23 December 2009
UPDATE ON EASTERN TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE
Melbourne Water has nominated Baulderstone and UGL Limited as its preferred construction partners for the planned upgrade of the Eastern Treatment Plant in the south east suburb of Carrum.
The $380 million upgrade - which is still subject to EPA Victoria approval - will significantly improve the quality of treated water discharged from the plant into Bass Strait.
Melbourne Water’s General Manager of Asset Planning, Paul Pretto, said nominating preferred construction partners now was an important part of making sure work on the upgrade was ready to start as soon as final approvals were received.
"Contingent on the relevant approvals, we’ve made a commitment to finish the upgrade by the end of 2012. Completing our due diligence around tenders is part of delivering on that promise," said Dr Pretto.
"It’s important to note that no contracts have been signed for this project. Today’s announcement is about making sure we have the right relationships in place to hit the ground running when approval is received."
EPA Victoria is currently considering Melbourne Water’s works approval application for the upgrade. This approval is required under Melbourne Water’s existing licence to discharge treated water from the plant into Bass Strait, at Boags Rocks.
The upgrade to the 34-year old facility is designed to address impacts on the marine environment identified by an extensive program of scientific investigations. The additional treatment will reduce colour, ammonia and other impacts in treated water released into ocean. It will also open the door to more recycling opportunities for nondrinking purposes over time.
The Eastern Treatment Plant treats about 40% of Melbourne’s sewage and currently supplies about 21 billion litres of ‘Class C’ recycled water a year. The upgrade will boost the supply of Class A recycled water, which can be used more widely including for toilet flushing, irrigating vegetables, and watering sports grounds.
South East Water and Melbourne Water have identified projects that will utilise a further 7 billion litres of Class A recycled water from the plant when the upgrade is complete in 2012. A range of projects are being investigated to use up to 40 billion litres a year in total over the next 30 years.
Depending on approvals, construction work on the upgrade is expected to begin in the first half of 2010.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes - (03) 9235 7277; 0403 930 846