Water

Water is an important resource which sustains life for all. The existence of the drought has highlighted our reliance on water and the necessity to reduce water consumption.

State of Water

The state of water during 2004/05 is illustrated using the following key indicators.

The chemical sample taken from the Fish River Water Supply complied with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Farmers Creek Supply was at full capacity for 92% of the time as water was being sourced from Farmers Creek Dam and the Clarence Colliery Water Transfer System.

The blue green algae levels at Lake Wallace and Pipers Flat Creek were well below the alert level of 15,000 cells/mL.

Pressure to Water

The quality of treated effluent entering waterways from the 3 sewage treatment plants has been an issue which has the subject of investigation, negotiation and design with government departments/authorities for some time. The pollution studies and reduction program as detailed in the respective Environment Protection Licences require:

• The completion of certain upgrade works at the Lithgow Sewage Treatment Plant by 31 July 2005 and 31 December 2006.
• The undertaking of an Upgrade Options Study for the Portland Sewage Treatment Plant.
• The completion of upgrade works at the Wallerawang Sewage Treatment Plant by 31 December 2006.

In addition, Council was issued with a Clean Up Notice to remove liquid effluent and sludge from an area at the Lithgow Sewage Treatment Plant premises. A Penalty Infringement Notice was also issued to Council. At the end of the reporting period this Notice had not been complied with.

The pollution studies and reduction programs as outlined in the Environment Protection Licence for the Lithgow Water Treatment Plant requires:

• The undertaking of an Upgrade Options Study for the Plant so that there is no need to discharge backwash to waters.
• The completion of remedial works to the sludge lagoons by 31 December 2005 .

Response to Water

The response to the state and pressures of water during 2004/05 includes:

• The Metropolitan & South Coast Regional Algal Coordinating Committee imposed Blue Green Algal Alerts on Farmers Creek and Lake Lyell.

• On 21 February 2005, Council implemented water restrictions for the use of fixed sprinklers and hoses between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm , 7 days per week in the local government area. It should be noted that restrictions existed prior to this resolution.

• Council has continued to progress the proposed augmentation of the Lithgow Sewage Treatment Plant, and during 2004/2005, finalised tender documents for Stage 1 of the augmentation, as well as called for tenders. Stage 1 includes construction of a three (3) megalitre storm detention pond (for storm surcharge from Number 1 Sewerage Pumping Station), construction of a chemical dosing system to remove phosphorus from the effluent, as well us upgrading of plant and equipment to conform to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000. Planning for Stage 2 of the augmentation was undertaken, with an options study being drafted for comments by stakeholders (Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, Department of Commerce, Department of Environment and Conservation and the Sydney Catchment Authority). Stage 1 of the works will achieve part compliance with the pollution reduction program and when completed, Stage 2 will provide full compliance.

• The Upgrade Options Study for the Portland Sewage Treatment Plant has been completed. It provides 3 options being Maximised Effluent Reuse; Effluent Release and Partial Effluent Reuse/Effluent Release. Council has resolved to undertake public consultation in relation to the option of Maximised Effluent Reuse.

• Council has continued to progress the proposed augmentation of the Wallerawang Sewage Treatment Plant, and during 2004/2005, finalised the concept design, and prepared estimated of costs. This augmentation includes construction of a new plant on the existing site, with the capability of removing nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as catering for overflows and bypasses from the plant, resulting in all effluent entering the site being treated prior to discharge to Pipers Flat Creek, Wallerawang. This project is to be completed within the timeframe of the pollution reduction program as detailed on the Environment Protection Licence.

• Council undertook a geotechnical investigation on the sludge lagoons at the Lithgow Water Treatment Plant, meeting the requirements of the pollution reduction program for the Environment Protection Licence.

• The Liquid Trade Waste Approvals Policy was adopted on 24 January 2005 . This Policy aims to protect Council's infrastructure, and allows Council to recoup costs associated with treating "trade" waste generated from businesses. Council's sewage treatment plant and sewage reticulation scheme is designed to accept domestic sewage (such as shower, toilet, hand basin etc), and acceptance of waste with higher concentrations of substances such as nitrogen, phosphorus and oil and grease increases the risk of failure of Council's network and the cost to Council for treating this sewage.

• Stage 1 of the Farmers Creek Flood Mitigation Project has commenced. The aim is to lessen the impact of flood waters in the general vicinity of the Hermitage Flat area.

Current Actions 2005/06

The following actions are planned for 2005/06:

• Commissioning and operation of Stage 1 augmentation of the Lithgow Sewage Treatment Plant, final design and commencement of construction of Stage 2 of the augmentation of the Lithgow Sewage Treatment Plant, final design and commencement of construction of augmentation of the Wallerawang Sewage Treatment Plant, and restoration works on the sludge lagoons at the Lithgow Water Treatment Plant to prevent overflows/bypasses into Farmers Creek.

• Completion of Stormwater Management Plan project at Geordie Street crossing.

• Undertaking a AAA Showerhead Replacement Program.

• Commencing an On-site Sewage Management Program.

• Awarding a tender for the construction of the Magpie Hollow Reservoir and associated linking gravity main to provide adequate water supply to proposed development area of South Bowenfels .

• Upgrading of sewage pumping stations and associated reticulation schemes to cater adequately for effluent disposal from the proposed developments in the South Bowenfels area.

• Relining of the Shaft Street Old Reservoir, to allow adequate water supply to the Lithgow Township when annual maintenance at the Lithgow Water Treatment Plant is undertaken. This will enable the Fish River Water Supply Scheme to by utilised in the Lithgow area whilst the Lithgow Water Treatment Plant is shut down to enable routine maintenance to be undertaken to ensure satisfactory water quality is supplied to the Lithgow area.

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