Investigation into blue-green algae at Lough Neagh to focus on Rea’s Wood site

An investigation into recurring blue-green algae in Lough Neagh is set to focus on the shoreline at Rea’s Wood in Antrim.

A report due to be presented to the Operations Committee of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council at a meeting in Antrim Civic Centre on Tuesday evening (5 April) states that, following a preliminary site assessment, a company has identified Rea’s Wood as “a particularly suitable location for the deployment of its equipment during the summer months”.

The report indicates that Varicon Aqua Solutions Limited has formally approached the council to request permission to use the Antrim Lough Shore to facilitate a programme of investigative works.

It states:

“The purpose of these works is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of blue-green algae harvesting techniques within Lough Neagh.

“Following a preliminary site assessment, the company has identified Rea’s Wood as a particularly suitable location for the deployment of its equipment during the summer months, due to the area’s well-documented history of significant and recurring algal bloom activity.”

The proposed installation will consist of a floating containment boom extending up to approximately 50 metres in length, designed to concentrate algal material.

A skimming unit will be positioned at the apex of the boom to collect the algae. Algae-rich water will be drawn from the lough via a skimming system and pumped to a trailer-mounted processing unit.

It is anticipated that the process will operate from late June until early September, during potential peak bloom conditions.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has identified several contributing factors to declining water quality and the spread of blue-green algae in Lough Neagh.

These include pollution caused by excess phosphorus and nitrogen from agriculture, wastewater treatment works, domestic systems and industry entering waterways; climate change leading to “record high” water temperatures; and the presence of zebra mussels, an invasive species that disrupt ecosystems by impacting water clarity.

In January, the borough council renewed funding for Lough Neagh Partnership through a contribution of £24,200.

The partnership has highlighted ongoing concerns over water quality, nutrient overload and blue-green algae, and requested the council provide this funding towards operational costs for the financial year.

Lough Neagh Partnership, a stakeholder organisation which includes the local authority, was established in 2003 to help manage and protect the lough.

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At a glance

• Investigation into blue-green algae planned at Rea’s Wood, Antrim

• Varicon Aqua Solutions seeks permission for summer trial works

• Floating boom and skimming system to be installed (up to 50m)

• Project aims to test algae harvesting methods

• Works expected from late June to early September

• DAERA links algae blooms to pollution, climate change and zebra mussels

• Council recently renewed £24,200 funding for Lough Neagh Partnership