Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has placed strict conditions on the proposed construction of an upgraded sewage plant in Warrnambool by Wannon Water.
On 15 April 2020, EPA received an application from Wannon Water for a Works Approval to upgrade their sewage treatment plant (STP) in Elliot St, Warrnambool. The upgrade to the plant will increase capacity to manage demand for sewage and wastewater treatment until 2040.
"Following many months of consultation and technical review, EPA has now approved the project but has also set very strict conditions that will protect the environment and safeguard the community," said Steve Adamthwaite, EPA Manager Development Assessments.
As the Environment Protection Act 2017 ("EP Act 2017") has now commenced, the works approval application has been decided as a development licence under the EP Act 2017.
"A key condition will be addressing the community's concerns about the outfall where treated water is discharged to the sea. Wannon will be required to develop a solution that requires extension of the outfall by 30 June 2030," said Mr Adamthwaite
"The new outfall could be as much as a kilometre out to sea which will remove the mixing zone influence on the shoreline and bring about rapid dilution significantly further reducing the size of the mixing zone.
"The upgraded plant will also be subject to licence conditions that tighten the limits for suspended solids, nitrogen, phosphorous and ammonia compared to the current plant.
"This has been a very intensive approvals process and was followed intently by the local community. I encourage people to read the full approvals documents at https://engage.vic.gov.au/epa-works-approvals/wannon-water
