NI Water is warning that recent vandalism acts at its Stoneyford Wetland site could cause serious harm or even potentially death to those who are committing the crimes. The vandalism has cost the company over £20,000.
The company is now appealing for the assistance of the local community after the break in and vandalism of equipment at Stoneyford Wetland.
This is the second incident of vandalism at this site in the last few weeks. The previous occasion in May also involved damage to an excavator and water sampling equipment. The latest incident also involved an attack to a high voltage power supply box.
John Griffin, senior project manager with NI Water commented:
“This wetland is a brand new type of award winning ecological wastewater treatment process and is being piloted at Stoneyford village.
“A number of youths entered the site by climbing over a 2.4 metre security fence. Once inside, they damaged equipment, removed a water sampler unit and threw it into a nearby wastewater pond. “
“The most serious part of this incident is the danger posed to those who entered the site. If someone had fallen into the pond, the bacterial risks of sewage would very likely result in extreme sickness and requiring hospital treatment. The location of this facility is also a factor, a cry for help would not be heard and it could prove difficult for emergency services to find. “
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