Consultation on plans for Peel’s regional sewage treatment works closes tomorrow (Friday).

More than 100 responses have so far been made to Manx Utilities about its proposal for the construction and operation of treatment works on the Glenfaba House site, following public displays in December.

Peel Commissioners is to discuss the details of the plan at its meeting next Thursday.

’Broadly speaking the commissioners are supportive to get modern sewage facilities, but it’s a matter of looking at the finer details of what’s proposed,’ said Derek Sewell, clerk of the commissioners.

’They want to see a solution now because it’s been promised for many years. We shouldn’t be discharging untreated sewage out to sea. The sooner they can get that sewage treated, the better.’

The change would result in cleaner beaches for the village as raw sewage will no longer be pumped out to sea.

Residents got to view the designs at Knockaloe Visitor Centre Hall, the former Patrick Old School Hall, and The Peel Sailors’ Shelter on East Quay.

Responses to the proposal were sent via the consultations venues and online submissions.

’The overall theme of feedback was that the work should commence without delay,’ a Manx Utilities spokesman said.

A full review into the responses will be carried out once the consultation closes. These will be included as part of the planning application which the authority is looking to submit later this year.

The authority explained that if plans are approved, effluent will be pumped from the existing station on Peel Promenade through the pipes located in the East Quay. The treated sewage will then return due to gravitational pull that will take the flow back to the existing Peel sea outfall.

The proposed treatment works at Glenfaba is part of phase two of the Regional Sewage Treatment Strategy (RSTS), which seeks to continue with further major improvements in sewerage infrastructure to enhance the island’s environment.

The site was acquired by Manx Utilities in autumn 2017 and was one of four options considered, including the Ballaterson fields next to the power station in Knockaloe and a site next to Glenfaba House on the seaward side.

Manx Utilities said the Glenfaba site would prevent large lorries from having to drive through the town to service the facility and would not require a bridge being built for access. It is also well concealed from sight.

This project is hoped to be completed by 2021.

For more information, search: www.manxutilities.im/your-business/sewerage/proposed-treatment-works-at-glenfaba/

To complete the survey, search: www.manxutilities.im/your-business/sewerage/proposed-treatment-works-at-glenfaba/peel-consultation-online-survey/