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What we’re doing
We’re replacing the covers on the industrial wastewater lagoons at our Gippsland Water Factory.
Why we’re doing it
The Gippsland Water Factory is a critical asset. It treats industrial wastewater supporting major industry as well as domestic wastewater from Morwell, Traralgon, Churchill, Boolarra, Glengarry, Hazelwood, Rosedale and Toongabbie.
Industrial waste is treated through a specialised process that creates an anaerobic (no oxygen) environment. This allows microorganisms to break down the waste before it progresses for further treatment in the membrane bioreactors.
As the bacteria decompose the organic material in the wastewater, they produce odours and gases such as methane and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) which is captured under the covers.
This gas is then transported to biogas generators that generate electricity for use by the factory.
This gas is odourous, flammable and can be hazardous.
The covers contain the gas and are ageing and nearing end of functional life so it’s crucial that we replace them.
This project will ensure the lagoons can continue to operate safely and effectively, supporting major industry and generating electricity for the factory.
When we’re doing it
There are two covered industrial wastewater lagoons at the Gippsland Water Factory.
We will replace one cover at a time.
Before the cover is removed on each lagoon, the anaerobic process will be reduced by adding water and nitrogen into the lagoon. This will reduce the creation of H2S to a point where it is safe to remove the covers.
Most works will be completed during business hours, but there may be some night and weekend work to complete works faster.
We expect the project to be completed by mid 2025.
Fast facts
We’re removing the old and ageing industrial wastewater lagoon covers at our Gippsland Water Factory and replacing them with new ones.
The gases such as methane and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) captured under the covers are used to generate electricity for use by the factory.
Location: Gippsland Water Factory Maryvale Road Morwell
More details
Customer benefits
The project will reduce environmental risks and allow us to continue:
- Supporting local major industry and jobs.
- Treating industrial wastewater.
- Managing odour at the site.
- Capturing biogas safely to generate renewable power.
Environment and heritage
There is the potential for neighbours to notice some odour in certain weather conditions when we take a cover off and replace it. We’ll be doing what we can to keep this to a minimum.
Consultation and engagement
We’re working with industry experts to minimise the impact of the works to neighbouring properties and the wider community.
Our focus for these works is to ensure the safety of our staff and contractors onsite and minimising the potential impact on neighbouring properties or the wider community.
We’ll engage with stakeholders prior to the commencement of works and keep them updated throughout.
Project timing
2023 to 2024 - Planning and design
May 2024 - June 2025 - Covers removed and replaced
Find out more
For more information, email contactus@gippswater.com.au or call 1800 050 500.
