A series of innovative upgrades to the South Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) over recent years are working to minimise treatment costs and contribute to a healthier environment.
Chair of Council's Water Committee Councillor Neil Fisher said that these upgrades are an absolute win for the Rockhampton Region, and a testament to a forward-thinking Council.
"We first laid out these upgrades as part of a strategy that was developed by Fitzroy River Water (FRW) several years ago, and we are now seeing the benefits of this work," said Cr Fisher.
"These upgrades not only limit nutrient discharge to the Fitzroy, they may improve the health of our important fishery and also contribute to a higher quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.
"As well as improving the quality of water being released from the South Rockhampton STP, these upgrades have improved efficiency to the point that we have been able to close the ageing West Rockhampton STP.
"The flow that is diverted from the decommissioned West Rockhampton STP is now being treated to a standard that's three times higher.
"These are great outcomes for our region that we have good reason to celebrate."
FRW Manager Dr Jason Plumb said these upgrades not only significantly improve the nitrogen removal process but are more energy efficient overall.
"Upgrades to the STP include the installation of fine bubble diffused aeration and anoxic mixing processes, which considerably improve the removal of nitrogen, and lead to improved water quality," said Dr Plumb.
"The 2019 year to date average weekly discharge of Total Nitrogen to the estuary is approximately 700 kg/week, which is close to 40% lower than the approximately 1200 kg/week discharged during the same period in 2018.
"These innovative improvements have been implemented all while achieving a reduction in electricity usage at South Rockhampton STP.
"Overall, these upgrades have been very successful."
