Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Water
Controlled release of treated wastewater from Metung into Tambo Bay Wetlands starts 25 July 2022 by East Gippsland Water
East Gippsland Water will shortly start a controlled release of recycled water (treated wastewater) from its Metung wastewater treatment facility into the nearby Tambo Bay Wetlands (week commencing 25 July).
East Gippsland Water's Executive Manager Service Delivery, Neville Pearce, said, "The wastewater has been treated to a standard usually used for the irrigation of pasture. However, the volume exceeds what can be used for irrigation and impacts how much water can safely be stored at the facility. We have exhausted all alternatives to avoid this action, however a slow, controlled discharge is now essential."
East Gippsland recycled water have reached capacity over the last 18 months and a controlled release is critical to prevent an uncontrolled overflow to the surrounding community
"At this stage, the plan is to release an estimated 130 megalitres of recycled water over two months into the Tambo Bay Wetlands, located partly on the site of the treatment facility, which also receives stormwater, where it will be further diluted. Importantly, the wetlands are a highly effective natural filter designed to greatly reduce the level of nutrients found in water runoff from surrounding roads and land, entering Tambo Bay." Mr Pearce said.
Ensuring minimal impact
Mr Pearce said, "As with all discharges, we comply with regulatory requirements, including notifying downstream neighbours, residents, relevant community groups and government agencies. Signage is being erected in the immediate area to advise that recycled water is mixing with wetlands water, and possibly also Tambo Bay water, and this water should be avoided as a health precaution."
"The quality and flow of the recycled water will be closely monitored to ensure minimal environmental impact. We are working with East Gippsland Shire Council, who are responsible for stormwater drainage in the area, to clear the stormwater drain running close to the wetlands and the border of some private properties."
"This to help ensure the discharged treated wastewater does not encroach onto nearby private property, and is to prevent as much as possible, any treated wastewater entering Tambo Bay." Mr Pearce said.
Community cooperation
Mr Pearce also said, "We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the local community. These are exceptional times and the weather is having a real impact on our region. Unfortunately, as we head through winter we cannot rule out the possibility of further discharges, including elsewhere in East Gippsland."
"In the past year, we've had no choice but to make controlled releases of treated wastewater from our Lakes Entrance (in Kalimna), Cann River, Metung, Paynesville, Omeo and Bairnsdale wastewater treatment facilities." Mr Pearce concluded.
For further information, please contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841.
Pictures from East Gippsland Water Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Darren Chester promotes Mobile Service Centres that offer essential government services like Centrelink and Medicare across Gippsland
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Gippsland Water adds customer care pop-ups for in-person payment support in Sale, Drouin, Warragul for July and Moe in August 2024
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Latrobe River Bridge at Tyers had completion delayed to August 2024 frustrating residents with safety concerns
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Baw Baw Shire attends 2024 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra advocating peri urban areas
Enjoy free chicken parma while listening to inspiring story of Warren Davies South Gippsland Farmer on 22 July 2024 at Mirboo North Hotel
Join Latrobe City Council and Planet Ark for National Tree Day 2024 at W H Burrage Reserve in Newborough on 28 July 2024
Latrobe City Council requests Planning Panel for Amendment C144 for Traralgon West Precinct on 9 September 2024
Latrobe Valley clubs excelled at 2024 Community Clubs Victoria awards with Morwell and Moe clubs earning top honours
Warragul Leisure Centre $11M expansion of community sports facilities opens 28 July 2024