Upgrade in final stage

We’re excited to share that the upgrade of the Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant is nearly complete, with the final construction task about to begin – connecting the new plant to the existing sewer network.

What’s been happening

In recent months, we’ve started the commissioning phase of the project, where the new and existing plants are being seamlessly connected. Rigorous testing is also underway to ensure everything meets the design requirements and operates effectively.

The project remains on track to stay within budget. But, it’s taken a bit longer than we initially planned – an additional 12 months. Fortunately this extra time has helped us create a high-quality asset that will benefit the community for years to come.

Preparing the plant

In May, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) gave us the go-ahead to proceed with commissioning the plant. Several key commissioning phases are now complete, including:

• Pre-commissioning – conducting thousands of checks while the new infrastructure was dry to ensure all mechanical and electrical components were installed correctly.
• Wet commissioning – circulating clean water through the system to ensure everything works properly, with no leaks or program faults.

Connecting to the network

To connect to the network, our contractor will temporarily redirect sewage flow using a bypass pumping system. This allows us to make the new connection without disrupting the existing sewerage network.

The pumping equipment will be set up outside the current treatment plant site from mid to late November and will be closely monitored while in operation.

Locals might notice some noise

When the bypass pumping is underway, the pumps will run continuously until the connection is complete. Nearby residents might notice some minor noise during this time, depending on their location and the weather conditions.

But we’ll do everything we can to minimise any impact.

You might have also seen some recent work by Telstra contractors along Elliot Street. They installed a new fibre optic cable to connect to the WSTP. This work is now complete, and the area has been restored.

What’s left to do

Once the network is connected, we’ll begin diverting sewage to the new plant and start the biological treatment process. This will take up to one month to complete.

After that, we’ll conduct performance testing for another month. During this time, we’ll run both the new and old treatment plants as one system to ensure everything is working smoothly and to identify any issues.

When the performance test is finished, we’ll work with our consultants to prepare a report for the EPA to seek licence amendment for the upgraded plant.

Dune revegetation

We’re currently awaiting final approval of the landscape concept plan from all stakeholders before we can proceed with the plant zone layout. But, we expect this to be finalised soon.

To get a head start, we’re planning to order 31,000 plants that can be seeded and grown now, ready for planting next year.

Take a closer look

Recently, we installed hundreds of diffuser pads in our two new treatment tanks. These pads will help aerate the tanks as part of the sewage treatment process. You can check out the video to see them up close, as they’ll soon be a hidden part of the system.