A new waste water treatment plant is to be built at Dockyard to cater for increasing numbers of residents and tourists.

The 'West End Water Reclamation Facility' (WRF) will produce reclaimed water for non-potable use, such as in toilets and irrigation, thus reducing demand on other areas. It will be situated opposite the Bastion Wall in Sallyport, beyond Dockyard's rampart walls.

The plant is needed to increase capacity for the "increasing number of visitors expected with the second cruise ship berth and for proposed new housing planned for the West End, up to and including the Boaz Island area," according to architects Conyers and Associates.

It will replace the existing treatment facility at Sallyport, which is described as "in poor condition with an inherent risk of failure". The older plant, 400 metres north of the new site, will be decommissioned.

In a report to Planning, Conyers and Associates said: "The existing plant, which relies on older technology and equipment, experiences occasional upsets, especially during the peak summer period. This in turn results in a significant odour problem and complaints from residents and visitors.

"The plant has reached the end of its normal lifespan and will be unable to meet the increasing demands for waste water treatment in an economic and environmentally sensitive manner."

The new facility will sit on 12 acres of reclaimed land on the northern coastline, five feet above sea level. The 8,087 square foot plant, however, was originally refused Planning permission, due to the land being zoned as recreation and open space under the Bermuda Plan 1992.

There were no objections from the Department of Conservation Services or Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, but in a letter to agents Conyers and Associates, Christine Rickards of the Planning Department said: "Despite the apparent need for such a facility, these zonings do not permit the proposed building and use. The (Development Applications) Board does not have the discretion to approve the application."

The plans were, however, appealed by applicant West End Development Corporation (Wedco) and Environment Minister El James has now granted permission, subject to a building permit.

The facility will consist of two three-storey concrete buildings to the north and south of the treatment tanks. The ground floor will house storage and offices, the first storey sewage treatment, and the second, breakroom equipment.