RPM Program is delighted to support Farrans Glanua and NI Water in their Zero Plastic to Landfill commitment for the Fofanny strategic watermain upgrade project.
As part of the IF105 Integrated Partnerships Framework, the Fofanny water main upgrade is a critical infrastructure upgrade, 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.
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.
As part of the overall sustainability objectives of the project, Farrans Glanua and NI Water have joined forces with the RPM Program towards their shared goal of diverting all plastic waste from landfill through a plan of reduction, reuse and recycling.
Actions include reducing single use plastic packaging, trials on reusable plastic protectors for pipes, improving segregation and recycling through raising awareness and careful waste management.
Zero Plastic to Landfill is an RPM initiative consisting of a 6 step framework that guides organisations in the identification and diversion of plastics from landfill through an options process for reduction, reuse and segregation for improved recycling.
The goal is not plastic elimination, this is both impractical and may not even be desirable as plastic offer many functional benefits, but it is possible to eliminate plastics from landfill, helping to close the circularity gap and reduce our reliance on virgin plastics made from fossil fuels.
Farrans underwent a series of internal plastic audits to identify opportunities for improvement such as the pipe coverings which had been identified as a single use plastic waste stream and 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.
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.”
Gary McFadden NI Water Senior Project Manager added: “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.”
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 collected and segregated as a resource for recycling rather than treated as a throw away waste. This also protects our natural environment from plastic pollution. 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.