The new Longford Sewage Treatment Plant was officially opened in early 2022. The new STP features technology that improves the facility’s overall carbon footprint, power use and operating costs.
The state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant has been treating wastewater for many months now. In September, the final stages of work commenced with the draining of Lagoon 1 for upgrades.
Catherine Thomas, TasWater Project Manager, said it is a huge undertaking.
“Lagoon 1 was built in 1975. We have taken it offline and emptied over four decades of sludge from it,” Thomas said.
“13 aerators have been removed, associated equipment dismantled, and the wave wall removed. There were earlier concerns about potential odour issues for the local community, but no noticeable odour resulted, which is a great outcome.
“The lagoon is being regraded, and an earth wall constructed to divide the lagoon into two. A new liner and associated pipework and pumps will be installed. The lagoon will be used for emergency storage and daily flow-balancing of treated effluent.”
Sewage treatment plant ready by years end
Associated site finishing works have continued onsite since it opened. All works at Longford should be completed as scheduled before the end of the year.
“The upgrade works at Longford Sewage Treatment Plant fall under the Northern Midlands Sewerage Improvement Plan. Our Capital Delivery Office is delivering the works as part of TasWater’s $1 billion capital works program across Tasmania over the next four years,” Thomas said.
The upgrade will improve environmental outcomes by enhancing the plant’s effluent quality.
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