TasWater’s $50 million upgrade of the sewage treatment plant at Blackmans Bay has reached a major milestone with flows from the old plant now cut-over to the new facilities.
The new Intermittent Decant Extended Aeration (IDEA) treatment process has the capacity to treat sewage from up to 40,000 households, nearly double what the old plant could manage.
TasWater CEO Michael Brewster said this increased capacity will meet the needs of the growing Kingborough community until 2040.
“We have also paid special attention to the management of odour at the new Blackman’s Bay facility.
“A bio-trickling filter odour control unit has been incorporated to minimise the impact on the community, once we are fully commissioned our neighbours shouldn’t even know we are there.”
Michael Brewster said the Blackmans Bay upgrade represents a very significant investment in Tasmania’s sewage infrastructure.
“It demonstrates TasWater’s commitment to the economic and community development of Tasmania with the expanded capacity enabling both residential and business growth in the Kingston area.”
“Importantly too it will improve the quality of treated effluent discharged from the plant to protect the environment of coastal communities and the River Derwent.”
Construction of new pump stations at Electrona and Margate are also in the final stages.
A new 15-kilometre pipeline will connect these pump stations to Blackmans Bay enabling the existing Electrona and Margate Sewage Treatment Plants to be closed and end the discharge of treated effluent into North West Bay.
“It is extremely satisfying to now have Blackmans Bay on line, and I recognise the massive amount of work carried out by our local contractors and joint venture partners Acciona/BMD (BAJV)”, Mr Brewster said.
The upgrade was first brought to the drawing board by the Kingborough Council back in 2008 and Michael Brewster said TasWater is pleased it is bringing council’s original plan to fruition.
“I appreciate the support Kingborough Council has provided throughout this project and thank the community and nearby residents for their patience during the construction period.”
“I am confident the treatment plants upgrade will provide real benefits to the community and the environment,” Mr Brewster said.
Work will continue at the site through until mid-year to complete the final commissioning process and decommission and repurpose or remove the old facilities.
