First Water Public Private Partnership in Northern Ireland

Under the 25-year contract, the consortium will design, build upgrades and operate four existing water treatment plants that will bring the region's drinking water into compliance with stringent European Union water standards.

The improved facilities, which represent 50 percent of water treatment capacity in Northern Ireland, will provide 105 million US gallons (400 million liters) of drinking water per day. The plants are expected to be operational in 2008.

"This landmark project underscores Europe's growing acceptance of the Public Private Partnership approach for major infrastructure projects and Earth Tech's continued commitment to this market," said Alan Krusi, Earth Tech president. "Our global experience in public-private partnerships and the successful relationship we've had working with Kelda and Farrans on other projects will allow the consortium to deliver the results The Water Service in Northern Ireland requires."

Earth Tech has designed, built and operates water and wastewater facilities in the United Kingdom, Mexico, China, Australia, Brazil, Thailand, the United States and China. In addition, this latest project in Northern Ireland builds upon the longstanding relationship that exists among Earth Tech, Kelda Water Services and Farrans. Earth Tech is collaborating with Kelda on Project Aquatrine, the United Kingdom's largest public-private water initiative, and the Aberdeen wastewater treatment facility in Scotland. In Northern Ireland, Earth Tech and Farrans have jointly built many water and wastewater plants, including Dorisland, Derg, Mourne, Lough Macrory, Carran Hill, Fofanny and Clay Lake.

The initiative is one of two projects being undertaken by The Water Service, an executive agency within the Department for Regional Development, to improve the quality of water and wastewater treatment in Northern Ireland.

Earth Tech Inc. is a world-class provider of a full suite of engineering, construction and operations services to the global water/wastewater, environmental, transportation, and facilities markets. A business unit of Tyco International Ltd. and part of the company's Engineered Products & Services segment, Earth Tech employs some 8,500 talented people, delivering services to customers in 17 countries. Founded in 1970, Earth Tech is headquartered in Long Beach, CA, USA.

Tyco International Ltd. is a global, diversified company that provides vital products and services to customers in five business segments: Fire & Security, Electronics, Healthcare, Engineered Products & Services, and Plastics & Adhesives. With 2004 revenue of $40 billion, Tyco employs approximately 250,000 people worldwide.