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Wet weather results in release of treated wastewater from Omeo wastewater treatment plant to start 19 September 2022

Ongoing wet conditions have continued to impact wastewater storages, with East Gippsland Water preparing for a necessary controlled release of recycled water at Omeo - commencing on Monday 19 September.

By news@gippsland - 13th September 2022 - Back to News

Significant rainfall through winter has resulted in the organisation's on-site recycled water storages reaching capacity, with the Bureau of Meteorology also warning of at least a 70 percent chance of La Nina conditions during spring.

Wastewater is being released between 10 and 20 megalitres, for comparison, the last release from Omeo was around 12 megalitres, a megalitre is one Olympic swimming pool

Releasing wastewater

Between 10 and 20 megalitres of treated wastewater currently held on the Omeo wastewater treatment site will be slowly released in a controlled manner through 21km of paddocks and adjacent farmland, prior to undergoing significant dilution in Livingstone Creek some 2km away.

This is the second release at Omeo this year, with around 12 megalitres released in January. This release did not reach the Livingstone Creek and was absorbed into the local paddocks.

East Gippsland Water's Executive Manager Service Delivery, Neville Pearce, said after years of drought, the wet conditions were welcome news for the organisation's water supply, however they created problems for the wastewater system.

Preventing uncontrolled overflow

Mr Pearce said, "While consistent rain to fill up our water storages is great news for water supply coming into the warmer months, the opposite is true when it comes to wastewater."

"This water is treated to Class C standard and ordinarily used to irrigate pasture in Omeo. However, the past 18 months of exceptionally wet weather has meant irrigation has been impossible due to already saturated ground."

"The excess water is too much for our wastewater storages, with releases needed to prevent uncontrolled overflow into the environment." Mr Pearce said.

Ensured consistent quality

Mr Pearce said there had been misconceptions around the quality of the water released (also known as discharges). "The water has already been through a considerable treatment process, it's not raw wastewater. Our staff will continually monitor and test the water during the release to ensure a consistent quality to prevent environmental impacts."

East Gippsland Water is currently notifying adjacent residents, stakeholders and agencies about the imminent release and, as a precaution, warning signage is being erected in the immediate area. For further information, please contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841.

Pictures from East Gippsland Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Council defers Planning Scheme Amendment, seeks comprehensive review of Rural Land Use Strategy
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• East Gippsland Council endorses Coastal and Marine Management Plan to protect treasured coastline sustainably
  East Gippsland Shire Council has endorsed the Coastal and Marine Management Plan, providing a coordinated framework to protect and sustainably manage coastal reserves with community, Traditional Owner, and stakeholder input.
• East Gippsland celebrates connection, creativity, and community with 2025 month-long Seniors Festival program
  East Gippsland Shire Council presents the 2025 Seniors Festival, offering over 60 free and low-cost events celebrating connection, creativity, wellbeing, and community for older residents throughout October.
• East Gippsland Council seeks feedback for the UOMO draft legislation, submit feedback by 19 October 2025
  East Gippsland Council welcomes Federal UOMO draft legislation, aiming to expand reliable mobile coverage, improve emergency services, and ensure equitable access for rural and remote communities. Feedback is open until 19 October 2025.
• East Gippsland Council celebrates staff contributions with annual Living Our Values Awards announcement
  East Gippsland Council honoured staff contributions with the annual Living Our Values Awards, recognising individuals and teams demonstrating respect, collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, and excellence across council services and communities.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• East Gippsland Council launches VendorPanel for streamlined, transparent procurement and supports local businesses with information sessions
  From December 2025, East Gippsland Council will use VendorPanel for streamlined procurement, offering online registration, fair opportunities, and information sessions to help local businesses navigate the platform effectively.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• East Gippsland Libraries join Big Summer Read, inspiring children to read, build literacy, and combat the ‘summer slide’
  This summer, East Gippsland Libraries join the Big Summer Read, encouraging children aged 0-18 to read, build literacy skills, earn badges, and stay engaged while combating the "summer slide."
• East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
  East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth.
• East Gippsland Youth Art Prize 2025 celebrates creativity, talent, and next generation artists
  East Gippsland’s 2025 Youth Art Prize showcased young artists aged 12–25, celebrating creativity, talent, and community engagement, with winners announced at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub in Bairnsdale.
• East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
  Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption.
• East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
  Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region.
• East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
  The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards honours volunteers, youth leaders, and inspiring community events
  Over 200 people gathered at Lakes Entrance to celebrate the 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards, honouring outstanding volunteers, youth leaders, and community events strengthening connection, service, and local spirit.
• East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
  A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together.