Water recycling
When it comes to recycling water, East Gippsland Water is one of the best performing water corporations in Victoria – often achieving a reuse level of 100% across its 11 wastewater treatment plants.
All the recycled water produced by the corporation is directed at beneficial reuse, with a focus on protecting the environment. It is used on East Gippsland Water’s own properties to irrigate pasture and tree plantations at Newmerella, Mallacoota, Metung, Paynesville, Bairnsdale and Bruces Track Farm near Swan Reach. Third parties to benefit include golf courses and Bairnsdale Racecourse, as well as farmers in Newmerella, Swan Reach, Paynesville, Omeo, Cann River and Kalimna West.
In addition, the recycled water is helping to protect the biodiversity of wetlands including the internationally significant Macleod Morass on the outskirts of Bairnsdale and the Tambo Bay Wetlands near Metung.
Wet weather controlled wastewater releases
The exceptional rainfall over the reporting period placed significant pressure on a number of our wastewater treatment facilities impacted by stormwater infiltration, where the volume of treated wastewater (recycled water) held in storage exceeded what could be used for irrigation.
As on-site storages reached capacity, controlled releases (overland, into nearby creeks and wetlands) were necessary to prevent uncontrolled overflow to surrounding communities and the environment. The wastewater treatment facilities affected were at Paynesville, Cann River, Metung, Lakes Entrance (Kalimna West), Omeo and Bairnsdale, with a total of 1,248ML released.
To comply with regulatory requirements neighbours, nearby residents, government agencies (notably EPA and DELWP) and relevant community groups were notified in advance of the controlled releases. Signage was erected in the immediate area to advise that recycled water would be mixing with other water (such as creek water) and this water should be avoided. Regular samples were taken to monitor the quality of the treated wastewater and minimise any adverse environmental impact – with these results fed through to the EPA.
Unfortunately, we received a fine of $9,087 from the EPA for ‘the unlawful deposit of wastewater into Macleod Morass under the Section 115 (4) of the Environment Protection Act’, for our unavoidable release of some 30ML into the wetlands in April 2022, due to the impact of extreme weather. Further controlled releases will be necessary from various facilities during 2022/23 while the exceptionally wet weather persists. The impact of ongoing releases on our future operations – in terms of environmental compliance and general duty in accordance with the Environmental Act 2017 – will remain a focus for our operational and environmental teams.
Upgrades are being carried out at our Paynesville wastewater treatment facility to future-proof the treatment and irrigation infrastructure. There are currently around 132 hectares of irrigated pasture using recycled water at the facility – including ten hectares purchased two years ago. Irrigation expansion has already commenced to help cope with future extreme wet weather events and meet population growth. Design is nearing completion on up to 50 extra hectares of irrigation, which will be completed in less than 12 months and in time for next summer. A new irrigation storage lagoon will also be constructed.
