Wet weather results in wastewater releases at Bruces Track
Ongoing wet conditions have continued to impact wastewater storages, with East Gippsland Water preparing for a necessary controlled release of recycled water at Bruces Track – commencing on Monday 3 October.
Significant rainfall through winter and our third La Nina weather event in as many years, has resulted in the organisation’s on-site recycled water storages reaching capacity.
Treated wastewater currently held on the Bruces Track wastewater treatment site will be slowly released in a controlled manner through 1.2km of paddocks and adjacent farmland, prior to undergoing significant dilution in Bellbird Creek, in the vicinity of Bennetts Brook Rd, Stock Creek and the Tambo River.
East Gippsland Water’s Executive Manager Service Delivery, Neville Pearce, said after years of drought, the wet conditions were welcome news for the organisation’s water supply, however they created problems for the wastewater system.
“While consistent rain to fill up our water storages is great news for water supply coming into the warmer months, the opposite is true when it comes to wastewater,” he said.
“This water is treated to Class C standard and ordinarily used to irrigate pasture at Bruces Track.
“However, the past 18 months of exceptionally wet weather has meant irrigation has been impossible due to already saturated ground.
“The excess water is too much for our wastewater storages, with releases needed to prevent uncontrolled overflow into the environment.”
Mr Pearce said there had been misconceptions around the quality of the water released (also known as discharges).
“The water has already been through a considerable treatment process, it’s not raw wastewater,” he said.
“Our staff will continually monitor and test the water during the release to ensure a consistent quality to prevent environmental impacts.”
East Gippsland Water is currently notifying adjacent residents, stakeholders and agencies about the imminent release and, as a precaution, warning signage is being erected in the immediate area.
For further information, please contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841.
–ENDS–
26 September 2022