient plant management while driving operational improvements to enhance performance. Our role included:
- Implementing an Operational Improvement Plan to maximise efficiency and plant performance;
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory licenses and NI Water’s strict standards;
- Maintaining the highest standards of process and operational safety;
- Collaborating with our JV partners to identify and deliver essential base maintenance works, covering civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation upgrades;
- Preparing for upcoming multidisciplinary improvement works to enhance all aspects of the plant’s operations, once funding is approved.
Since April 2025, CAW, as part of the TES-CAW JV, has been retained by NI Water to develop and implement a Programme of Base Maintenance aimed at upgrading a number of key assets across the Kinnegar WwTW and improving the overall performance of the Works.
Operations and Maintenance Services provided
Throughout the Operation 7 Service period, CAW undertook full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the Kinnegar wastewater treatment facility, ensuring safe and effective plant operations. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards included:
- Implementing the TUPE process to onboard the site team including expanding the workforce to include a Site Manager and Process Scientist.
- Identifying and implementing an Operational Improvement Programme focused on optimising operational practices for maximum efficiency and benefit, and to improve operational capacity.
- Applying CAW’s proven methodologies to effectively manage key treatment processes, including:
- Inlet Screening
- Grit Removal
- Odour Control
- Primary Settlement
- Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) Activated Sludge Process
During the operational and maintenance phase, we provided:
- 24/7 operational support, maintenance, and emergency repairs to ensure consistent performance and full compliance with regulations;
- Proactive asset management aimed at maximising performance, optimising energy usage, and extending asset lifespan;
- Detailed monthly reporting, keeping stakeholders informed of plant performance and operational status;
- Strict adherence to on-site health and safety standards, in line with CAW and NI Water policies;
- Comprehensive environmental and compliance plans designed to protect the local community and environment;
- Expert advisory services, incorporating innovative solutions to improve performance and reduce lifecycle carbon emissions.
Ongoing Base Maintenance Services:
As part of the TES-CAW JV, CAW is contributing to the design and delivery of essential base maintenance over a 24-month period to enhance compliance and plant performance. Key improvements include:
- Inlet works upgrade;
- Pumping station and grit trap;
- Storm tanks;
- Swirl-flo tanks;
- SBR system;
- Odour control;
- Sludge treatment;
- Tidal storage and outfall penstock chamber;
- Other miscellaneous works.
CAW is leading the improvements in odour control, sludge treatment, and storm tank management to optimise efficiency and environmental performance.
Kinnegar WwTW Highlights
CAW implemented a tailored and structured onboarding programme, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of the existing Operations team with no downtime. During the contract, CAW expanded the team to include a Plant Manager and Process Scientist to enhance the overall plant performance and optimisation. With increased data collection and analysis capabilities, the team has driven multiple optimisation initiatives to improve efficiency and performance.
For example, by conducting a detailed analysis of data from each stage of the sludge treatment process, the team identified a pinch point that was limiting capacity. Targeted process optimisations were then implemented, successfully increasing sludge processing capacity by 100%
Preparing for the future
TES-CAW JV, has also participated in the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase of the major Upgrade Project at Kinnegar - as part of the Living With Water Programme for the Greater Belfast region.. CAW is participating in an all-Ireland integrated team comprising Farrans Construction, TES Group and AECOM. Working collaboratively with NI Water and its project managers from RPS and AtkinsRéalis, the integrated team is striving to develop innovative, efficient and sustainable solutions for the delivery of and an extensive upgrade of Kinnegar WwTW.
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