Works a treat

By Lia Bichel
THE Environment Protection Authority has paved the way for multi-million dollar upgrades to a Bangholme treatment plant.
Last week, the EPA granted a works approval notice for extensive upgrades, worth $380 million at Melbourne Water’s Eastern Treatment plant.
The plant, built in 1975, currently treats about 40 per cent of Melbourne’s sewage and supplied 21 billion litres of recycled water in 2008/2009.
The upgrades are aimed to reduce impact on the marine environment at Boags Rocks, where treated water is discharged and to produce more options to use treated water for non-drinking purposes.
The plans for the upgrade had gone through an extremely scientific assessment before they received approval, Charmaine Quick, Melbourne Water’s Acting General Manager of Asset Planning said.
“A lot of work has gone into planning this upgrade, including 12 months of technology trials to find the best method for treating the types of sewage coming into the plant,” she said.
Ms Quick said the marine environment would benefit from less ammonia, discolouration and other impacts from effluent discharged into the ocean.
The EPA was satisfied that the proposed works met the requirements of the Environment Protection Act (1970) and were consistent with state environment protection policies, EPA acting chief executive officer Terry A’Hearn said.
“The works approval process has been robust and consultative and will deliver the best result for the environment and the community,” he said.
Mr A’Hearn said EPA’s decision was based on a thorough review of Melbourne Water’s proposal by independent experts and extensive consultation with the community.
Red Gum Ward councillor Angela Long said she welcomed the upgrade.
“I think it’s fantastic,” she said.
“The upgrades mean we would be able to use more of the water than discharging it into the ocean. I am very pleased.”
Subject to government approval, construction of the upgrade is expected to begin in mid-2010 and is due to be complete by the end of 2012.