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Consistent rainfall and community consultation has East Gippsland Water change release status

Considerable community engagement and changing weather conditions has resulted in some changes around controlled recycled water releases throughout East Gippsland.

By news@gippsland - 10th October 2022 - Back to News

Ongoing unseasonably high rainfall has resulted in the need to release treated wastewater from some of East Gippsland Water's wastewater treatment facilities to ensure the safety and stability of infrastructure and the surrounding environment. Ordinarily, this recycled water is used for irrigation, but the large amount of rainfall has meant that irrigation has been impossible in some areas.

Consistent rainfall and consultation changes release status of treated water

Water releases

East Gippsland Water wish to inform the community on the current status of recycled wastewater releases at the following locations:

Paynesville (Forge Creek)

Releases have ceased at this location due to targets being met. It is anticipated that releases will not need to resume in 2022, weather dependent.

Bruces Track, Kalimna West

Was scheduled to begin Monday, 3 October via the Tambo River. However following community consultation and consideration of potential impact on nearby farming activities, the release will now go via Mississippi Creek, into the North Arm at a date dependent on the weather.

Metung (Tambo Bay)

Commenced Tuesday, 11 October. Public drop-in session to be held on the Tambo Bay beach on Saturday (15 October).

All members of the public are welcome. Advertisement in Wednesday's Bairnsdale Advertiser and Lakes Post.

Omeo

Began Monday, 19 September and will continue until the release target is met.

Orbost (Newmerella)

Planning for a recycled water release at this location. With current rainfall forecasts, expected to take place soon.

Consulting with landholders

East Gippsland Water Executive Manager Customers Community and Communications, David Radford, said recycled water releases were critical in the current climate. "Our treated wastewater storages are at capacity and the incredibly wet conditions have meant we can't use this water as we normally would, to irrigate farmland," he said.

"We are doing the very best we can to consult with neighbouring landholders, listen to their concerns and develop solutions that have the least impact. This consultation has resulted in us changing some of our plans to accommodate landholders."

"I invite anyone who would like to know more about our plans at Tambo Bay in particular to drop in and have a chat with us this Saturday. We will be there ready to answer any questions and undertake live water sampling." Mr Radford said. Anyone unable to attend the information session or who may have questions regarding other controlled wastewater releases is invited to contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841.

Pictures from East Gippsland Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com