November 2016 Web Version
Issue 2 - Long Term Recycled Water Release Plan Newsletter

Welcome to the second issue of the Long Term Recycled Water Release Plan Newsletter.

This publication will keep you informed on the long term plan for managing excess recycled water on the Gold Coast, which includes providing opportunities for our non-residential customers to access recycled water for approved uses and improving the efficiency of the existing release system before moving to an offshore solution.

Following editions will provide insight into the range of environmental studies that were completed prior to the design of the system upgrade and interviews with a series of key stakeholders.

To provide us with feedback or suggestions for improvement, please email recycledwater@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.

Update on the Long Term Recycled Water Release plan
The geotech barge collecting data in the Broadwater and Nerang River.

August, September and October have been busy months for the Long Term Recycled Water Release Plan:

  • The geotechnical investigations in the Broadwater and Nerang River came to an end after several months' work collecting and analysing data (see the photo of the geotech barge collecting data in the Broadwater and Nerang River).
  • Specialist engineering consultants, SMEC, commenced work as the Principal's Engineer following their appointment in mid-July 2016.
  • Due to the size and complexity of this project, an Expression of Interest (EOI) process was publicly advertised to identify a shortlist of construction firms for a select tender process. This approach acknowledges the considerable effort and costs involved for suppliers when preparing and submitting tenders. The EOI helped to determine capability and experience before the select tender provides greater detail and requests price submissions. At this stage, the contract should be awarded to the successful tenderer by the end of December 2016.

Overall, the project is on track and progressing well as we approach late 2016.

30 seconds with the Project Manager

We asked the Long Term Recycled Water Release Plan Project Manager a few questions recently to get an inside perspective on how the project is tracking along.

1. What are the biggest achievements to date?

The biggest achievements have been to arrive at a critical decision point in the project, after considering a multitude of options that satisfies all of the City of Gold Coast's (City) objectives, and obtaining endorsement within Gold Coast Water and Waste and the City on the way forward.

2. What have been the major challenges to date?

It has been challenging to bring together the numerous and very different parts of the project to a point where they are all closely aligned.

For example, the project has required planning studies and options analysis, concept and preliminary engineering designs, hydraulic and hydrodynamic modelling, environmental monitoring, ecological studies, approval applications to a number of regulatory agencies and finally procurement planning resulting in the recent advertisement placed for expressions of interest for the delivery of Stage 1.

3. In a perfect world, what would you change about the project?

Probably the timing, as we are working to deliver Stage 1 by late 2018, but want to have construction in the highly visible areas completed well in advance of April 2018. With such a large and complex project and the multiple facets involved, it is not as simple as quickly finishing up and closing up the work sites.

4. What would you like readers to know about the project?

That a lot of time and effort has gone into the plan with various studies and investigations by many people. This is Stage 1 of a multi-stage plan to address the release of excess recycled water for the whole of the city.

First rule: Do no harm

Since early on in the project, an independent review panel of scientists and engineers has been reviewing various aspects of the Long Term Recycled Water Release Plan hydrographic works and environmental monitoring program.

A number of ecological studies have been done to understand more about the range of wildlife and flora in the project area, and any seasonal variations. Consultation with scientific experts will continue so the project does not unintentionally interfere with the Broadwater’s internationally recognised and protected status as a migratory bird roosting and feeding ground.

Hydrographic studies and hydrodynamic modelling on receiving water quality have also been done, to help with planning and to understand the impacts of different recycled water release options on water quality. The City will continue to undertake studies and monitor the effects of the project on the existing environment into the future.

More information on the different environmental and ecological studies will be available in future issues of this newsletter.
 

Not all recycled water is created equal

Most people don’t realise that there are different quality standards of recycled water produced from the sewage treatment process.

On the Gold Coast we currently produce Class A+ and Class C standards of recycled water. At a minimum, recycled water quality must meet standards set under the Public Health Regulation 2005 Schedules 3C and 3D.

The highest quality recycled water we currently produce is A+ and this is done at the Pimpama Recycled Water Treatment Plant.

Class A+ recycled water is suitable for irrigation of lawns and gardens, flushing toilets, washing cars and other outdoor uses. The approved commercial activities for Class A+ reuse are for water features and fountains, and firefighting (except sprinkler systems).

Due to the high cost of the scheme to the City, including increases to the cost of land development and housing construction in the Pimpama Coomera area, we are staging the closure of the Pimpama Coomera Class A+ recycled water scheme.

Impacted customers will be notified over the coming weeks. For more information on Class A+ recycled water, please visit the City of Gold Coast website.

Class C recycled water can be used in areas where there is a low risk of public exposure.  It's used for irrigation of golf courses, nurseries, agriculture, sport fields, parks, etc., with appropriate risk mitigation measures in place (e.g. signage or restricted access by fencing and/or time of irrigation). It's also used for dust suppression.

The number of treatment steps the water goes through depends on the class of recycled water being produced. Class C recycled water has less treatment processes applied than Class A+. The effectiveness of the treatment for Class A+ recycled water is measured by monitoring E.coli, Clostridium perfringens, F-RNA bacteriophages Somatic coliphages, free chlorine, and turbidity.

This treatment process makes the recycled water safe for specific reuse purposes or release into the environment. The water is tested at numerous stages throughout the treatment cycle to make sure it achieves the correct standard. If the contaminant levels are found to be too high at any point in the process, the water is treated again until it meets the required standard.

Click here for more information on recycled water standards.

Fast facts
  • Up to 20 per cent of the recycled water produced by the City is used by our non-residential customers for approved uses.
  • Currently, 46 Gold Coast businesses access recycled water to sustainably reduce their running costs.
  • After a wet weather event, our sewage treatment plants work to capacity to process the excess water entering the sewerage system via increased inflows and illegal stormwater connections.
  • Recycled water is scientifically tested numerous times for contaminants during the treatment process before being safely released.
What's coming up

September to December 2016 - Procurement of works

You may notice:

  • Contractors visiting sites to prepare tender submissions and confirm cost estimates.
  • Signage erected advising of upcoming works.

January 2017 to October 2018 – Stage 1 Construction works

You may notice:

  • Temporary exclusion zones implemented around seaway walls, Broadwater and Nerang River and some parklands.
  • Dredges and barges in the Broadwater and Nerang River and some parklands.
  • Pipes laid across exposed sandbar north of Wavebreak Island.
  • Sewage treatment plant works including pump station upgrades.
Register for updates

Stay up to date through our newsletter, fact sheets, briefings and special updates. Register at cityofgoldcoast.com.au/recycledwater.

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