Wastewater Treatment, Reuse and Discharge 2005

Transcription

power and water corporation
Level 2, Mitchell Centre, 55 Mitchell Street
GPO Box 1921, Darwin NT 0801
Toll free number 1800 245 092
Office Hours 8.00am – 4.30pm
Monday – Friday
(except public holidays)
www.powerwater.com.au
ABN 15 947 352 360
sprout creative
WASTEWATER TREATMENT,
REUSE AND DISCHARGE 2005
Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1
Message from the Managing Director ..............................................................................................................................................................................................6
Introduction: Wastewater and the Urban Watercycle ................................................................................................................................................................7
Section 1: Commitment to Wastewater Treatment and Reclaimed Water Quality Management ..........................................................................8
Section 2: Assessing the Wastewater Treatment System........................................................................................................................................................10
Why We Treat Wastewater ............................................................................................................................................................................................10
How We Treat Wastewater............................................................................................................................................................................................10
Our Major Treatment Facilities ....................................................................................................................................................................................11
Wastewater Treatment Capacity ................................................................................................................................................................................13
Section 3: Proactive Strategies for Managing Wastewater and Controlling Reclaimed Water Quality ..............................................................14
Bulk and Trade Waste Management ........................................................................................................................................................................14
Inflow and Infiltration Management........................................................................................................................................................................14
Overflow Management Plan ........................................................................................................................................................................................14
Buffer Zones ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
Risk Management Analysis............................................................................................................................................................................................15
Section 4: Operational Procedures and Process Control ..........................................................................................................................................................16
Operational Procedures ..................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Operational Monitoring and Process Control ......................................................................................................................................................16
Audits and Management Practices ..........................................................................................................................................................................16
Section 5: Verifying Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Quality ..........................................................................................................................................16
Wastewater Quality Monitoring Program..............................................................................................................................................................16
Microbiological Monitoring ..........................................................................................................................................................................................16
Physical and Chemical Parameter Monitoring ....................................................................................................................................................19
Section 6: Incident Response................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
Recorded Incidents - Sewerage System ....................................................................................................................................................................21
Recorded Incidents - Treatment System ..................................................................................................................................................................21
Recorded Incidents - Odour Complaints ................................................................................................................................................................23
Section 7: Employee Awareness and Training ..............................................................................................................................................................................24
Awareness Opportunities and Strategies ..............................................................................................................................................................24
Section 8: Community Involvement and Awareness ................................................................................................................................................................24
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Water Reuse in the Alice ................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Darwin Harbour Plan of Management....................................................................................................................................................................24
Bird Watching......................................................................................................................................................................................................................25
Section 9: Research and Development ............................................................................................................................................................................................25
Developing Useful Indicators and Rapid Detection Techniques for Monitoring Recycled Water ..................................................25
Chemical Sedimentation trials, Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant....................................................................................................25
Section 10: Documentation and Reporting....................................................................................................................................................................................25
Wastewater Quality Database ....................................................................................................................................................................................25
Reporting ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................25
Section 11: Evaluation and Audit ........................................................................................................................................................................................................26
WASTEWATER TREATMENT, REUSE AND DISCHARGE 2005
Training..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Evaluation and Audit ......................................................................................................................................................................................................26
Northlakes/Marrara ........................................................................................................................................................................................................26
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POWER AND WATER CORPORATION
2
Section 12: Review and Continual Improvement ........................................................................................................................................................................26
Review....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
Improvement ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
Appendices
Appendix 1: Wastewater Treatment Performance ..............................................................................................................................................27
A.1.1. Waste Stabilisation Pond (WSP) Performance Evaluation Methodology ....................................................................27
A.1.2. Wastewater Inflows per Month for Darwin and Katherine (2004-2005) ..................................................................28
A.1.3. Waste Stabilisation Ponds Details................................................................................................................................................30
A.1.4. Wastewater Outflow Quality ........................................................................................................................................................32
A.1.5. Performance Assessment WSPs ....................................................................................................................................................35
A.1.6. Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance ..........................................................................................................36
A.1.7. Yulara Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance ................................................................................................................36
Appendix 2: Waste Discharge Licence and Reclaimed Water Notes, Sampling, Analysis and Reporting ....................................37
A.2.1. Explanation of Waste Discharge Licence Evaluation and Data Presentation ............................................................37
A.2.2. Mass Loading Discharge Data ......................................................................................................................................................38
A.2.3. Wastewater Quality Graphical Comparative Representation ..........................................................................................41
A.2.4. Wastewater Quality and Flow Information ............................................................................................................................42
A.2.5. Metal Loadings from Larrakeyah and Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Facilities..................................................63
Appendix 3: Reclaimed Water......................................................................................................................................................................................66
A.3.1. Reclaimed Water Site Description ..............................................................................................................................................66
A.3.2. E.coli Assessment Method and Criteria for Reclaimed Water Quality ........................................................................67
A.3.3. Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water (from ARMCNA, ANZECC, NH&MRC 2000 - Table 3 ..................68
A.3.4. Reclaimed Water Consumption (ML) ........................................................................................................................................69
A.3.5. Reclaimed Water Quality Reporting ..........................................................................................................................................70
A.3.6. Summary Table of Treated Wastewater Sodium Adsorption ........................................................................................70
Ratio for Potential Reclamation Purposes (Alice Springs/Yulara)
List of Figures
Figure 1:
The Urban Watercycle ....................................................................................................................................................................................7
Figure 2.1:
Current Hydraulic and Organic Capacity at all Treatment Plants ..............................................................................................13
Figure 5.1:
Median E.coli Measured at Sites with Controlled Public Access ................................................................................................17
Figure 5.2:
80th Percentile E.coli Measured at Sites with Controlled Public Access..................................................................................18
Figure 5.3:
Median E.coli Measured at Sites with Non-human Food Agriculture......................................................................................18
Figure 5.4:
80th Percentile E.coli Measured at Sites with Non-human Food Agriculture ......................................................................19
Figure 6.1:
Average Daily Inflow to Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant ................................................................................................22
Figure 6.2:
Treated Effluent Overflows to Ludmilla Creek ..................................................................................................................................22
Figure 6.3:
Sewage Odour Complaints in Darwin Area 2004-2005 ................................................................................................................23
Figure A.2.01:
BOD5 Concentration at the Treatment Plant Outlet ......................................................................................................................42
Figure A.2.02:
Mean Total Dissolved Solids Concentration at the Treatment Plant Outlet........................................................................42
Figure A.2.03:
Mean Suspended Solids Concentration at the Treatment Plant Outlet ................................................................................43
Figure A.2.04:
Mean Ammonia Concentration at the Treatment Plant Outlet ................................................................................................43
Figure A.2.05:
Mean Total Phosphorous Concentration at the Treatment Plant Outlet ..............................................................................44
Figure A.2.06:
Mean Total Nitrogen Concentration at the Treatment Plant Outlet ......................................................................................44
Figure A.2.07:
90th Percentile E.coli Concentration at the Treatment Plant Outlet........................................................................................45
Figure A.2.08:
Ludmilla Actual Flows vs Design Criteria (Dry Season) ................................................................................................................45
Figure A.2.09:
Ludmilla Actual Flows vs Design Criteria (Wet Season)................................................................................................................46
Figure A.2.10:
Palmerston Average Daily Flows ............................................................................................................................................................46
Figure A.2.11:
Palmerston Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Physico-chemical..............................................................47
Figure A.2.12:
Palmerston Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Nutrients..............................................................................47
Figure A.2.13:
Palmerston Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Mass Basis Discharge ......................................................................48
Figure A.2.14:
Berrimah Waste Discharge Licence Average Daily Outflow ........................................................................................................48
Figure A.2.15:
Berrimah Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Physico-chemical ................................................................49
Figure A.2.16:
Berrimah Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Nutrients ................................................................................49
Figure A.2.17:
Berrimah Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Mass Basis Discharge ............................................................................50
Larrakeyah Waste Discharge Licence Average Daily Outflow ....................................................................................................50
Figure A.2.19:
Larrakeyah Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Physico-chemical................................................................51
Figure A.2.20:
Larrakeyah Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Nutrients................................................................................51
Figure A.2.21:
Larrakeyah Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Mass Basis Discharge ..........................................................................52
Figure A.2.22:
Ludmilla Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Physico-chemical....................................................................52
Figure A.2.23:
Ludmilla Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Nutrients....................................................................................53
Figure A.2.24:
Ludmilla Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Mass Basis Discharge ..............................................................................53
Figure A.2.25:
Leanyer/Sanderson Waste Discharge Licence Average Daily Outflow....................................................................................54
Figure A.2.26:
Leanyer/Sanderson Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results –Physico-chemical ..............................................54
Figure A.2.27:
Leanyer/Sanderson Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Nutrients..............................................................55
Figure A.2.28:
Leanyer/Sanderson Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Mass Basis Discharge ........................................................55
Figure A.2.29:
Katherine Waste Discharge Licence Average Daily Outflow ......................................................................................................56
Figure A.2.30:
Katherine Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Physico –chemical ..............................................................56
Figure A.2.31:
Katherine Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Results – Nutrients ................................................................................57
Figure A.2.32:
Katherine Waste Discharge Licence Water Quality Mass Basis Discharge ............................................................................57
Figure A.2.33:
Katherine Waste Discharge Licence Donkey Camp Water Quality............................................................................................58
Figure A.2.34:
Alice Springs Waste Discharge Licence Average Daily Outflow All Ponds ............................................................................58
Figure A.2.35:
Alice Springs Waste Discharge Licence Average Daily Outflow EP7 ........................................................................................59
Figure A.2.36:
Alice Springs Waste Discharge Licence Average Daily Outflow EP10 ......................................................................................59
Figure A.2.37:
Alice Springs Waste Discharge Licence EP7 Water Quality Results – Physico-chemical ................................................60
Figure A.2.38:
Alice Springs Waste Discharge Licence EP7 Water Quality Results – Nutrients ................................................................60
Figure A.2.39:
Alice Springs Waste Discharge Licence EP7 Mass Basis Discharge ..........................................................................................61
Figure A.2.40:
Alice Springs Waste Discharge Licence EP10 Water Quality Results – Physico-chemical ................................................61
Figure A.2.41:
Alice Springs Waste Discharge Licence EP10 Water Quality Results – Nutrients................................................................62
Figure A.2.42:
Alice Springs Waste Discharge Licence EP10 Mass Basis Discharge ........................................................................................62
Figure A.2.43:
24-hour Flows Larrakeyah for Metal Loadings: 25-26 May 2005................................................................................................63
Figure A.2.44:
24-hour Flows Larrakeyah for Metal Loadings: 21-22 June 2005 ................................................................................................63
Figure A.2.45:
24-hour Flows Ludmilla for Metal Loadings: 21-22 June 2005 ....................................................................................................64
Figure A.2.46:
24-hour Flows Ludmilla for Metal Loadings: 25-26 May 2005....................................................................................................64
Figure A.2.18:
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List of Tables
Table 2.1:
Major Treatment Facilities in the Northern Territory ......................................................................................................................10
Table 5.1:
Power and Water Reclaimed Water Schemes......................................................................................................................................17
Table 5.2:
WDL Chemical Environmental Discharge Summary, Mass Per Annum ................................................................................20
Table 6.1:
Report Incidents of Sewage Overflows from the Sewerage System ........................................................................................21
Table 6.2:
Report Incidents of Sewage Overflows from the Treatment System........................................................................................21
Table 6.3:
Untreated Water Quality Measured During Past Overflow Events ..........................................................................................22
Table 6.4:
Summary of Overflows to Ludmilla Creek ..........................................................................................................................................23
Table 12.1:
Planned Wastewater Improvement Works ........................................................................................................................................26
Table A.1.2:
Wastewater Inflows per Month for North and Southern Region (2004-2005) ..................................................................29
Table A.1.3:
Waste Stabilisation Ponds Details ..........................................................................................................................................................30
Table A.1.4:
Wastewater Outflow Quality ....................................................................................................................................................................32
Table A.1.5:
Performance Assessment of Waste Stabilisation Ponds ..............................................................................................................35
Table A.1.6.1:
Ludmilla Maximum Pump Capacity ......................................................................................................................................................36
Table A.1.6.2:
Ludmilla Design Parameters (for Effective Treatment) ..................................................................................................................36
TableA.1.6.3:
Average Percentage Removal ....................................................................................................................................................................36
Table A.2.2:
Mass Loading Discharge Data ..................................................................................................................................................................38
Table A.2.01:
Larrakeyah Outfall Metals Composite Sampling Daily Load (May 2005 and June 2005) ..............................................64
Table A.2.02:
Ludmilla Outfall Metals Composite Sampling Daily Load (May 2005 and June 2005) ..................................................65
Table A.2.4:
Katherine River Discharge – Flow Compliance with River Height ............................................................................................65
Table A.3.3:
Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water (from ARMCANZ, ANZECC, NH&MRC 2000 - Table 3) ..........................68
Table A.3.4:
Reclaimed Water Consumption (ML) ....................................................................................................................................................69
Table A.3.5:
Monitoring and Microbiological Results for all Sites ....................................................................................................................70
Table A.3.6:
Summary Table of Treated Wastewater Sodium Adsorption Ratio for Potential Reclamation
Table A.4:
Rainfall for 2004/05 and 2003/04 at Darwin Airport ....................................................................................................................71
Purposes (Alice Springs/Yulara) ..............................................................................................................................................................70
Algae
NRETA
Department of Natural Resources,
Environment and the Arts
Simple aquatic plants that are often
microscopic in size
NWRP
Northlakes Water Reclamation Plant
ADWF
Average Dry Weather Flow
Pathogens
Disease carrying organisms
BOD5
Biological Oxygen Demand after five days -
PCC
Pine Creek Council
a measure of the organic strength of the
PDWF
Peak Dry Weather Flow
PER
Public Environment Report
pH
A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a
sewage
Bulk waste
Trade waste that is delivered by truck
CAS
Chemical Assisted Sedimentation
CBD
Central Business District
PWWF
Peak Wet Weather Flow
CFU
Colony Forming Units
QMRA
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment
CSIRO
Commonwealth Scientific Industrial
Reclaimed water Wastewater that is treated and used for
substance on a scale of 1 to 14
beneficial purposes
Research Organisation
DAF
Dissolved Air Flotation – an advanced
wastewater treatment process
DBP
Darwin Business Park
DHCS
Department of Health and Community
Services
DPIFM
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries
and Mines
E. coli
Escherichia coli a strain of bacteria used to
SAR
Sodium Absorption Ratio
SAT
Soil Aquifer Treatment
SCADA
System Control and Data Acquisition
Sewer pipes
Part of the sewerage system that carries
sewage
SS
Suspended Solids
TDS
Total Dissolved Solids – a measure of the
concentration of salts in wastewater (also
determine wastewater quality
EP
Equivalent Population
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
kL
Kilolitre – one thousand litres
m3
Cubic metre, the same as kL
mg/L
Milligrams per litre
Microfiltration
An advanced membrane treatment process
ML
Megalitre – one million litres
MPN
Most probable number
ND
No data recorded
NPI
National Pollution Inventory
NTEL
Northern Territory Environmental Laboratory
Nutrients
Nitrogen and phosphorus, which promote
sometimes referred to as conductivity)
Tradewaste
Industrial or non-domestic wastewater
TWMS
Trade Waste Management System
VSS
Volatile Suspended Solids
WDL
Waste Discharge Licence
WIMS
Works Information Management System
WSP
Waste stabilisation ponds.
WWTP
Wastewater Treatment Plant
microbiological and plant/algae growth
“THE 2005 WASTEWATER TREATMENT, REUSE AND DISCHARGE
REPORT FOCUSES ON THE SEWAGE COLLECTION, TREATMENT, REUSE
AND DISCHARGE MECHANISMS OF THE URBAN WATERCYCLE..”
Abbreviations and Definitions
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Message from the Managing Director
I am pleased to introduce Power and Water’s 2005 Wastewater Treatment, Reuse and Discharge Report. The report summarises our
performance and achievements over the past 12 months and outlines current and future projects and initiatives. It details our
current wastewater discharges as licensed by the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Agency, and the quality of our
reclaimed water as required by the Department of Health and Community Services.
Performance reporting alone is only half the story. Last year Power and Water developed a framework for managing reclaimed
water quality as a proactive way to ensure safe reuse. This report is modelled on that framework.
New National Guidelines for Recycled Water have been drafted and are out for review and comment. The principles and
recommendations underlying the new guidelines are currently being applied throughout the Northern Territory.
The Trade Waste Management System is a key component. It ensures that prohibited substances that may damage our
infrastructure and the environment are treated and disposed of appropriately.
While we are committed to conserving resources and protecting the environment through reusing reclaimed water, this can only
occur if it is done in a safe manner. Protection of public health and safety is and must remain our first priority.
We are proud of our achievements to date, but the need to provide cost effective wastewater collection and treatment services,
while achieving environmentally safe disposal and reuse, is a never-ending challenge. We hope you find the attached report of
interest and value.
Kim Wood
Managing Director
Power and Water Corporation
“THE NEED TO PROVIDE COST EFFECTIVE WASTEWATER COLLECTION
AND TREATMENT SERVICES, WHILE ACHIEVING ENVIRONMENTALLY
SAFE DISPOSAL AND REUSE, IS A NEVER-ENDING CHALLENGE.”
Introduction: Wastewater and the Urban Watercycle
Scientists believe that the total amount of water on the earth
our dams and bores to the water treatment plants and then
and in its atmosphere does not change. So why does it rain?
on to water storage tanks, where it is held ready to flow into
There is a climatic mechanism that recycles and purifies water.
reticulation systems for use by households and businesses.
This cycle is called the urban ‘watercycle’ or the ‘hydrological
cycle’.
When people use water inside, drains take the water away.
These sewage drains flow by gravity outside to sewage
Most of the earth’s water, about 97.5% of the total, is in the
collection pits or wet wells. Sewage pump stations then pump
sea. The rest is on land or in the air. To start the watercycle,
the sewage through a network of pipes, the sewer system, to a
water must be transported from the sea to the earth’s
wastewater treatment plant where the water is treated. Once
atmosphere. This happens by evaporation. Through sun and
treated the wastewater can then be used for irrigation or
wind action on the ocean the water becomes water vapour,
discharged into the local waterway, which flows to the ocean.
which is a gas, and rises into the atmosphere creating clouds.
This completes the urban watercycle.
Plants also play an important role in converting water into
When water is used outdoors, any excess water that cannot be
water vapour. Plants transport water from the soil to their
absorbed by the soil or ground will flow overland. This runoff
leaves to supply nutrients. Water evaporating into the
finds its way by gravity into gullies and stormwater drains.
atmosphere from their leaves is called transpiration.
Stormwater drains and gullies flow into the local waterway
Clouds are formed when this water vapour condenses and this
and the water is not treated.
water can fall as precipitation (rain, hail or snow), as shown
The 2005 Wastewater Treatment, Reuse and Discharge Report
below in Figure 1. In the Northern Territory most of our
focuses on the sewage collection, treatment, reuse and
precipitation falls as rain. This water can then flow over
discharge mechanisms of the urban watercycle. For more
ground into Power and Water’s dams or percolate through the
information on drinking water quality see Power and Water’s
soils into underground aquifers. Pumps push the water from
Water Quality Report.
FIGURE 1: THE URBAN WATERCYCLE – SHOWS HOW SEWAGE AND WASTEWATER IS PART OF THE WATERCYCLE,
AND HOW STORMWATER IS DIFFERENT FROM SEWAGE.
Clouds and atmosphere
Precipitation –
Rain and water runoff
Dam and bore
catchment and storage
Water Treatment Plant
Sewage pipes
Sewerage reticulation
via pump station
Household and commercial use
including showers, toilets,
kitchen and outdoor use
Rain
Overland flow
ration
Gardens, land trees and vegetation
Sewerage treatment at
Waste Stabilisation Ponds
and Treatment Ponds
Discharge into waterways
that flow to the ocean
pi
trans
n and
ratio
Evapo
Stormwater
Runoff into stormwater
drains and gullies
Flows into waterways
and the ocean
Irrigation and reuse schemes
Covered in the Wastewater Treatment,
Reuse and Discharge Report
Ocean
For more information see Power
and Water’s Water Quality Report
Rain
Reticulation and elevated storage
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Section 1: Commitment to Wastewater Treatment and Reclaimed
Water Quality Management
“REDUCING PER CAPITA SEWAGE FLOWS AND SUBSTITUTING RECLAIMED WATER
FOR EXISTING WATER SUPPLIES ARE INTEGRAL TO ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY.”
Power and Water aims to provide a safe and reliable
Power and Water’s Reclaimed Water Policy aims to promote
wastewater collection, treatment, disposal and reuse system.
the efficient use of reclaimed water in a way that protects
Our commitment is outlined in the Customer Contract, our
public health, is socially acceptable, environmentally
Wastewater Management Policy and our Reclaimed Water
sustainable and commercially viable. Under the policy:
Policy. A copy of the Customer Contract is available at any
Power and Water office or at www.powerwater.com.au.
Protecting public health and the environment is of paramount
importance. The Power and Water Wastewater Management
Policy is to:
• Implement and maintain a wastewater quality
management system at all points along the delivery
chain from collection to the environment
• Ensure that all managers, employees and contractors
involved in collecting, treating and disposing of
wastewater understand and implement the
wastewater management system
• Provide a public annual report outlining treated wastewater
discharges into the environment in line with the
requirements of Waste Discharge Licences granted to
Power and Water by the Department of Natural Resources,
Environment and the Arts (NRETA)
• Report pollution events associated with wastewater
• All reclaimed water proposals are subject to the approval of
the Chief Health Officer of DHCS
• The level of treatment, reclaimed water quality and
monitoring program will be in line with the National Water
Quality Management Strategy Guidelines for Sewerage
Systems – Use of Reclaimed Water (2000)
• In conjunction with DHCS, Power and Water will continue to
monitor the health risks associated with the use of
reclaimed water, in particular the results of research
associated with unrestricted and indirect potable reuse
• Direct potable use of reclaimed water will not be considered
• Indirect potable use of reclaimed water is considered viable
in the longer term, particularly where water supplies are
based on non-renewable, groundwater resources. Any
proposal for aquifer storage and recovery of reclaimed
water shall be developed in accordance with the Guidelines
on the Quality of Stormwater and Treated Wastewater for
Injection into Aquifers for Storage and Reuse – Urban Water
discharges to the environment to the Northern Territory
Research Association of Australian (1996), and shall be
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
shown to be socially acceptable
• Provide a public annual report outlining wastewater
treatment efficiency and trade waste management
• Provide a public annual report outlining reclaimed water
• The community shall be informed and supportive of any
reclaimed water scheme
• Preference shall be given to developing reclaimed water
quality and management practices to the Department of
systems that have the potential to result in new industries
Health and Community Services (DHCS) with reference to
and jobs for the local community, followed by those that
the requirements of relevant national guidelines
have social benefits such as irrigating sporting fields
• Develop and maintain a wastewater monitoring program
to comply with the above requirements
• Maintain a wastewater customer complaint register
to benchmark performance
• Take part in cooperative research projects with external
agencies to identify issues and research priorities for
wastewater management in both regional and rural areas
• Liaise closely with regulators and conduct community
consultation on wastewater issues requiring attention
• Provide required operator training and define protocols for
common operational issues and responses.
• Use of reclaimed water is an important component of the
total watercycle and will be considered as part of the
hydrological cycle
• Reclaimed water applications may be considered,
independently of commercial viability, where significant
health, social and environmental benefits can be realised
through reducing effluent discharges to the environment
• Reducing per capita sewage flows and substituting
reclaimed water for existing water supplies are integral to
achieving sustainability
• The supply of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes will
• A risk management strategy will be developed for Power
require the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and
and Water’s reclaimed water schemes incorporating product
the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the
monitoring and quality assurance procedures, as well as
Arts to approve a land and water management plan that
monitoring customers’ compliance with reclaimed water
addresses salinity, sodicity, nutrient management and
controls in accordance with the National Water Quality
product safety.
Management Strategy Guidelines for Sewerage Systems –
• Implementation of reclaimed water projects will be
individually assessed on a commercial basis
• Preference will be given to customers who can provide an
Use of Reclaimed Water (2000)
• Diversity of reclaimed water use will be pursued as an
essential element of minimising commercial risk.
economically and environmentally sustainable demand and
A number of Government departments are closely involved
be willing to pay for the service
with managing wastewater and reusing reclaimed water.
• Reclaimed water will be supplied at a cost that reflects the
DHCS has a key role in providing direction and safeguards for
costs in supply. The greater the level of treatment above
wastewater quality for reclaimed water schemes as well as
that required for safe discharge to the environment, the
public health issues relating to environmental discharges.
higher the cost of reclaimed water
• Power and Water will continue to investigate commercial
options to overcome constraints to market development of
reclaimed water
• Over time, all existing reclaimed water agreements will be
standardised and made consistent with the requirements of
the Water Supply and Sewerage Services Act (2000)
The Northern Territory Environmental Protection Agency
grants and controls Waste Discharge Licences and has a role in
bulk and trade waste disposal.
The Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
provides laboratory analytical services for wastewater and
reclaimed water testing in Darwin and Alice Springs.
These and other agencies work together with Power and
Water to protect the environment and public health of all
“POWER AND WATER WILL CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE
COMMERCIAL OPTIONS TO OVERCOME CONSTRAINTS TO MARKET
DEVELOPMENT OF RECLAIMED WATER.”
Territorians.
9
10
Section 2: Assessment of the Wastewater Treatment System
• Deliver toxicants such as heavy metals to sensitive aquatic
Why We Treat Wastewater
ecosystems possibly damaging or modifying the natural
The purpose of wastewater treatment is to protect public
food chain.
health and the environment. If not properly treated,
wastewater may:
How We Treat Wastewater
• Contain pathogens, or disease carrying organisms, which
Power and Water treats wastewater at many locations
can infect humans and animals
throughout the Northern Territory. Waste Stabilisation Ponds
(WSP) are the most common process. WSP’s are a series of
• Exude foul odours
open ponds that use natural processes to treat the
• Reduce the dissolved oxygen in aquatic environments,
wastewater and significantly reduce the number of pathogens
resulting in fish kills
present. Other treatment processes used include activated
• Contain excessive nutrients that can stimulate the growth
of algae and other plants in the aquatic environment
sludge and chemical precipitation. Table 2.1 summarises the
major treatment sites, treatment processes and disposal
methods.
TABLE 2.1: MAJOR TREATMENT FACILITIES IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Location
Treatment
Type
Inlet
(ML/month)
Discharge to
Reuse Type
Table 2.1: Major Treatment Facilities in the Northern Territory.
Ocean Outfall
Inland Water
Body1
Estuary
Atmosphere
Evaporation
Adelaide River
WSP
a1
a
Alice Springs
WSP
a
a
Batchelor
WSP
Berrimah
WSP
Borroloola
WSP
Humpty Doo
WSP
Katherine
WSP
Kings Canyon
WSP
Larrakeyah
Primary
Maceration
Leanyer/
Sanderson
WSP
Ludmilla
Chemical
Irrigation
a
a
a
a
1
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
Assisted
Sedimentation
1
Northlakes
DAF2 +
Microfiltration
+ Chlorination
Palmerston
WSP
Pine Creek
WSP
Tennant
Creek
WSP
a
Yulara
Activated
Sludge
a
Wet Season only
2
Process Water
Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF)
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
Our Major Treatment Facilities
Alice Springs
Alice Springs wastewater is treated in
four sets of ponds, each built at
different times. The oldest system lies
in the eastern end of the Commanage
and newer ponds were constructed
progressively on the west side of the
original pond site.
Humpty Doo
The Humpty Doo WSPs treats sewage
from Humpty Doo. The treated
effluent is disposed of through a spray
irrigation system next to the ponds.
Katherine
Katherine’s wastewater is treated in a
series of nine ponds. Disposal is
achieved through evaporation,
The outlets of all three pond sets are
irrigation and discharge to the
connected to a series of evaporation
Katherine River. The quality of effluent
ponds. Effluent is disposed of through
from these ponds is bacteriologically
evaporation, irrigation at a tree farm
excellent because of the extended
and at Blatherskite Park. Excess
time the water remains in the final
effluent overflows to Ilparpa Swamp.
ponds. No effluent is discharged into
Adelaide River
the Katherine River during the Dry
Season. Discharge is allowed only
Wastewater from the town of
during the Wet Season and when it is
Adelaide River is treated in a series of
diluted by flood flows. The capacity of
three ponds. Disposal is mainly
these ponds to dispose of greater
through evaporation as inflows to the
volumes will be increased in the
system are low.
future through pond and irrigation
Occasionally these ponds discharge
extension schemes.
into a nearby creek but only during
Kings Canyon
high rainfall.
The Kings Canyon WSPs treat all
Batchelor
sewage from the Kings Canyon Resort
and surrounding community. Four
Batchelor is treated in a series of
ponds in series treat the wastewater.
four ponds. Disposal is through
The effluent is used to irrigate a tree
evaporation as the flow into this
lot on the site. No effluent is
system is low. Because of the size
discharged outside the facility.
and storage capacity of these ponds,
Leanyer/Sanderson
no overflow to the environment has
been recorded.
The Leanyer/Sanderson WSPs are the
Most of the sewage from Darwin’s
The Berrimah WSPs are a small set
northern suburbs is treated here.
of three ponds running in series.
Two sets of five ponds each operate in
Domestic sewage from the suburb of
parallel. After treatment, part of the
Berrimah and industrial wastewater
effluent is pumped to Northlakes
from the Darwin Business Park are
where it is used for irrigation at the
treated here. Discharge is to an
Darwin Golf Course and Marrara
estuarine outfall.
sporting ovals and the remainder is
Borroloola
Borroloola is treated in a series of
three ponds. The effluent is disposed
of through evaporation and used to
irrigate pasture on the site.
discharged into the upper reaches
of Buffalo Creek.
largest set of ponds in the Territory.
Berrimah
11
12
Ludmilla
Palmerston
The Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment
Palmerston WSPs treat all sewage
Plant treats wastewater that
from the City of Palmerston. In
originates from Nightcliff, Winnellie
addition, Palmerston is the main
and most of the inner city. The
location for bulk waste discharge
treatment processes include
and treatment. Some trade waste
chlorination, grit removal, solids
and much of the septic waste from
screening, chemical addition and
the rural and unserviced areas is
sedimentation. The waste solids
disposed of and treated at this site.
removed from the process are
Five ponds operate in series and
incinerated by the plant’s furnace. The
discharge to an estuarine outfall.
furnace also burns sewer gases to
An additional small ‘tradewaste’
reduce odours. The plant discharges
pond was constructed in 2005.
treated effluent through a pipeline at
East Point.
Larrakeyah
Pine Creek
Pine Creek’s wastewater is treated in a
series of three ponds. Normally
The sewage from the CBD and the
disposal is achieved through
suburb of Larrakeyah is macerated
evaporation and irrigation at the Pine
(larger solids are broken down) and
Creek Council’s public oval however
discharged into a deepwater outfall
the Pine Creek Town Council has
off the point at Larrakeyah.
suspended irrigation practices at their
As part of the Darwin Sewerage
Strategy, Power and Water plans to
ultimately decommission this outfall
and transfer sewage from this
catchment to the Ludmilla
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Northlakes
The Northlakes Water Reclamation
Plant is a high-tech treatment system
that ‘polishes’ water already treated by
the Leanyer/Sanderson WSPs. Water is
pumped into a Dissolved Air Flotation
(DAF) plant where chemicals and
rising air bubbles separate solids
(mainly algae) from the water.
oval. Occasionally these ponds will
discharge into a nearby creek but only
during high rainfall events.
Tennant Creek
Tennant Creek’s wastewater is treated
in a series of multiple ponds. Disposal
is achieved through evaporation only.
No effluent leaves the facility.
Yulara
The Yulara activated sludge plant
treats all sewage from the Ayers Rock
Resort complex and the town. The
plant uses mechanical aeration
(activated sludge process) to process
and purify the wastewater. Effluent
It is then pumped through a set of
from the activated sludge plant
microfilters that remove other
discharges into ponds and is then
suspended particles producing water
pumped to the adjacent tree lot for
that is as clear as tap water. The water
irrigation and disposal. No effluent is
from this plant is used to irrigate
discharged outside the facility.
greens and fairways on the Darwin
Golf Course.
FIGURE 2.1: CURRENT HYDRAULIC AND ORGANIC CAPACITY AT ALL TREATMENT PLANTS
100
90
80
Inflow (% of design)
70
60
50
40
30
20
Yulara
WWTP
Sanderson
WSP’s*
Pine Creek
Palmerston
WSP’s*
Leanyer
WSP’s
Ludmilla
WWTP*
Kings Canyon
WSP’s
Katherine
WSP’s*
Humpty Doo
WSP’s
Berrimah
WSP’s*
Alice Springs
WSP’s C*
Alice Springs
WSP’s B*
Alice Springs
WSP’s AN4*
0
Alice Springs
WSP’s AN2/3*
10
* EPA licensed discharge
Organic capability
ND – No Data recorded
Hydraulic capability
Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity
Treatment capacity is determined by comparing actual inflows
against the design inflow. The inflow is assessed for the
strength (amount of organic material) and the volume.
The treatment capacity of the major treatment plants is
shown in Figure 2.1. An inflow or organic load at 100% signifies
a plant that is operating at or above its design capacity.
Organic loading rates are not applicable for the Ludmilla
Wastewater Treatment Plant as the prime process effect is the
volume of wastewaster treated. Organic loading rates at the
Yulalra plant are acceptable.
At Borroloola, Pine Creek, Adelaide River and Batchelor WSP’s
No Data was recorded (ND) during this period. This was
because there are no flow instruments installed at this site or
were faulty. These sites do not requre Waste Discharge
Figure 2.1 shows the Humpty Doo ponds are not large enough
Licenses from the EPA and thus flow recording is not required.
to meet the minium detention time of 20 days. Additional
reduce pathogens to an acceptable level. It is intended that
additional ponds will be constructed at this site in the future.
Ludmilla and Yulara Treatment Plants are operating above
At Tennant Creek WSP’s there was also no data recorded, this
was because the flow meters were not read during this period.
Work procedures have subsequently been changed to
incorporate meter readings.
100% hydraulic capacities although the capacity at Ludmilla is
More detailed data on the performance each of the treatment
only exceeded during the wet season. Continual upgrades to
plants is shown in Appendix 1.
Ludmilla WWTP are under way.
Kings Canyon WSP’s are operating above their hydraulic and
organic design capacities. Planning for the upgrade to Kings
Canyon WSPs (additional ponds required) is under way.
“FIFTY-TWO REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES HAVE FULL
WATER-BORNE SEWERAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS. THE REMAINDER
HAVE INDIVIDUAL ON-SITE SYSTEMS SUCH AS SEPTIC TANKS
THAT ARE MAINTAINED BY THE COMMUNITY.”
ponds are needed to allow the required detention time to
13
14
Section 3: Proactive Strategies for Managing Wastewater and
Controlling Reclaimed Water Quality
Power and Water uses several proactive strategies to minimise
discharged to the sewer is not only beneficial for the
environmental damage and to protect public health.
environment, but it also has the potential to save businesses
They include:
money through reduced maintenance requirements.
• Bulk and trade waste management to control what is put
Power and Water are constantly receiving requests to accept
in our sewers
• Inflow and infiltration management to control excess
sewer flows
• Overflow management plans to control where and how
sewer overflows may occur
• Minimising the impacts of odours and aerosol emissions
bulk wastewater that is discharged from a number of
businesses that are not connected to the sewerage system.
Where possible, Power and Water will continue to work with
business and industry to accept their wastewater products,
however the volume and range has increased substantially
and Power and Water is unable to accept a number of
potentially harmful products.
from treatment plants through buffer zones around
If the industry base is to grow and expand in the Northern
facilities
Territory, this must be addressed by private enterprise and the
• Quantitative risk assessment of reclaimed water schemes.
Bulk and Trade Waste Management
relevant government agencies.
Power and Water has recently renegotiated a number of Bulk
Wastewater Agreements with waste management companies
To enable safe reuse, Trade Waste Management Systems
across the Northern Territory. These agreements will allow
(TWMS) must be rigorously enforced to ensure wastewater
Power and Water to more stringently control bulk wastewater
discharged to sewerage systems complies with the Trade
that is discharged to its treatment facilities. While these
Waste Acceptance Guidelines.
agreements contribute to the management of bulk
Currently there are only a small number of businesses across
wastewater they will not solve this rapidly expanding problem.
the Northern Territory that discharge concentrated industrial
wastewater to sewer. This has allowed Power and Water to
Inflow and Infiltration Management
work with the commercial dischargers to ensure that their
During heavy rainfall, the volume of wastewater flowing
wastewater is appropriately treated before being discharged
through the sewers can vastly increase through inflow and
to sewer. Over the past 12 months the installation of additional
infiltration of water into the sewers.
grease traps and the controlled maintenance of these units
Every year we run an extensive advertising campaign to
has seen the volume of greasy waste discharged to sewer
inform the public not to direct rainwater from downpipes or
substantially reduced.
properties into overflow relief gullies, because this can
A recent strategy of the TWMS was to target areas of the
overload the sewerage system and cause overflows into other
Darwin sewerage system that required high maintenance.
properties. Power and Water regularly undertakes smoke
Some of these lines required cleaning every six weeks to
testing to identify illegal connections.
prevent blockages and sewer overflows. An investigation
Vegetation also has a strong impact on inflow and infiltration.
of these areas allowed Trade Waste Officers to identify
Many exotic and native trees seek out the moisture in sewer
businesses that required pre-treatment equipment to be
pipes during the Dry Season. The roots can break pipe joints,
installed and maintained on a regular basis. This program
allowing infiltration and causing blockages. Power and Water
has been successful and maintenance on these lines has
manages tree roots through herbicide and physical removal.
now been extended from six weeks to 13 weeks. In some
areas the maintenance frequency is expected to be extended
Overflow Management Plan
to 26 weeks.
Overflows are caused by sewer blockages, sewer collapses or
Regular progress continues to be made with businesses across
excessive inflow and infiltration. We have an ongoing sewer
the NT who, at this stage, are unable to comply with the
rehabilitation program spending around $2 million annually to
requirements of the TWMS. Trade Waste Officers will continue
ensure continued sewer integrity and to reduce stormwater
to visit and work with these businesses to achieve compliance.
and groundwater infiltration. The program uses closed circuit
While compliance can be achieved by installing pre-treatment
TV to identify problem sewers and areas where repair is most
equipment, a far better solution is for businesses to
needed. Approximately 10km of sewer pipes were relined
implement waste minimisation procedures. Minimising waste
across the Territory last year.
Power and Water owns and operates about 60% of the
wastewater collection system. The remaining 40% is within
property boundaries and is the responsibility of landowners.
This limits some of our ability to control inflows. As noted
earlier, we have a Trade Waste Management System to reduce
grease build-up (and thus blockages) and we try to manage
trees and vegetation close to sewer lines. Unfortunately, it is
likely that sewer overflows will always occur at some time.
Risk Management Analysis
We use Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA)
to assess the health risk associated with reclaimed water
schemes. It takes into account things such as water quality,
public access and exposure, and irrigation times. The results
of the risk assessment coupled with sound management
practices and safeguards, can provide an additional level of
confidence for the reclaimed water user and the public.
We try to manage overflows so they occur where they will
have minimum possible impact, and we respond to any
In 2004, Power and Water undertook a QMRA assessment
incident as quickly as we can.
for the reclaimed water at Marrara. The report concluded
that the level of risk is similar to current industry standards,
Buffer zones
however it has been reduced further as Power and Water
A buffer zone is an area of land around a treatment facility
and DHCS implemented improved management practices
or sewage pumping station that remains free of development
at this and other reclaimed water sites.
to minimise the risk to public health from exposure to
“The results indicate that the levels of risk for each hazard are
wastewater aerosols; reduce the visual impact on the
below international standards with the exception of E.coli.
environment; and minimise the risk of nuisance odours.
There are several confounding factors for pathogenic E.coli such
Buffer zones depend on the size and type of facility.
as the naturally high levels of these bacteria in soils indicating
that the model assumption of 8% of E. coli is likely to be
overstated and the real risk would be significantly lower.”
15
16
Section 4: Operational Procedures and Process Control
Operational Procedures
We develop operational procedures so operators have the
tools and knowledge they need to effectively run wastewater
provide alarms when things go wrong. In most cases, this
information is collected remotely so that operators need not
be at the site to determine problems.
collection and treatment systems. Our standard operational
Power and Water is also investigating sewage system
procedures include but are not limited to:
modelling to better manage sewage flows and process control.
• Pollution event reporting and response
Audits and Management Practices
• Wastewater quality sampling and testing
Power and Water supports the use of
• Chlorine handling
reclaimed water but takes its
responsibility seriously when it comes
• Waste Stabilisation Pond operation
to safety and customer compliance
with any restrictions on its reuse.
• Specific operating procedures for individual
treatment plants.
Power and Water undertakes system audits to ensure that the
Procedures are reviewed and updated regularly so new
management of all reclaimed water schemes complies with
and existing staff have accurate information.
specific requirements. The use of appropriate signs (as shown
above) and the use of a purple or lilac pipe for reclaimed water
Operational Monitoring and Process Control
are two of the safeguards applied to the management of
Our aim is to continually improve all aspects of treatment
these facilities.
plant and collection system monitoring and process control.
Many of the more complicated treatment systems have
built-in process control systems that monitor and provide
real-time feedback on chemical and hydraulic processes and
Power and Water has produced a customer information sheet;
Applying Reclaimed Water for Irrigation Schemes: Management
and Safeguards, which give the information customers need
when seeking access to reclaimed water.
Section 5: Verifying Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Quality
Wastewater Quality Monitoring Program
We have developed a Wastewater Quality Monitoring Program
to verify the performance of current wastewater quality
management strategies. The wastewater quality monitoring
program is based on:
• National Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water (2000)
Human waste contains countless bacteria known as coliforms
as well as potential pathogens. Coliforms are generally
harmless but are useful as an indicator of the possible
presence of pathogens.
Coliforms are measured as Colony Forming Units (CFU) per
100mL of wastewater. For the purpose of assessing
wastewater, Escherichia coli (or E.coli) is the main parameter
• Waste Discharge Licences issued by the EPA under
the Water Act
tested. E.coli is a smaller group from the coliform family of
organisms and is used extensively in this report.
• National Pollution Inventory reporting requirements
The National Guidelines for Use of Reclaimed Water (2000)
• Power and Water’s treatment performance assessment
define different types of reuse, and the monitoring, controls and
criteria (self assessment).
The program is reviewed annually and revised as needed.
recommended microbiological water quality for the specific
applications. In general a lower number of E.coli are required for
high levels of reuse. Similarly a higher level of restrictions is
Microbiological Monitoring
required for effluent with higher numbers of E.coli.
Microbiological monitoring is undertaken to check for
In 2004-2005, Power and Water provided about 1800 million
potential pathogenic or disease causing organisms. This is
litres of reclaimed water, or about 12% of the total wastewater
of primary importance for reclaimed water schemes for the
treated. The following table summarises where we supplied
protection of public health and safety.
reclaimed water and how it was used.
TABLE 5.1: POWER AND WATER RECLAIMED WATER SCHEMES
Location
Application
Reclaimed Water Type1
2004-2005 Volume
Reused (ML)
Northlakes
Darwin Golf Course
Municipal with uncontrolled
public access
301
Marrara Sports Complex
Sports ovals
Municipal with controlled
public access
95
Humpty Doo
Natural vegetation
Agriculture: Non-human food
chain
24
Pine Creek
Sports oval corridor
public access
0
Katherine
Cattle feed-lot
Agriculture Food production
Pasture and fodder for cattle
229
Alice Springs Blatherskite Park
Open spaces/sports ovals
public access
937
Alice Springs WSPs
Tree lot
chain
39
Kings Canyon
Tree lot
chain
23
Yulara
Tree lot
chain
205
1. As per definitions in the National Guidelines for Use of Reclaimed Water (2000)
More details on the reclaimed water schemes at each of the sites above are contained in Appendix 3.
Figures 5.1 and 5.2 show the median and 80th percentile of E.coli measured at all the sites with controlled public access. Where a
result of <20CFU/100mL was observed, a value of 10CFU/mL was used for results analysis.
Reuse facilities at Pine Creek require a significant upgrade and as such no resuse of wastewater can be undertaken until this
occurs. Water quality results are still presented for reference purposes.
FIGURE 5.1: MEDIAN E.COLI MEASURED AT SITES WITH CONTROLLED PUBLIC ACCESS
Guideline
Pine Creek
Katherine
1
Darwin Northlakes (Golf Course)
10
100
Darwin Marrara
Median E.Coli (CFU/100mL)
1000
17
FIGURE 5.2: 80 TH PERCENTILE E.COLI MEASURED AT SITES WITH CONTROLLED PUBLIC ACCESS
10000
80%ile E.Coli (CFU/100mL)
Guideline
1000
100
Pine Creek
Katherine
Darwin Marrara
1
Darwin Northlakes
(Golf Course)
10
Figures 5.1 and 5.2 indicate good compliance with the E.coli levels suggested by the National Guidelines at sites where controlled
public access is allowed.
Figures 5.3 and 5.4 show the median and 80th percentile of E.coli measured at sites where reclaimed water is used for
non-human food chain agriculture irrigation.
FIGURE 5.3: MEDIAN E.COLI MEASURED AT SITES WITH NON-HUMAN FOOD AGRICULTURE
100000
10000
Guideline
1000
100
Humpty Doo
(Tree Farm)
Alice Springs
(Tree Farm)
1
Yulara
(Tree Farm)
10
Kings Canyon
(Tree Farm)
18
FIGURE 5.4: 80 TH PERCENTILE E.COLI MEASURED AT SITES WITH NON-HUMAN FOOD AGRICULTURE
1000000
10000
Guideline
1000
100
These Figures show that the wastewater quality from the
Humpty Doo, Alice Springs and Yulara WSP’s does not meet
the current guidelines for non-food agriculture. This reflects
the current lack of capacity identified in Section 2 for Humpty
Doo. The Alice Springs tree-lot is failing compliance as the
Humpty Doo
(Tree Farm)
Alice Springs
(Tree Farm)
Yulara
(Tree Farm)
1
Kings Canyon
(Tree Farm)
10
Physical and Chemical Parameter Monitoring
Various physical and chemical parameters are tested in
wastewater. These parameters are important because of
their potential impact on the environment through waste
discharges.
detention time of the treated effluent is not adequate to
achieve sufficient treatment. Power and Water is modifying
Most physical and chemical parameters are measured as
this system. The Yulara WWTP, although achieving good solids
milligrams per litre (mg/L), (which is the same as parts per
and BOD removal, does not have an effective disinfection
million) or Tonnes /annum. The following sections provide a
system in place post treatment. Power and Water is
brief summary of the most common physical and chemical
investigating the use of a chlorination system or potentially
parameters that are tested in wastewater.
utilising ponding or soil aquifer treatment to achieve
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5)
acceptable E Coli reduction.
The BOD5 analysis measures the amount of oxygen needed
Alice Springs and Yulara Tree Farm is limited to Power and
Water operational personnel and therefore does not represent
a risk to the public. There was insufficient data to determine
the 80th percentile figure for the Yulara Tree Farm.
by bacteria to consume organic matter in the sample over
five days. This is measured in terms of the mass of oxygen
per volume of liquid. Typical raw sewage will have a BOD5
of 100 to 200 mg/L.
The frequency of reclaimed water quality monitoring is based
Nutrients
on the recommendations of the National Guidelines and
Excessive nutrients can have unwanted impacts in natural
agreed by the Department of Health and Community Services
waterways. Nitrogen and phosphorous are the most common
(DHCS). This target sampling frequency was not met at all
nutrients and can cause algal blooms or excessive weed
locations in 2005, however the sites where public access is
growth. It is an important function of the treatment process
permitted did fully comply with the required monitoring
to reduce the concentrations of ammonia prior to discharge
frequency. Difficulties at remote sites in obtaining samples
into the environment. Other forms (organic) of nitrogen are
and sending them to the laboratory in a timely fashion were
less harmful to the environment.
the main factors in sampling frequency failures. Details of all
sampling frequencies are in Appendix 3.
The operation of the irrigation system from the Humpty Doo,
19
20
Excessive levels of salts in irrigation water can have a
Suspended Solids (SS) and Volatile Suspended
Solids (VSS)
detrimental effect on plant growth through direct toxicity.
Soil permeability can be adversely affected through the
Suspended solids is the measure of solid or undissolved
presence and interactions of sodium, calcium and magnesium.
particles in the wastewater. This includes organic matter
These impacts can be measured by the Sodium Adsorption
such as algae and inorganic materials such as grit. Algae
Ratio or SAR. Effluent with a high SAR can cause soil dispersion
use sunlight, nutrients and carbon dioxide (CO2) from the
and infiltration problems.
wastewater. Algae is very common in waste stabilisation
ponds, and gives them their distinct green colour.
The waste discharge licences issued by the EPA under the
Water Act require Power and Water to measure the quality
VSS is a measure of the organic component of the
and quantity of discharges. Power and Water currently has
suspended solids.
seven discharge licences as outlined in Table 5.2.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Sodium
Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
These discharge licences require Power and Water to measure
TDS is a measure of the amount of dissolved salts in water.
parameters that are discharged to the environment each year.
The salt in wastewater comes from the water supply, from
The following table summarises the measured parameters,
products such as washing powder, bleed-off from evaporative
as well as the net discharge to a number of the receiving
air conditioners and trade waste. TDS is important when using
environments. These details are also provided to the Australian
treated wastewater for irrigation as it can affect soil structure
Government as part of the National Pollution Inventory (NPI)
and plant growth.
reporting.
the concentration and total amount of each of the above
Waste Discharge Licence monitoring summary
A summary of the WDL environmental discharge monitoring results are shown in Table 5.2. These results form part of the license
compliance requirements.
TABLE 5.2: WDL CHEMICAL ENVIRONMENTAL DISCHARGE SUMMARY, MASS PER ANNUM
Discharge
Location
Waste
Discharge
Licence
Number
BOD5
(Tonnes/
year
Total
Phosphorus
(Tonnes/
year)
Suspended
Solids
(Tonnes/
year)
Volatile
Suspended
Solids
(Tonnes/
year)
Free
Ammonia
(Tonnes/
year)
Organic
Nitrogen
(Tonnes/
year)
Total
Nitrogen
(Tonnes/
year)
Alice Springs
EP 10*
WDL 87
19
1
19
18
1
7
8
Alice Springs
EP 7*
WDL 87
7
0
7
6
1
2
3
Berrimah*
WDL 69
4
1
11
10
0
1
2
Katherine
WDL 73
1
0
5
5
0
1
1
Ludmilla*
WDL 71
207
17
285
210
62
23
86
Leanyer/
Sanderson*#
WDL 72
143
26
393
348
8
42
50
Larrakeyah*
WDL 70
162
10
246
230
41
15
56
Palmerston
WDL 68
77
15
182
157
13
19
32
710
77
1295
1122
156
112
268
Katherine River
1
0
5
5
0
1
1
Alice Springs
Ilparpa Swamp
26
2
27
24
2
9
11
TOTALS
Darwin
Harbour
*Seasonal or yearly mean test results were used
# Inflow was used to calculate loads
Further data associated with the Waste Discharge Licences are in Appendix 2
Copies of the licenses themselves are available on the Internet at the following address:
http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/environment/waste/register/wastewater.html
Section 6: Incident Response
Introduction
• Reasons for the incident (if known)
Power and Water recognises that rapid and appropriate
• Controlling actions undertaken
responses to pollution incidents or emergencies that can
compromise public health, or result in environmental impacts,
• Personnel involved
are essential.
• Any other information that may be relevant.
A pollution incident is any event that causes or threatens to
The Environmental Services personnel assess the situation,
cause harm, adverse effect, or nuisance on the environment.
considering any need for remediation, corrective or
Following a pollution incident, Power and Water immediately
ensures the area is made safe by controlling and containing
the overflow, where it is practicable and safe to do so. Once
preventative actions, and the need to report to the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), based on the
significance of the incident.
the overflow is controlled, staff report the incident to
Environmental Services staff may also seek further
Environmental Services personnel. The report includes:
information from other personnel and inspect the site to
• The date, time, duration and volume of the overflow
• The location of the incident
ensure any corrective or preventative action is implemented in
a timely manner. Information about the incident is recorded in
Power and Water’s incident database and a report provided to
senior management.
Recorded Incidents – Sewerage System
In 2004-2005 the following environmental incidents involving wastewater were referred to the EPA.
TABLE 6.1: RECORDED INCIDENTS OF SEWAGE OVERFLOWS FROM THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM
Incident Number
Date
Location
Description
Cause
Comments
1
8 May 2005
Ashley St Stuart
Park
Volume unknown
untreated sewage
Pipe failure
Spill area flushed
by tide
2
12 Aug 2004
Ross Smith Ave
Parap
Untreated sewage
Caused by sewer
blockage and
cross-connection
to stormwater
Repaired and
cleaned up
3
27-30 May 2005
Coconut Grove
Pump Station
19.6kL untreated
sewage
Telemetry / PLC
failure
During 2004-2005 the following environmental incidents
The inflow to sewage treatment plants can vary considerably
involving treatment systems were referred to the EPA (Table 6.2).
from the average dry weather inflow to the peak wet weather
WSPs are ideally suited to highly variable inflows. Their large
inflow. Typical inflows during wet weather may be three to five
volume and long detention time can resist the shock loading
times the average flow. In Darwin the high intensity rainfall
during wet weather.
associated with the Wet Season may increase the flow
ten-fold. The reasons for this high flow and our management
strategy to reduce it are outlined in Section 3.
TABLE 6.2: REPORTED INCIDENTS OF SEWAGE OVERFLOWS FROM THE TREATMENT SYSTEM
Incident Number
Date
Location
Description
Cause
Comments
1
15 Dec 2004
Ludmilla
Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Up to 2000L of
14% ferric chloride
solution
Leak in pipe joint
Leaked from
automatic transfer
(from storage tank
to plant inlet)
2
16 June 2005
Ludmilla
Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Volume unknown
– Untreated
sewage
Wet well level
control failed
Discharge to
Ludmilla Creek
Recorded Incidents - Treatment System
21
FIGURE 6.1: AVERAGE DAILY INFLOW TO LUDMILLA WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
40000
35000
30000
m3/day
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jul-04
0
The Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant is a chemically assisted sedimentation (CAS) plant and is less suited to managing large
variations in inflow. A record of the inflow to plant is shown in Figure 6.1. Details of all treatment plant inflows are in Appendix 2.
The capacity of the Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant is about 10 million litres per day, however it can treat inflows adequately
up to about 30 million litres per day. During extreme rainfall, there are periods when the capacity of the treatment plant at
Ludmilla is exceeded and the plant cannot treat all of the sewage entering the plant. At these times, it is necessary for flows to
bypass the treatment plant and discharge into Ludmilla Creek. When these events do occur, the untreated sewage is highly diluted
by rainwater that has entered the collection system. In 2004-2005 there were no recorded untreated discharges into Ludmilla
Creek. This is mainly due to the lower than normal rainfall in the 2004-2005 Wet Season.
Apart from wet weather overflows, treated wastewater must sometimes be discharged into Ludmilla Creek rather than passing
through the normal discharge at East Point. This may occur due to high inflows, pump breakdown or pipe blockages. Figure 6.3
summarises these occurrences.
FIGURE 6.2: TREATED EFFLUENT OVERFLOWS TO LUDMILLA CREEK
16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
Jul-04
m3/day
22
The quality of this discharge is the same as that reported in Appendix 1 in this report. The following table summarises all
discharges to Ludmilla Creek next to the Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant over the 2004-2005 period.
TABLE 6.4: SUMMARY OF OVERFLOWS TO LUDMILLA CREEK
Description
Plant bypass
(untreated)
East Point bypass
(treated)
Overflow events days/annum
0
153
Discharge
volume/annum (m3)
0
182,526
Recorded Incidents - Odour Complaints
We received 43 odour complaints in the Darwin region over the last year. The number of complaints by suburb is shown in
Figure 6.4
FIGURE 6.3: SEWAGE ODOUR COMPLAINTS IN DARWIN AREA 2004-2005
Wulagi (1)
Woodroffe (1)
Winnellie (2)
Wanguri (1)
Alawa (2)
Bakewell (1)
Darwin City (1)
Driver (1)
Durak (1)
East Point(1)
Fanny Bay (2)
Humpty Doo (2)
Wagaman (4)
Jingili (1)
Tiwi (2)
Larrakeyah (3)
Stuart Park (2)
Rapid Creek (1)
Nightcliff (6)
Leanyer (1)
Ludmilla (1)
Marlow Lagoon (1)
Marrara (1)
Moulden (2)
Complaints are registered in a database and investigated. Common causes of odour complaints are grease and fat build-up and
stagnant sewage as a result of sewer blockages. These are normally fixed by high pressure cleaning of the sewer lines.
The Narrows (2)
23
24
Section 7: Employee Awareness and Training
We are committed to ensuring that all employees are
appropriately trained and aware of their responsibilities.
In working with wastewater where employees’ and the
community’s health is at stake, there is no room for
compromise.
Awareness Opportunities and Strategies
We use a range of strategies to ensure staff appreciate and
develop awareness of the way their duties impact on
wastewater and reclaimed water quality. These strategies,
which are also used to develop skills and knowledge, include:
• Monthly section meetings
• Periodic ‘toolbox’ meetings of work groups
• Rotation of staff to other sections and centres
• Management feedback sessions
• Support for further education of employees
• Employee training programs derived from Individual
Development Plans (IDP), and
• Development and implementation of job models for
service workers
• Handling dangerous goods and chemicals such as chlorine
and lime
• Operating self contained breathing apparatus
• Entering confined spaces
• Performing rescues from pump wells and trenches
• First aid
• Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
• Fire and emergency evacuation
• Managing unauthorised access situations
• Operating dangerous equipment in public places
• Electrical isolation, tagging and lock out procedures, and
• Two-way radio procedures
Our staff or agents who undertake wastewater sampling in
centres across the Territory also require training to ensure
successful sampling and testing. We have developed a booklet
for all wastewater samplers and provide initial training and
refresher courses. In smaller centres, the agents are often
employed by the Local Government Community Council and
are referred to as Essential Service Officers or ESOs.
Training
Other broader skills training, such as the Public Sector
A range of operational activities may adversely affect
Management Program, Frontline Management Initiative and
wastewater collection, transfer, treatment or disposal if not
Service Worker Job Model related training, is also important,
performed correctly. We continually review and update our
because it develops skills for effective management and
procedures as new equipment or techniques develop. Safety
completion of job responsibilities.
training is a high priority and includes training in:
Section 8: Community Involvement and Awareness
Introduction
Water Reuse in Alice Springs
We see community involvement and awareness of wastewater
Power and Water is working hard to identify innovative and
issues as a high priority. We would like the community to:
cost-effective solutions that will enable safe reuse of water
and minimise environmental impacts. The Water Reuse in the
• Understand issues associated with wastewater and
reclaimed water reuse
• Help us minimise impacts of wastewater disposal by
Alice Project has involved a significant program of community
awareness and involvement. We have held a number of public
presentations and open days at key sites. We have actively
adhering to regulations associated with trade waste and
encouraged and welcomed community involvement in the
stormwater disposal
environmental approval process associated with this project,
• Improve their confidence in the way we treat and dispose of
wastewater and reuse reclaimed water.
and will continue to do so.
Darwin Harbour Regional Plan of Management
We participated extensively in the preparation of the Darwin
Harbour Regional Plan of Management including providing
public presentations. Power and Water Corporation fully
This report, and the information in it, is part of Power and
supports the Darwin Harbour Regional Plan of Management,
Water’s contribution to meet the challenges associated with
in particular the intent to improve the understanding of the
understanding and delivering sustainable waste management
region’s environment and the protection and enhancement of
around Darwin Harbour.
freshwater, estuarine and marine water quality especially
through a hydro-dynamic modelling process.
Successful catchment management, to reduce the impacts of
sewage and stormwater on Darwin Harbour, depends upon
appropriate strategies. Successful strategies should focus on
key contaminants and on priorities for management, which
should be based on the measurement of the major inflows.
Bird Watching
We are proud to support public bird watching activities at the
Waste Stabilisation Ponds (WSPs) at Leanyer and Alice Springs.
A number of ornithology books note both sites for their
diversity of bird life. At the Alice Springs WSPs, bird hides,
interpretive signs and purpose-built bird-nesting islands have
been constructed.
Section 9: Research and Development
We are involved in a number of research projects that aim to
improve our management of wastewater and our reclaimed
water quality. They are described below.
Developing Useful Indicators and Rapid
Detection Techniques for Monitoring
Recycled Water
This project, through the Cooperative Research Centre for
Water Quality and Treatment, aims to assess the occurrence of
pathogens in biofilms in reclaimed water distribution systems.
The outcomes of the research will provide information that
Chemical Sedimentation Trials, Ludmilla
Wastewater Treatment Plant
As part of the Darwin Harbour Regional Plan of Management,
Power and Water has embarked on a plan to further improve
the quality of treated effluent released into the harbour from
the Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant. Laboratory studies
have already been performed, indicating the potential for ferric
sulphate to be highly effective in improving the quality of
wastewater. A full-scale trial is now being implemented at the
treatment plant with the aim of assessing the potential
benefits of this treatment technology.
will reduce the risk of reclaimed water systems.
Section 10: Documentation and Reporting
Recording wastewater quality data and reporting treatment
performance is an integral part of any wastewater quality
management system.
expectations, Power and Water is always looking for system
improvements to help our data storage and analysis.
Reporting
The WIMS database described above allows the reports
Power and Water uses the Corporate Works Information
required for regulatory compliance to be formulated efficiently.
Management System (WIMS) to enter, store and retrieve
The database can also be used to provide information on
wastewater quality data. The WIMS system also allows
incidences of exceeding wastewater quality.
electronic entry and storage of the complete wastewater
quality monitoring program that is revised at the end of each
financial year. WIMS automatically generates work orders so
that all relevant sampling and analysis is done through the
year to comply with regulatory and operational requirements.
This document is a key component of our reporting
obligations to the Environment Protection Agency and the
DHCS associated with wastewater discharge and reclaimed
water reuse. It also represents our commitment to public
reporting and accountability.
Work orders allow efficient wastewater sampling scheduling
by Power and Water employees, essential services operators
and trained contractors, and tracking of sampling runs for
audit purposes. Although the WIMS database is conforming to
Wastewater Quality Database
25
26
Section 11: Evaluation and Audit
Evaluating and auditing wastewater and reclaimed water
quality management systems is an important way to ensure
the successful management and reuse of water. This report is
an integral part of the review and evaluation process.
Northlakes/Marrara Reuse System
The audit of the Northlakes/Marrara system suggested that, to
improve the protection of public health at the Marrara Sports
Complex, both the Marrara and Northlakes reuse systems
Audits assess if procedures and processes are in place to
should use microfiltered water. Power and Water have recently
collect accurate water quality data and maintain appropriate
implemented a trial and changed the system design so both
management systems. As part of the audit process we
the Darwin Golf Club and Mararra sporting ovals micro-filtered
engaged independent external consultants to evaluate the
recycled water for irrigation. The results of the trial will be
Northlakes/Marrara effluent disposal system; the Alice Springs
published in the next report.
effluent reuse and disposal system; and the Yulara effluent
disposal system.
Section 12: Review and Continual Improvement
Review and Continual Improvement
Improvement
Power and Water is committed to the ongoing development
Various wastewater management and reclaimed water quality
and improvement of the wastewater management system
improvement works have been identified as part of the capital
and the safety of reclaimed water supplies.
works program for the coming year. A summary is outlined in
Table 12.1.
Review
This Annual Report is an important mechanism for identifying
wastewater management issues and facilitating reclaimed
water quality improvements.
TABLE 12.1: PLANNED WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENT WORKS
Location
Planned Works
Adelaide River
No major works planned.
Alice Springs
Water Reuse in the Alice ($6.2m) is planned including construction of effluent transfer pipeline, treated effluent
storages, and potential Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) and storage system. A Public Environment Report (PER) is
currently under preparation for the proposed scheme.
Batchelor
Borroloola
Darwin
Extensive sewer rehabilitation works are planned ($2m) along with ongoing upgrades to the Ludmilla
Wastewater Treatment Plant ($0.8m). Upgrades include improved screening and grit removal, improved
pumping system and upgrade to the lime handling and dosing facilities. Upgrade of the Humpty Doo ponds
($0.6m) is also proposed in 2007.
Katherine
Some sewer rehabilitation works are planned along with investigations into the future expansion of the
treatment ponds and effluent reuse system.
Kings Canyon
Extension of power supply to the ponds to allow upgrading of the effluent irrigation system is planned.
Installation of a new pump station to improve inflow to the treatment ponds will also occur.
Pine Creek
Tennant Creek
Sewer ventilation works are planned ($0.3m) that will help reduce odours and extend the lifetime of existing
sewer pipes. Some sewer rehabilitation works are also planned.
Yulara
Sewer ventilation and relining works planned ($0.5m) along with upgrade of sludge drying beds to improve
current performance.
Appendix 1: Wastewater Treatment Performance
A.1.1. Waste Stabilisation Pond (WSP)
Performance Evaluation Methodology
All WSPs have a design loading based on:
In the Top End, the significant loading factor is the hydraulic
detention time. Under ideal conditions this measure should
not vary throughout the year however, because of infiltration,
illegal connections and Top End rainfall patterns the hydraulic
• Organic content of the raw sewage
detention time (HDT) can be significantly less during the Wet
• Detention time
Season. Reduction of the HDT will decrease treatment
• Temperature
Overloading of WSPs results in:
• Excessive odour generation, especially in the primary pond
• Poor water quality discharged from the plant, notably
ammonia and microbiological parameters such as E.coli.
efficiency, notably in terms of the oxidation of ammonia.
Assessment of WSP performance is based on a six-monthly
Dry Season period. However, during a wet year, HDT can be
reduced because of rainfall patterns for much of the Dry
Season assessment period. For this reason, the current
loadings on WSPs for the Top End (Katherine and north) is
based on the flows from the high rainfall year of 2003-2004,
Because of their long detention times and ability to absorb
or, if greater, the flows measured during the year of
high hydraulic shocks, WSPs are best assessed on a long-term
assessment.
basis and not on a daily inflows. The exact concentration
of raw sewage inflows is difficult to determine without
extensive and expensive monitoring. However the following
values have been selected based on available historical data
Further details on operation and design of WSPs can be found
in the Power and Water document; Waste Stabilisation Ponds
Design Manual.
and experience:
Detention time for the Alice Springs WSPs is more complex as
• Assumed raw sewage quality of 120 mg/L BOD5
flow is distributed through a number of pond sets.
• Hydraulic load based on the 90th percentile of average
monthly flow for the arid regions and 90th percentile1
Table A.1.3 shows physical details of each of the WSP and
inflows.
of the Dry Season flow for the Top End
• Ideal hydraulic detention time (assuming no
short-circuiting).
27
3,528.4
238.5
397.5
7.8
TOTAL
(ML/annum)
Dry Season
May-October
90%ile
(ML/month)
Annual
90%ile (ML/
month
Average
annual
(ML/day)
222.1
252.9
234.2
228.9
8.0
434.3
245.2
3,620.2
* No compliance reporting required for this site
ND = No Data recorded for that period
202.8
Jun 05
293.0
361.5
221.9
401.5
Feb 05
Mar 05
207.8
568.8
Jan 05
Apl 05
414.2
436.6
344.6
Dec 05
May 05
619.9
285.5
Nov 04
233.5
224.2
237.8
239.3
Oct 04
223.2
Sep 04
221.9
Aug 04
237.5
Inlet
(ML/month)
Inlet
(ML/month)
234.9
Ludmilla
Leanyer/
Sanderson
Darwin and Top End
Jul 04
Month
Inlet Flows
2004-2005
3.8
129.4
116.9
1,112.1
75.5
82.9
82.8
91.1
95.3
122.4
123.5
96.3
88.9
86.4
82.4
84.7
Inlet
(ML/month)
Larrakeyah
5.9
229.3
179.7
2,277.1
177.7
181.7
191.9
223.6
230.0
239.8
192.7
177.6
171.0
167.9
163.3
160.1
Inlet
(ML/month)
Palmerston
0.4
12.4
11.7
134.1
7.3
11.0
12.0
12.4
12.3
11.9
15.9
10.5
10.6
7.8
12.3
10.1
Inlet
(ML/month)
Berrimah
0.1
3.5
4.0
38.5
3.2
4.5
3.3
3.4
3.3
3.0
3.3
3.1
3.5
2.7
3.0
2.5
Inlet
(ML/month)
Humpty Doo*
2.6
70.3
79.4
792.7
63.7
61.4
60.8
70.3
60.4
66.7
67.9
57.6
62.2
62.7
70.3
88.6
Inlet
(ML/month)
Katherine
0.1
3.3
2.3
28.5
1.9
1.9
2.2
3.3
3.2
3.8
2.0
2.1
1.8
1.8
2.0
2.5
Inlet
(ML/month)
Pine Creek*
A.1.2. WASTEWATER INFLOWS PER MONTH FOR NORTH REGION (2004-2005)
-
-
-
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Inlet
(ML/month)
Borroloola*
-
-
-
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Inlet
(ML/month)
Batchelor*
-
-
-
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Inlet
(ML/month)
Adelaide
River*
28
29
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Sep 04
Oct 04
Nov 04
Dec 05
Jan 05
Feb 05
Mar 05
Apl 05
May 05
Jun 05
TOTAL
(ML/annum)
641
46.5
85.0
57.4
47.3
39.8
46.5
45.3
47.0
50.2
69.8
59.7
-
AVERAGE
annual
(ML/day)
2.3
68.8
ND = No Data recorded for that period
-
Annual 90%ile
(ML/month
Dry Season May-October 90%ile (ML/month)
ND
Aug 04
46.8
AN2/3 Inlet*
(ML/month)
Inlet
(ML/month)
ND
Alice Springs
Tennant
Creek*
Southern Region
Jul 04
Month
Inlet Flows
2004-2005
0.9
27.1
252
18.3
33.5
22.6
18.6
15.7
18.3
17.8
18.5
19.7
27.5
23.5
18.4
AN4 Inlet*
(ML/month)
2.3
70.5
657
47.6
87.1
58.8
48.5
40.8
47.7
46.4
48.1
51.4
71.5
61.2
48.0
B1 Inlet*
(ML/month)
4.6
140.9
1,314
95.3
174.2
117.6
97.0
81.6
95.3
92.8
96.3
102.8
143.0
122.4
95.9
C1 Inlet*
(ML/month)
10.1
307.2
2,865
207.7
379.8
256.4
211.4
177.8
207.8
202.2
209.9
224.2
311.7
266.9
209.1
Total Alice
(ML/month)
A.1.2. WASTEWATER INFLOWS PER MONTH FOR SOUTHERN REGION (2004-2005)
0.7
20.9
238
19.6
20.1
20.9
20.8
17.7
19.2
19.3
20.0
20.4
19.8
19.5
21.2
Inlet
(ML/month)
Yulara*
0.5
15.2
122
9.8
3
15
16.3
14.3
10.4
11.1
11.1
9.4
6.8
5.0
5.4
Inlet
(ML/month)
Kings Canyon*
30
A.1.3. WASTE STABILISATION PONDS DETAILS
Location
Pond Number
Area (m2)
Volume (m3)
Adelaide River
1
715
870
Alice Springs
Batchelor
Berrimah
Borroloola
Katherine
Kings Canyon
2
1530
3
6134
AN1
500
9000
AN2/3
2200
47000
AN4
2200
47000
A1
13000
A2
9000
A3
9000
A4
13000
A5
34000
EP1
6000
EP2
6500
EP3/4
9000
EP7
40500
EP10
150000
B1
55000
B2
49000
C1
93000
C2
31000
C3
31000
1
1250
2312
2
4749
3
23552
1
14250
21300
2
13600
3
13600
1
1350
1950
2
1835
3
1810
1a
8900
19000
1b
19000
2
15700
3
23000
4
23000
1
2223
4446
2
1666
3
1127
4
1127
Location
Pond Number
Area (m2)
Volume (m3)
Leanyer
1
47740
101860
Pine Creek
Sanderson
Tennant Creek
63100
3
31240
4
31240
5
59570
1
70000
105000
2
84000
3
72000
4
72000
5
72000
1
690
650
2
670
3
740
4
2630
1
47740
101860
2
59570
3
31240
4
31240
5
59570
1
9638
18720
2
9711
3
6814
4
7413
5
6443
Plus evaporation ponds
Palmerston
2
31
32
A.1.4. WASTEWATER OUTFLOW QUALITY
No. of
Samples
Median
Average
90th
Percentile
Larrakeyah Dry Season Outlet (SLA010)
No. of
Samples
Median
Average
90th
Percentile
Northlakes filter out (SNL020)
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
40
42
55
Ammonia (mg/L)
12
2
2
2
BOD5 (mg/L)
5
126
153
218
BOD5 (mg/L)
12
1
2
4
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
5
11
10
12
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
12
0.3
0.3
0.4
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
5
55
57
71
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
12
3
4
5
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
5
353
374
431
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
12
382
372
396
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
5
239
242
324
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
7
1
1
1
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
5
17,000,000
20,000,000
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
12
20
Palmerston Dry Season - outfall (SPA100)
Trade Development Zone Wetwell (STDZ01)
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
12
17
20
23
29
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
6
2
7
19
BOD (mg/L)
12
15
14
25
BOD (mg/L)
6
57
66
106
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
12
2
3
4
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
6
12
11
13
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
12
20
27
34
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
6
18
21
33
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
12
2,332
3,126
5,440
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
6
233
260
329
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
12
22
24
37
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
6
154
157
224
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
3
160,000
2,432,000
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
6
800
Golf Course Pond Dry Season Pond (SNL010)
1,650
Leanyer Dry Season outlet final pond (SLE055)
Ammonia (mg/L)
6
2
2
3
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
1
1
1
BOD5 (mg/L)
6
42
44
58
BOD5 (mg/L)
5
41
40
49
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
6
10
10
12
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
5
10
10
13
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
6
14
13
15
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
5
14
14
16
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
6
340
339
362
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
5
313
316
33
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
6
120
116
139
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
5
98
100
116
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
6
650
2,050
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
6
80
Sanderson Dry Season final pond (SSA055)
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
5
1
235
Ludmilla Wet Season post treatment (SLU025/030/080/100)
1
1
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
6
16
14
22
BOD (mg/L)
5
25
37
62
BOD (mg/L)
6
50
45
76
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
5
10
10
12
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
6
4
3
5
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
5
17
16
18
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
6
21
19
28
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
5
337
341
367
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
6
518
491
652
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
5
143
156
191
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
6
71
70
103
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
5
200
400
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
6
2,350
13,500
No. of
Samples
Median
Average
No. of
Samples
90th
Percentile
Berrimah Dry Season post treatment (SBE100)
Median
Average
90th
Percentile
Ludmilla Dry Season post treatment (SLU025/030/080/100)
Ammonia (mg/L)
6
2
2
4
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
30
29
32
BOD5 (mg/L)
6
32
31
49
BOD5 (mg/L)
5
91
99
122
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
6
7
6
8
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
5
9
9
11
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
6
18
17
20
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
5
38
39
44
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
6
1,047
1,037
1,093
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
5
658
661
689
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
6
100
91
112
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
5
94
110
143
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
6
40
1,900
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
6
23,500
Batchelor (SBA025)
5
Borroloola
1
1
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
ND
BOD (mg/L)
1
12
BOD (mg/L)
ND
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
1
1
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
ND
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
1
7
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
ND
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
1
340
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
ND
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
1
64
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
ND
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
1
9,000
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
ND
Humpty Doo outlet final pond (SHD100/015)
Alice Springs ponds A Blatherskite (SAA035/040)
Ammonia (mg/L)
2
23
23
23
Ammonia (mg/L)
3
8
10
19
BOD5 (mg/L)
2
30
30
34
BOD5 (mg/L)
3
38
42
52
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
2
9
9
9
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
3
8
8
11
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
2
32
32
32
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
3
24
24
30
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
2
369
369
369
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
3
1,041
1,022
1,088
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
2
128
128
146
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
3
94
85
96
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
7
40,000
230,000
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
49
300
Pine Creek* Outlet (SPC050)
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
12
2,340
Alice Springs ponds A EP7 (SAA060)
1
1
2
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
3
12
10
13
BOD (mg/L)
12
20
22
39
BOD (mg/L)
3
58
63
72
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
12
2
3
4
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
3
8
8
9
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
12
10
11
17
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
3
26
25
28
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
12
290
263
341
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
3
962
1,092
1,296
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
12
70
94
176
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
3
94
90
115
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
12
40
770
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
52
750
4,460
Ammonia (mg/L)
880,000
33
No. of
Samples
34
Median
Average
90th
Percentile
Katherine evaporation ponds (SKA060/070/080/090/200)
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
16
1
1
No. of
Samples
Median
Average
90th
Percentile
Alice Springs ponds A EP10 (SAA080)
1
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
3
2
2
2
BOD (mg/L)
16
21
26
54
BOD (mg/L)
3
53
56
60
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
16
1
2
4
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
3
5
5
5
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
16
12
11
19
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
3
22
25
31
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
16
277
214
356
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
3
1,634
1,406
1,644
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
16
106
102
201
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
3
150
171
211
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
18
30
230
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
53
140
600
Tennant Creek E1 outlet (STC060)
Alice Springs ponds B/C Combined Outlet (SAB050)
Ammonia (mg/L)
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
ND
5
2
16
16
19
BOD (mg/L)
ND
BOD (mg/L)
2
87
87
97
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
ND
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
2
11
11
12
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
ND
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
2
32
32
33
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
ND
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
2
997
997
1,071
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
ND
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
2
83
83
87
E.coli(CFU/100mL)
ND
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
6
22,500
Kings Canyon Outlet (SKC030)
Adelaide River (SAD001/015/025/35)
Ammonia (mg/L)
Ammonia (mg/L)
5
ND
5
42,500
2
6
6
8
BOD (mg/L)
ND
BOD (mg/L)
2
43
43
48
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
ND
Total Phosphorus
(mg/L)
2
10
10
10
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
ND
Total Nitrogen
(mg/L)
2
20
20
20
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
ND
Total Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
2
558
558
589
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
ND
Suspended Solids
(mg/L)
2
81
81
103
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
8
E.coli (CFU/100mL)
2
19,500
120
2,600
22,300
120
120
120
120
120
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
300
Alice Springs
Alice Springs
Batchelor*
Berrimah
Borroloola*
Humpty Doo*
Pine Creek*
Katherine
Kings Canyon*
Leanyer
Palmerston
Sanderson
Tennant Creek*
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
120
-
5590.2
10368.6
5590.2
496.9
2934.0
378.0
129.9
-
775.1
-
4621.0
2310.5
887.1
2254.9
-
Hydraulic
load - month
90%ile
(m3/day)
120
300
Alice Springs
120
300
Alice Springs
120
BOD raw
300
EP design
(L/EP/day)
WSP Current Performance Actual vs Design
Adelaide River*
WSP System name
35
9638
47741
70000
47740
2223
17800
690
1250
1350
14250
1250
46000
26000
22000
22000
715
Primary
pond area
(m2)
46879
153290
225000
156820
7254
101700
4040
1870
3645
27200
30613
160070
97930
51640
89150
7664
Secondary
Volume
(m3)
200
300
300
300
150
300
300
300
300
300
300
150
150
150
150
300
Kg/Ha/
day
Design
organic
load
-
140.512
179.680
140.515
268.249
197.798
657.336
124.706
-
65.270
-
120.548
106.638
48.388
122.996
-
Kg/Ha/day
Actual
organic load
(m3/day)
495
1863
940
1129
2787
183
0
1516
0
6345
6943
6345
-
ND
82
32
71
80
ND
22
ND
42
100+
66
100+
47
60
47
ND
Spare
capacity
(%)
Percent
design
capacity
Organic Loading
-
6345
6943
6345
0
1516
0
183
-
2787
-
1129
940
1863
495
-
(EP)
Spare
capacity
A.1.5. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF WASTE STABILISATION PONDS
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
(days)
Design
secondary
detention
time
-
27
22
28
15
35
11
14
-
35
-
35
42
58
40
-
(peak Dry
Season
flow - days)
Actual
detention
time
2344
7665
11250
7841
363
5085
202
94
182
1360
1531
8004
4897
2582
4458
383
(m3/day)
Capacity
ND
73
92
71
100+
58
100+
100+
ND
57
ND
58
47
34
51
ND
(%)
Percent
design
capacity
Secondary Detention Time
-
2074
881
2251
0
2151
0
0
-
585
-
3383
2586
1695
2203
-
(m3/day)
Spare
Capacity
detention
36
A.1.6. Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant
Performance
TABLE A.1.6.1 LUDMILLA MAXIMUM PUMP CAPACITY
Flow (L/s)
The plant is limited in its capacity to pump severe Wet Season
flows to East Point for disposal. The pumps at the inlet to the
plant have more than enough capacity to deal with Wet
Plant process pumps
1600
East Point pumps
220
Season flows, however, the pumps taking the treated effluent
to East Point are restricted in terms of performance and the
For effective treatment the requirements should be as shown
size of the existing main. Table A.1.6.1 shows the typical
in Table A.1.6.2.
maximum capacity for both pump systems.
TABLE A.1.6.2 LUDMILLA DESIGN PARAMETERS (FOR EFFECTIVE TREATMENT)
Rise rate (m/hr)
Flow rate (ML/day)
Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF)
1.2
8.4
Peak Dry Weather Flow (PDWF)
2.0
14.0
Peak Wet Weather Flow (PWWF)
5.0
35.0
1The rise rate refers to the vertical movement of the water body as the liquid flows out of the reactor into the collection channels on the water surface.
The strength of the sewage entering the Ludmilla plant is
catchment. For example, the typical raw sewage BOD5 at other
higher than that at other treatment plants. This is
catchments is 120 mg/L whereas at Ludmilla it is 180 mg/L.
due to the nature of the catchment with part of the Darwin
Table A.6.3 show the removal efficiency of the plant in terms
CBD and the Winnellie industrial area located in the
of major wastewater parameters.
TABLE A.1.6.3 AVERAGE PERCENTAGE REMOVAL
Raw mg/L
Treated mg/L
Average Removal (%)
BOD5
181
140
22
Ammonia
31
27
15
Total Phosphorous
9
9
19
Total Nitrogen
47
37
22
Suspended Solids
166
130
22
Figures A.2.08 and A.2.09 show the actual hydraulic flows into
the plant versus the design criteria for both Wet and Dry
Season flows. Note that the design criteria represent
recommended flows for optimum chemical treatment and are
not a design restriction on the maximum hydraulic flow. In the
Dry Season the plant conforms to the design criteria, however,
during the Wet Season both ADWF and PDWF criteria are
continually exceeded and there are significant periods where
A.1.7. Yulara Wastewater Treatment Plant
Performance
According to the flow records for 2004-2005, inflow was less
than half the treatment plant hydraulic capacity. However
observations and theoretical flow calculations based on
population dispute this, rather it is more likely that the
treatment plant is operating at hydraulic capacity for much
of the year. Flow meter accuracy requires investigation.
the PWWF is also exceeded. In treatment terms, the
exceedence of the criteria during the Wet Season is
Regardless of the accuracy of flow records, the plant is effectively
counterbalanced by the fact that the raw wastewater is
removing BOD (98% removal), Suspended Solids (96% removal),
significantly diluted by infiltration.
ammonia (97% removal) and organic nitrogen (83% removal).
However total phosphorus is only reduced by 25%.
If the flow records are correct, the treatment plant is operating
effectively as an extended aeration system, with the sludge age
and food to microorganism ratio within normal operating range.
Appendix 2: Waste Discharge Licence and Reclaimed Water Notes,
Sampling, Analysis and Reporting
A.2.1. Explanation of Waste Discharge Licence
Evaluation and Data Presentation
The following tables and figures present data required to be
measured by Power and Water under Discharge Licences
issued by the Office of Environment and Heritage.
Samples for heavy metals at Ludmilla and Larrakeyah were
collected using an auto-sampler. Composite samples were
collected over 24 hours in May 2005 and June 2005 at both
locations. After samples were collected, the average flow rate
was downloaded from Citec and samples were mixed
accordingly and dispatched to Northern Territory
All wastewater samples are collected in accordance with
Environmental Laboratory (NTEL) in Berrimah for analysis.
Power and Water's Wastewater Quality Sampling and Testing
analysed at the laboratories at the Department Primary
Industry, Fisheries and Mines (DPIFM).
Because of operational difficulties some samples were not
taken from some sites at the required interval. Wastewater
quality results are not available for the following months:
Location
Description
Months
Larrakeyah
Chemical
Sept 2004
Larrakeyah
Bacteriological
September 2004
Sanderson
Chemical
September 2004
Leanyer
Chemical
September 2004
Ludmilla
Chemical
September 2004
Alice Springs Ponds A
Chemical
March 2005
Alice Springs Ponds B/C
Chemical
Sept 2004, March 2005
Alice Springs Ponds B/C
Bacteriological
Sept 2004, March 2005
Where no chemical data were available, readings from previous
and following months were averaged and used as an estimate
for that month.
Not all daily flow data is available for all sites and all months.
Where daily data was unavailable the monthly flow has been
averaged to determine a daily flow.
Procedure Manual. Bacteriological and chemical samples are
37
1766
58
336
353
Aug 04
Sep 04
433
515
527
Apr 05
May 05
Jun 05
Total
410
Mar 05
41
371
405
Jan 05
Feb 05
48
351
Dec 04
121
91
46
46
24
30
375
359
Oct 04
Nov 04
47
56
362
20
54
18
Jul 04
Palmerston
Total
Jun 05
53
1247
1697
29
Apr 05
26
802
1348
Feb 05
Mar 05
May 05
21
639
Jan 05
15
20
43
36
1175
1503
Oct 04
1096
1687
Sep 04
5
27
Dec 04
1578
Nov 04
1633
(mg/L)
(uS/cm)
Jul 04
BOD5
Conductivity
Aug 04
Berrimah
Date
12
12
10
8
8
9
13
13
14
5
13
9
8
8
5
6
7
5
4
6
8
7
4
4
(mg/L)
Total
Phosphorus
155
95
82
43
42
99
173
169
245
94
202
152
103
36
95
87
58
47
81
126
96
118
89
106
(mg/L)
Suspended
Solids
144
84
79
42
39
80
146
135
200
75
172
141
94
36
95
81
54
45
70
115
81
110
89
105
(mg/L)
Volatile
Suspended
Solids
18
19
15
13
11
10
1
2
3
1
1
1
3
4
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
(mg/L)
Free
Ammonia
20
9
14
9
8
11
17
17
7
19
11
14
14
7
1
12
13
7
9
13
18
16
14
19
(mg/L)
Organic
Nitrogen
38
28
29
22
19
21
18
19
10
20
12
15
17
11
2
14
14
8
10
14
20
18
15
20
(mg/L)
Total
Nitrogen
77.4
14.0
10.3
5.7
8.2
3.8
8.2
6.5
3.2
5.5
5.2
4.6
2.0
3.7
0.3
0.2
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.2
0.3
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.0
(tonne/
month)
BOD5
15.4
1.3
1.4
1.2
1.4
1.3
1.7
1.8
1.4
1.4
0.4
1.2
0.9
0.8
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
(tonne/
month)
Total
Phosphorus
A.2.2. MASS LOADING DISCHARGE DATA
182.0
17.9
10.7
10.1
7.7
6.7
19.9
23.6
18.3
23.4
8.7
20.0
15.1
10.9
0.6
0.4
1.2
1.0
0.7
0.6
0.9
1.7
1.2
1.2
0.8
0.7
(tonne/
month)
Suspended
Solids
157.2
16.6
9.5
9.8
7.5
6.2
16.1
19.9
14.6
19.1
6.9
17.0
14.0
10.2
0.6
0.4
1.2
0.9
0.7
0.5
0.8
1.5
1.0
1.1
0.8
0.6
(tonne/
month)
Volatile
Suspended
Solids
13.1
2.1
2.1
1.9
2.3
1.8
2.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
(tonne/
month)
Free
Ammonia
19.2
2.3
1.0
1.7
1.6
1.3
2.2
2.3
1.8
0.7
1.8
1.1
1.4
1.4
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
(tonne/
month)
Organic
Nitrogen
32.3
4.4
3.2
3.6
3.9
3.0
4.2
2.5
2.1
1.0
1.8
1.2
1.5
1.6
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.1
(tonne/
month)
Total
Nitrogen
1521.6
115.5
113.1
123.7
178.5
159.4
201.1
136.3
108.1
95.4
92.1
98.9
99.5
127.8
6.2
10.2
12.2
12.4
12.3
11.9
11.0
13.4
12.5
10.1
9.3
6.2
(ML/
month)
Monthly
Flow
38
99
1045
993
May 05
33
463
Feb 05
48
28
1531
4030
May 05
Total
Jun 05
Apr 05
10
8
6
5
3
4
11
9
13
8
11
9
11
6
3
4
103
95
78
68
49
65
165
190
215
117
139
125
115
91
101
104
38
33
88
53
162
88
89
94
(mg/L)
Suspended
Solids
62
502
586
Mar 05
26
52
24
Jan 05
475
51
520
Dec 04
28
531
469
Oct 04
919
Sep 04
Nov 04
43
486
Aug 04
50
521
71
64
Jul 04
Palmerston
Total
Jun 05
78
1131
Apr 05
56
828
Mar 05
1
1
4
12
5
4
8
6
11
9
(mg/L)
Total
Phosphorus
87
44
372
Dec 04
89
69
587
814
Nov 04
Jan 05
935
Oct 04
Feb 05
901
1036
Sep 04
137
91
1124
1043
(mg/L)
(uS/cm)
Jul 04
BOD5
Conductivity
Aug 04
Ludmilla
Date
39
96
90
71
67
46
62
143
154
176
103
120
113
90
71
67
74
23
19
66
45
122
66
75
76
(mg/L)
Volatile
Suspended
Solids
1
1
7
4
4
1
1
1
3
3
2
1
28
26
16
15
5
2
21
22
30
21
33
30
(mg/L)
Free
Ammonia
13
3
12
10
7
9
17
16
18
12
15
16
8
8
5
6
5
3
7
6
10
7
14
8
(mg/L)
Organic
Nitrogen
14
4
19
14
11
10
18
17
21
15
17
17
36
34
21
21
10
5
28
28
40
28
47
38
(mg/L)
Total
Nitrogen
2.0
26.0
143.1
1.6
1.4
1.7
1.1
2.0
3.9
2.5
3.0
2.3
2.4
2.0
5.7
10.0
13.8
9.4
13.3
13.7
17.9
14.6
6.7
10.4
11.1
16.7
2.4
17.3
22.8
1.8
0.9
1.7
0.5
0.6
1.1
1.0
1.7
1.4
2.3
1.8
(tonne/
month)
Total
Phosphorus
206.5
22.8
18.2
22.9
5.4
2.5
20.5
10.2
19.5
15.4
28.1
18.3
(tonne/
month)
BOD5
392.7
20.9
19.7
17.3
24.6
19.7
37.0
56.9
54.2
51.4
30.8
30.9
29.4
285.0
26.5
26.6
28.7
42.5
17.2
20.6
20.7
12.3
35.6
17.3
18.3
18.9
(tonne/
month)
Suspended
Solids
347.7
19.5
18.7
15.8
24.2
18.5
35.3
49.3
44.0
42.1
27.3
26.6
26.5
210.0
20.7
20.7
19.0
30.3
10.4
11.9
15.5
10.4
26.8
13.6
15.4
15.3
(tonne/
month)
Volatile
Suspended
Solids
8.0
0.2
0.2
1.6
1.4
1.6
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.7
0.4
0.4
0.2
62.2
6.4
7.6
4.5
6.1
2.3
1.3
4.9
5.1
6.6
4.6
6.8
6.0
(tonne/
month)
Free
Ammonia
42.2
2.6
0.6
2.7
3.6
2.8
5.1
5.9
4.6
4.3
2.9
3.3
3.8
23.4
1.8
2.3
1.4
2.5
2.3
1.9
1.6
1.4
2.2
1.5
2.9
1.6
(tonne/
month)
Organic
Nitrogen
50.2
2.8
0.8
4.2
5.1
4.4
5.7
6.2
4.9
5.0
3.2
3.8
4.0
85.6
8.3
9.9
6.0
8.6
4.5
3.1
6.6
6.5
8.8
6.1
9.6
7.6
(tonne/
month)
Total
Nitrogen
3528.4
202.8
207.8
221.9
361.5
401.5
568.8
344.6
285.5
239.3
237.8
221.9
234.9
3543.5
230.2
291.9
283.7
409.0
452.1
625.6
235.5
231.6
219.5
158.7
205.1
200.7
(ML/
month)
Monthly
Flow
534
363
Feb-05
2228
2610
Jun 05
1731
Total
58
1524
Aug 04
May 05
63
63
62
56
56
9
22
116
202
1731
Jul 04
Alice Springs EP 7 Ilparpa
Total
2228
Jul 04
Sep 04
Alice Springs EP 10 Ilparpa
Total
440
Jan-05
Katherine
Total
Jun 05
186
523
534
673
Apr 05
137
186
520
Feb 05
Mar 05
May 05
25
423
Jan 05
153
180
552
472
126
148
Dec 04
Oct 04
92
229
Nov 04
557
560
Sep 04
741
594
(mg/L)
(uS/cm)
Jul 04
BOD5
Conductivity
Aug 04
Larrakeyah
Date
3
3
3
5
5
5
1
3
11
8
8
9
7
4
11
8
12
9
11
9
(mg/L)
Total
Phosphorus
90
120
90
138
171
171
63
78
257
369
140
313
153
135
238
241
239
221
193
153
(mg/L)
Suspended
Solids
80
106
80
135
156
156
59
72
241
349
132
291
145
124
222
223
226
207
179
144
(mg/L)
Volatile
Suspended
Solids
10
13
10
2
2
2
1
1
35
30
32
61
26
21
26
39
40
38
47
60
(mg/L)
Free
Ammonia
15
15
15
20
24
24
8
12
11
14
12
13
13
8
15
13
15
13
14
18
(mg/L)
Organic
Nitrogen
25
28
25
22
25
25
9
13
46
44
44
74
39
29
41
52
55
51
61
78
(mg/L)
Total
Nitrogen
7.5
0.0
2.7
4.7
18.9
7.8
5.6
5.6
1.1
0.3
0.8
162.4
8.8
16.7
15.4
17.0
13.0
3.1
22.2
14.7
11.2
13.3
7.6
19.4
(tonne/
month)
BOD5
0.4
0.0
0.1
0.3
1.5
0.6
0.5
0.5
0.2
0.0
0.1
9.8
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.8
0.7
0.5
1.3
0.8
1.1
0.9
0.9
0.7
(tonne/
month)
Total
Phosphorus
12.4
0.0
5.6
6.7
51.7
17.3
17.2
17.2
4.9
2.0
3.0
245.8
19.4
30.6
11.6
28.5
14.6
16.5
29.4
23.2
21.2
21.9
15.9
13.0
(tonne/
month)
Suspended
Solids
11.0
0.0
5.0
6.0
48.2
17.0
15.6
15.6
4.6
1.8
2.8
230.1
18.2
28.9
10.9
26.5
13.8
15.2
27.4
21.5
20.1
20.7
14.7
12.2
(tonne/
month)
Volatile
Suspended
Solids
1.4
0.0
0.6
0.8
0.6
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.0
41.4
2.6
2.5
2.6
5.6
2.5
2.6
3.2
3.8
3.6
3.5
3.9
5.1
(tonne/
month)
Free
Ammonia
1.8
0.0
0.7
1.1
7.3
2.5
2.4
2.4
0.7
0.2
0.5
14.7
0.8
1.2
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.0
1.9
1.3
1.3
1.2
1.2
1.5
(tonne/
month)
Organic
Nitrogen
3.2
0.0
1.3
1.9
7.8
2.8
2.5
2.5
0.8
0.3
0.5
56.1
3.5
3.6
3.6
6.7
3.7
3.5
5.1
5.0
4.9
4.7
5.0
6.6
(tonne/
month)
Total
Nitrogen
121.9
0.4
46.8
74.7
263.9
125.6
38.1
100.2
69.4
31.0
38.3
1112.1
75.5
82.9
82.8
91.1
95.3
122.4
123.5
96.3
88.9
86.4
82.4
84.7
(ML/
month)
Monthly
Flow
40
A.2.3. Wastewater Quality Graphical
Comparative Representation
The following graphs show the major wastewater quality
parameters for key wastewater sites. Most locations are at
treatment plant outlets. Notes on individual sites are as
follows:
• Leanyer and Sanderson outlet: Final outlet of the
Leanyer/Sanderson WSPs, discharge quality into Buffalo
Creek. The two pond systems share a common outlet. These
results characterise typical WSP treated wastewater quality.
Due to outflow metering problems, the flow data used to
calculate the discharge loadings was based around the
inflow volumes at the inlet to Leanyer/Sanderson WSPs.
The actual outflow readings would be less due to
evaporation. By using the inflow figures, there will
be a slight overestimation of the loads discharged
• Larrakeyah outlet: The level of treatment at this site is
minimal, which is reflected in the results
• Ludmilla outlet: Again, the level of treatment at this plant is
• Northlakes Golf Course (filtration): Highly treated
wastewater by DAF and membrane filtration used to
irrigate the Darwin Golf Course. Water quality here is
excellent, much of the phosphorus is removed by the DAF
plant and nearly all solids removed by the filtration process
• Humpty Doo outlet: Final outlet quality from the Humpty
Doo WSPs. The results show poor treatment performance.
This is due to the limited number and size of the existing
ponds on site
• Pine Creek outlet: Final outlet quality from the Pine Creek
WSPs. These samples are taken from the final pond
• Katherine outlet: Final outlet quality from the Katherine
WSPs. Because of the long retention time these are the best
performing WSPs in the NT
• Borroloola outlet: No Data recorded
• Tennant Creek Evaporation ponds: All effluent was
evaporated to the atmosphere and there was no discharge.
Therefore the wastewater quality is not shown
fairly basic (although better than the Larrakeyah site) as
• Alice Springs sites: Four separate sites are shown and
only suspended solids and some phosphorus removal is
represent the water quality at the following sites:
targeted. The results represent the wastewater quality
discharged through the East Point outfall
• Berrimah outlet: Final outlet from the Berrimah WSPs.
- Blatherskite Park: take off point for Blatherskite Park reuse
scheme;
- Outlet EP10: Ilparpa swamp discharge point;
The results show slightly higher concentrations of salinity
(TDS) than one would expect from such a system. This is
- Outlet EP7: Ilparpa swamp discharge point; and
caused by the high TDS load coming from the Darwin
- Outlet ponds B/C: take off point for tree farm irrigation.
Business Park
The TDS is relative high at all Alice Springs sites due to
• Palmerston outlet: Final outlet from the Palmerston WSPs
evaporation effects and long detention times.
• Darwin Business Park: This shows untreated raw
wastewater coming from the DBP into the Berrimah
WSPs. The salinity is very high due to the nature of the
industrial wastes
41
0
Alice Springs Outlet B/C
Alice Springs Outlet EP7
Alice Springs Blatherskite
Katherine Outlet
Pine Creek Outlet
Humpty Doo Outlet
Northlakes Marrara
Northlakes Golf Course
Palmerston Outlet
Berrimah Outlet
Ludmilla Outlet
Larrakeyah Outlet
Sanderson Outlet
Katherine Outlet
Pine Creek Outlet
Humpty Doo Outlet
Northlakes Marrara
Palmerston Outlet
Berrimah Outlet
Ludmilla Outlet
Larrakeyah Outlet
Sanderson Outlet
Leanyer Outlet
0
Leanyer Outlet
Total Phosphorus (mg/L)
BOD 5 (mg/L)
42
A.2.4. Wastewater Quality and Flow Information
FIGURE A.2.01: BOD CONCENTRATION AT THE TREATMENT PLANT OUTLET
5
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
FIGURE A.2.02: MEAN TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS CONCENTRATION AT THE TREATMENT PLANT OUTLET
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
20
15
10
5
Katherine Outlet
Pine Creek Outlet
Humpty Doo Outlet
Northlakes Marrara
Palmerston Outlet
Berrimah Outlet
Ludmilla Outlet
Larrakeyah Outlet
Sanderson Outlet
Katherine Outlet
Pine Creek Outlet
Humpty Doo Outlet
Northlakes Marrara
Palmerston Outlet
Berrimah Outlet
Ludmilla Outlet
Larrakeyah Outlet
Sanderson Outlet
Leanyer Outlet
0
Leanyer Outlet
Free Ammonia (mg/L)
Suspended Solids (mg/L)
FIGURE A.2.03: MEAN SUSPENDED SOLIDS CONCENTRATION AT THE TREATMENT PLANT OUTLET
250
200
150
100
50
FIGURE A.2.04: MEAN AMMONIA CONCENTRATION AT THE TREATMENT PLANT OUTLET
40
35
30
25
43
0
Katherine Outlet
Pine Creek Outlet
Humpty Doo Outlet
Northlakes Marrara
Palmerston Outlet
Berrimah Outlet
Ludmilla Outlet
Larrakeyah Outlet
Sanderson Outlet
Katherine Outlet
Pine Creek Outlet
Humpty Doo Outlet
Northlakes Marrara
Palmerston Outlet
Berrimah Outlet
Ludmilla Outlet
Larrakeyah Outlet
Sanderson Outlet
Leanyer Outlet
0
Leanyer Outlet
Total Nitrogen (mg/L)
44
FIGURE A.2.05: MEAN TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS CONCENTRATION AT THE TREATMENT PLANT OUTLET
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
FIGURE A.2.06: MEAN TOTAL NITROGEN CONCENTRATION AT THE TREATMENT PLANT OUTLET
60
5o
40
30
20
10
Flow (L/s)
500
400
PWWF
300
200
PDWFF
PDW
100
0
ADWF
Inflow (dry)
1
Katherine Outlet
Pine Creek Outlet
Humpty Doo Outlet
Northlakes Marrara
Palmerston Outlet
Berrimah Outlet
Ludmilla Outlet
Larrakeyah Outlet
Sanderson Outlet
Leanyer Outlet
E.Coli (CFU/100mL)
FIGURE A.2.07: 90 TH PERCENTILE E.COLI CONCENTRATION AT THE TREATMENT PLANT OUTLET
100000000
10000000
1000000
100000
10000
1000
100
10
FIGURE A.2.08: LUDMILLA ACTUAL FLOWS VS DESIGN CRITERIA (DRY SEASON)
1000
900
800
700
600
45
FIGURE A.2.09: LUDMILLA ACTUAL FLOWS VS DESIGN CRITERIA (WET SEASON)
1600
1400
1200
Flow (L/s)
1000
800
600
PWWF
400
200
ADWF
0
Inflow (wet)
FIGURE A.2.10: PALMERSTON AVERAGE DAILY FLOWS
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
Jul-04
Outflow (m3/day)
46
FIGURE A.2.11: PALMERSTON WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
600
Water quality measure
500
400
300
200
100
Conductivity (uS/cm)
BOD5 (mg/L)
Volitile Suspended Solids (mg/L)
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jun-04
0
FIGURE A.2.12: PALMERSTON WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – NUTRIENTS
40.0
30.0
25.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
Free Ammonia (mg/L)
Organic Nitrogen (mg/L)
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0.0
20.0
Jun-04
35.0
47
FIGURE A.2.13: PALMERSTON WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY MASS BASIS DISCHARGE
Discharge (tonnes/month)
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jul-04
0.00
BOD5
Total Phosphorus
Suspended Solids
Free Ammonia
Organic Nitrogen
Total Nitrogen
FIGURE A.2.14: BERRIMAH WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE AVERAGE DAILY OUTFLOW
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
Jul-04
Outflow (m3/day)
48
FIGURE A.2.15: BERRIMAH WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
Conductivity (x10 uS/cm)
BOD5 (mg/L)
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jun-04
0
FIGURE A.2.16: BERRIMAH WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS - NUTRIENTS
20.0
15.0
5.0
Free Ammonia (mg/L)
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0.0
10.0
.
Jun-04
25.0
49
FIGURE A.2.17: BERRIMAH WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY MASS BASIS DISCHARGE
1.80
1.60
1.40
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jul-04
0.00
BOD5
Total Phosphorus
Suspended Solids
Free Ammonia
Organic Nitrogen
Total Nitrogen
FIGURE A.2.18: LARRAKEYAH WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE AVERAGE DAILY OUTFLOW
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
Jul-04
Outflow (m3/day)
50
FIGURE A.2.19: LARRAKEYAH WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
BOD5 (mg/L)
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jun-04
0
FIGURE A.2.20: LARRAKEYAH WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – NUTRIENTS
90.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
Free Ammonia (mg/L)
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0.0
40.0
Jun-04
80.0
51
FIGURE A.2.21: LARRAKEYAH WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY MASS BASIS DISCHARGE
50.00
45.00
40.00
35.00
30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jul-04
0.00
BOD5
Suspended Solids
Free Ammonia (mg/L)
FIGURE A.2.22: LUDMILLA WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
BOD5 (mg/L)
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
Jul-04
52
FIGURE A.2.23: LUDMILLA WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – NUTRIENTS
50.0
45.0
40.0
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jun-04
0.0
Free Ammonia (mg/L)
FIGURE A.2.24: LUDMILLA WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY MASS BASIS DISCHARGE
45.00
35.00
30.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0.00
BOD5
Total Phosphorus
Suspended Solids
Free Ammonia
Organic Nitrogen
Total Nitrogen
25.00
Jul-04
40.00
53
54
FIGURE A.2.25: LEANYER/SANDERSON WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE AVERAGE DAILY INFLOW
30000
25000
Inflow(m3/day)
20000
15000
10000
5000
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jul-04
0
FIGURE A.2.26: LEANYER/SANDERSON WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
450
400
300
250
200
150
100
50
BOD5 (mg/L)
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
Jun-04
350
FIGURE A.2.27: LEANYER/SANDERSON WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – NUTRIENTS
25.0
20.0
.
15.0
10.0
5.0
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jun-04
0.0
Free Ammonia (mg/L)
FIGURE A.2.28: LEANYER/SANDERSON WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY MASS BASIS DISCHARGE
70.00
50.00
30.00
20.00
10.00
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0.00
BOD5
Total Phosphorus
Suspended Solids
Free Ammonia
Organic Nitrogen
40.00
Jul-04
60.00
Total Nitrogen
55
FIGURE A.2.29: KATHERINE WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE AVERAGE DAILY OUTFLOW
12000
Outflow (m3/day)
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jul-04
0
FIGURE A.2.30: KATHERINE WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
Conductivity (mS/cm)
BOD5 (mg/L)
Volatile Suspended Solids (mg/L)
Apr-05
Mar-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
0
Nov-04
56
FIGURE A.2.31: KATHERINE WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY RESULTS – NUTRIENTS
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
Apr-05
Mar-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Nov-04
0.0
Free Ammonia (mg/L)
FIGURE A.2.32: KATHERINE WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE WATER QUALITY MASS BASIS DISCHARGE
3.50
2.50
1.50
1.00
0.50
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0.00
BOD5
Total Phosphorus
Suspended Solids
Free Ammonia
Organic Nitrogen
Total Nitrogen
2.00
Jul-04
3.00
57
FIGURE A.2.33: KATHERINE WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE DONKEY CAMP WATER QUALITY
60
50
40
30
20
May-05
Apr-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Oct-04
Nov-04
0
Mar-05
10
Free Ammonia (mg/L)
BOD (mg/L)
Conductivity (mS/cm)
FIGURE A.2.34: ALICE SPRINGS WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE AVERAGE DAILY OUTFLOW ALL PONDS
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
Jul-04
Outflow (m3/day)
58
FIGURE A.2.35: ALICE SPRINGS WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE AVERAGE DAILY OUTFLOW EP7
10000
9000
Outflow (m3/day)
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jul-04
0
FIGURE A.2.36: ALICE SPRINGS WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE AVERAGE DAILY OUTFLOW EP10
12000
8000
4000
2000
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
6000
Jul-04
Outflow (m3/day)
10000
59
FIGURE A.2.37: ALICE SPRINGS WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE EP7 WATER QUALITY RESULTS – PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Conductivity
BOD
Suspended Solids
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jun-04
0
FIGURE A.2.38: ALICE SPRINGS WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE EP7 WATER QUALITY RESULTS – NUTRIENTS
30
25
20
15
10
5
Total Phosphorus
Free Ammonia
Organic Nitrogen
Total Nitrogen
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
Jun-04
60
FIGURE A.2.39: ALICE SPRINGS WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE EP7 MASS BASIS DISCHARGE
8.00
7.00
6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
Jul-04
0.00
BOD
Total Phosphorus
Suspended Solids
Free Ammonia
Organic Nitrogen
Total Nitrogen
FIGURE A.2.40: ALICE SPRINGS WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE EP10 WATER QUALITY RESULTS – PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
3000
20oo
10oo
5oo
Conductivity
BOD
Suspended Solids
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
15oo
Jun-04
2500
61
FIGURE A.2.41: ALICE SPRINGS WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE EP10 WATER QUALITY RESULTS – NUTRIENTS
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
Total Phosphorus
Free Ammonia
Organic Nitogen
Jul-05
May-05
Apr-05
Feb-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Jun-04
Aug-04
Sep-04
0
Total Nitrogen
FIGURE A.2.42: ALICE SPRINGS WASTE DISCHARGE LICENCE EP10 MASS BASIS DISCHARGE
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
Jun-05
May-05
Apr-05
Mar-05
Feb-05
Jan-05
Dec-04
Nov-04
Oct-04
Sep-04
Aug-04
0
Jul-04
62
BOD
Total Phosphorus
Suspended Solids
Free Ammonia
Organic Nitrogen
Total Nitrogen
32
31.5
31
30.5
7:46
6:41
5:36
4:32
3:27
2:22
1:17
0:12
23:07
22:02
20:57
19:53
18:48
17:43
16:38
15:33
14:28
13:23
12:19
11:14
10:09
9:04
7:59
Flow rate (L/sec)
8:13
7:10
6:07
5:03
4:00
2:57
1:54
0:50
23:47
22:44
21:40
20:37
19:34
18:31
17:27
16:24
15:21
14:18
13:14
12:11
11:08
10:05
9:01
Flow rate (L/sec)
A.2.5 Metal loadings from Larrakeyah and Ludmilla wastewater treatment facilities
FIGURE A.2.43: 24 HR FLOWS LARRAKEYAH FOR METAL LOADINGS: 25-26 MAY 2005
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
FIGURE A.2.44: 24 HR FLOWS LARRAKEYAH FOR METAL LOADINGS: 21-22 JUNE 2005
35
34.5
34
33.5
33
32.5
63
64
TABLE A.2.01: LARRAKEYAH OUTFALL METALS COMPOSITE SAMPLING DAILY LOAD (MAY 2005 AND JUNE 2005)
Element
25-26 May 2005
21-22 June 2005
g/day
g/day
Cu
428
620
Zn
178
296
Cd
1
1
Pb
29
24
Ni
10
11
Fe
178
296
FIGURE A.2.45: 24 HR FLOWS LUDMILLA FOR METALS LOADINGS: 25-26 MAY 2005
250
Flow rate (L/sec)
2o0
150
1o0
50
FIGURE A.2.46: 24 HR FLOWS LUDMILLA FOR METALS LOADINGS: 21-22 JUNE 2005
200
180
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
5:47
6:32
7:17
5:02
4:17
1:16
2:01
2:46
3:31
0:31
23:01
23:46
22:16
21:31
20:01
20:46
19:16
18:31
17:46
17:01
15:31
16:16
14:46
14:01
13:16
12:31
11:46
11:01
10:15
8:45
9:30
0
8:00
Flow rate (L/sec)
160
8:13
7:22
6:31
5:40
4:49
3:58
2:16
3:07
1:25
0:34
23:43
22:52
22:01
21:10
20:19
19:28
18:37
17:46
16:55
16:04
15:13
14:22
13:31
12:40
11:49
10:58
10:07
9:16
8:25
0
TABLE A.2.02: LUDMILLA OUTFALL METALS COMPOSITE SAMPLING DAILY LOAD (MAY 2005 & JUNE 2005)
Element
24-25 May 2005
21-22 June 2005
g/day
g/day
Cu
1863
1077
Zn
1201
574
Cd
5
1
Pb
159
65
Ni
147
34
Fe
1201
574
Date
River Height (m)
Allowable Discharge
(l/s)
Flow to River (L/s)
01-Jan-05
7.50
201
28
02-Jan-05
7.20
188
28
03-Jan-05
7.00
180
28
04-Jan-05
6.90
176
28
05-Jan-05
4.40
95
28
06-Jan-05
4.90
108
28
07-Jan-05
4.90
108
28
08-Jan-05
3.00
63
28
11-Jan-05
3.50
74
28
12-Jan-05
5.50
125
28
13-Jan-05
7.10
184
28
14-Jan-05
7.57
204
28
15-Jan-05
7.13
185
28
16-Jan-05
7.00
180
28
17-Jan-05
6.37
155
28
18-Jan-05
4.67
102
28
04-Feb-05
9.50
299
120
05-Feb-05
9.50
299
120
06-Feb-05
9.50
299
120
TABLE A.2.4: KATHERINE RIVER DISCHARGE – FLOW COMPLIANCE WITH RIVER HEIGHT
65
66
Appendix 3: Reclaimed Water
A.3.1. Reclaimed Water site descriptions
Power and Water intend to construct additional secondary
ponds. These ponds will increase the capacity and enable the
Marrara Sports Complex and Northlakes
Golf Course
The Darwin Golf Club and the Marrara Sports complex both
ponds to produce high water quality suitable for potential
reuse.
source treated effluent from the golf course’s ornamental
Pine Creek
water feature (the pond at the centre of the course).
Reclaimed water from the WSP’s is provided to the Pine Creek
Throughout 2004-2005 treated effluent from the
Council (PCC) for irrigation purposes. In the past both the
Leanyer/Sanderson Waste Stabilisation Ponds has been stored
sports oval and the Heritage area has been irrigated with
at Northlakes Golf Course Pond and distributed without
Reclaimed Water.
further treatment to the following six customers at the
The rising main from the Waste Stabilisation Ponds to the
Marrara Sports Complex:
reclaimed water site is fitted with a clear water flushing
• Australian Football League Northern Territory
system, which effectively eliminates potential problems with
• South Darwin Sporting League
odour generation during irrigation. Backflow prevention
devices and air gaps are utilised to protect the integrity of
• Italian Club
the potable water supply.
• Northern Territory Cricket Association
Katherine
• The Northern Territory Rugby Union
The Katherine WSP’s provide reclaimed water of a relatively
• Darwin Clay Shooters Club.
high quality, principally because of the extended retention
time obtained in the evaporation ponds. Reclaimed Water
Customer access to this supply is restricted between the hours
from 11pm to 5am to ensure that no day time watering occurs.
In addition, prior to each irrigation cycle, the ring main that
supplies the effluent is flushed (to sewer) with fresh effluent
has traditionally been utilised adjacent to the treatment site
for irrigation of cattle fodder. Due to uncertainty surrounding
the continuation of this system, Power and Water is currently
reviewing additional and alternative reuse options.
to reduce concerns associated with odour generation.
The Northlakes Water Reclamation Plant (NWRP) at the
Borroloola
Darwin Golf Course treats water from the Golf Course pond
Effluent from the Borroloola Waste Stabilisation Ponds is
and provides an extremely high quality effluent to the Darwin
spray irrigated within an adjacent bush land area. No human
Golf Club for irrigation of greens and fairways. The treatment
contact is allowed and the area is fully fenced.
process includes; Dissolved Air Flotation, microfiltration and
chlorination.
Alice Springs Tree Lot
The Alice Springs Tree Lot is a 25 hectare plantation of River
Yulara Wastewater Treatment Plant
Red Gums. The plantation was constructed in the mid-70s by
Currently, reclaimed water is spray irrigated onto the tree
the then Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory
lot adjacent to the plant. The previous practice of utilising
to see if effluent could be used for growing trees for fire wood.
reclaimed Water for landscape irrigation at the Ayers Rock
The plantation is on Power and Water land and so public
Resort has ceased. This water has been replaced with
access is restricted. As alternative reuse options become
non-potable ground water provided to the resort by
available in Alice Springs it is intended that the use of the tree
Power and Water.
farm will be reduced.
Ludmilla Wastewater Treatment Plant
Alice Springs Blatherskite Park
The Ludmilla plant utilises treated effluent for processes such
The effluent irrigation system at Blatherskite Park was
as wash-down of drying filters, treatment reactor spraying and
commenced at about the same time as the tree plantation
furnace cooling. There is no public contact.
was established. Initially lucerne was grown but that was
abandoned after a number of years. Today irrigation occurs
Humpty Doo
on sporting grounds, ovals and horse agistment areas within
Effluent from the Humpty Doo Waste Stabilisation Ponds is
the Park.
spray irrigated within an adjacent bush land area. No human
contact is allowed and the area is fully fenced.
Negotiations have been undertaken between Power and
Water, the Alice Springs Town Council and the Blatherskite Park
Trustees regarding the management of this system. The
Trustees have undertaken to:
• Limit daytime watering hours where possible
• Provide a schedule of events when public access will occur
to restrict irrigation during these times
• Restrict access to the park by locking the entry gates after
certain hours
• Improve signage around the site.
By installing these controls the safety of the reuse system at
Blatherskite Park will be significantly improved.
A.3.2: E Coli Assessment method and criteria for
reclaimed water quality.
When assessing wastewater quality compliance (guideline
recommended value) the following data is required;
• Median E. Coli (the 'middle' number result)
• The 80th percentile (80% of all sample results fall below
this number).
Compliance is determined by comparing the median value
with the recommended guideline value. In addition, the 80th
percentile should be less than four times the recommended
guideline median value.
Should either the median value fail, or the 80th percentile fail
the above criteria there is cause for further investigation for
Kings Canyon Tree Farm
the underlying reasons and the system should be investigated.
A tree farm is utilised at Kings Canyon to dispose of all treated
It should be stressed that the determination of compliance
effluent generated by the Resort. The plantation is fully fenced
is a statistical one and that an analysis result of greater
to restrict public access. Firewood is collected from the
magnitude than the median guideline value should not
plantation for use in the Resort bush camping areas.
be an immediate cause of concern. The assessment should
Investigations are underway into the potential expansion of
be undertaken on a continual basis however.
the plantation. Additional work has been carried out by Power
and Water at this site including a new security fence which
totally restricts public access.
67
AGRICULTURE
Non-human food chain
AGRICULTURAL
Food Production
Pasture and Fodder for cattle
(excluding dairy cattle)
URBAN NONPOTABLE
Municipal with controlled public
access
URBAN NONPOTABLE
Municipal with uncontrolled public
access
Type of reuse
pH 6.5 – 8.5 (90th percentile)
Thermotolerant Coliforms
< 1000 cfu/100 ml
(median)
Secondary
Pathogen reduction
Secondary
Pathogen reduction
< 10,000 cfu/100 ml
(median)
SS/BOD/pH weekly
Thermotolerant Coliforms weekly
Thermotolerant Coliforms weekly
SS/pH weekly
Restricted Public Access.
Withholding period of nominally 4
hours or until area is dry.
Application rates limited to protect
groundwater quality
Withholding period of nominally 4
hours for irrigated pasture
Drying or ensiling of fodder
Helminth controls
Thermotolerant Coliforms monthly
< 1000 cfu/100 ml
(median)
Pathogen reduction
Test Thermotolerant
Coliforms monthly
Application rates limited to protect
groundwater quality. Salinity should
be considered for irrigation.
Irrigation during times of no public
access. Withholding period nominally 4 hours or until irrigated area
is dry.
Pathogen reduction (ponds only
unsuitable)
pH 6.5 – 8.5 (90th percentile)
1 mg/L chlorine residual or equivalent
level of pathogen reduction.
< 10 cfu/100 ml
SS/pH monthly
Controls
Secondary
Reclaimed water monitoring
Colour reduction may be necessary
for ornamental uses. Application
rates limited to protect groundwater quality. Salinity should be
considered for irrigation.
Reclaimed water quality
pH & BOD weekly
Turbidity continuous
Tertiary
Level of treatment
A.3.3. GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF RECLAIMED WATER (FROM ARMCANZ, ANZECC, NH&MRC 2000 - TABLE 3)
68
31.6
28.8
33.7
32.1
22.8
23.7
8.6
13.4
17.9
25.7
31.2
31.7
301.2
12.8
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apl
May
Jun
TOTAL
% of total
Inflow
4.0
95.0
8.2
9.8
3.0
1.8
0.0
0.0
2.5
9.3
12.7
17.6
15.1
15.0
Marrara
21.1
495.7
47.3
18.4
61.4
53.8
3.9
36.6
37.5
31.0
48.5
58.7
68.9
29.7
Ludmilla
1.0
24.3
1.8
1.9
2.2
2.8
2.0
2.1
2.4
2.3
2.0
1.3
1.9
1.6
Humpty Doo
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Pine Creek1
8.7
204.6
18.5
16.8
18.7
16.6
15.9
16.2
16.3
16.4
19.7
16.6
18.3
14.7
Yulara Tree
Farm
A.3.4. RECLAIMED WATER CONSUMPTION (ML)
1.0
23.1
1.5
2.2
2.2
1.7
1.4
1.3
1.3
2.6
2.5
2.5
1.7
2.3
Kings Canyon
9.7
228.7
16.7
12.7
31.9
19.4
0.0
18.5
30.0
0.0
0.0
13.9
41.9
43.7
Katherine
1.6
38.6
18.8
15.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
Alice Tree Farm
39.9
937.2
47.8
126.4
119.1
104.0
101.1
103.1
123.0
88.0
59.3
45.2
4.9
15.5
Alice
Blatherskite
Park
to the reclaimed water for the sports oval irrigation.
1Mechanical problems necessitated temporary closure of the Pine Creek system by the Pine Creek Council (PCC). Areas around the heritage centre are now being irrigated with an alternative supply however the PCC will continue to have access
Darwin Golf
Club
Month
69
70
The main reporting parameter for reclaimed Water systems is
A.3.5. Reclaimed Water Quality Reporting
In some cases the guideline stipulates that suspended solids
E. Coli. The guideline stipulates median values for E. Coli the
value of which depends on the end use of the water.
should be regularly monitored. It is assumed that this
requirement relates to disinfection effectiveness for
Guideline values for E. Coli are shown in Table A.3.5. The
chlorinated systems. In WSPs high levels of suspended solids
method for assessing E. Coli compliance is discussed in
are common, typically ranging from 20 to 200 mg/L, varying
Appendix A.3.2.
seasonally. Disinfection in WSPs is dependent on detention
time (the time the water spends in the ponds) and not
MONITORING AND MICROBIOLOGICAL RESULTS
through chlorination. Although there is a small correlation
Power and Water collect samples from all reclaimed water
between E. Coli and suspended solids it is not significant. On
sites as determined in the wastewater sampling program.
this basis, suspended solids are not reported for reclaimed
Table A.3.5 provides a summary of compliance for each site.
water systems.
TABLE A.3.5: MONITORING AND MICROBIOLOGICAL RESULTS FOR ALL SITES
Location
Sampling frequency
Actual
Desired
E. Coli (CFU/100ml)
Guideline
Recommended
80th Percentile
Median
Actual
Guideline
Actual
Guideline
Darwin (Marrara)
12
24
12
20
<1,000
20
<4,000
Darwin
Northlakes
(Golf Course)
12
6
12
400
<1,000
2,620
<4,000
Humpty Doo
6
12
12
45,000
<10,000
50,000
<40,000
Pine Creek
10
12
12
135
<1,000
38,388
<4,000
Katherine
12
12
12
30
<1,000
174
<4,000
Yulara Tree Farm
2
12
12
15,000
<10,000
23,400
<40,000
Kings Canyon
8
12
12
120
<10,000
1,476
<40,000
Alice Springs
(Tree Farm)
6
12
12
22,500
<10,000
35,000
<40,000
38
52
12
450
<1,000
1,976
<4,000
Alice Springs
(Blatherskite Park)
A.3.6. SUMMARY TABLE OF TREATED WASTEWATER SODIUM ADSORPTION RATIO FOR POTENTIAL RECLAMATION
PURPOSES (ALICE SPRINGS/YULARA)
Location
SAR
Degree of Restriction
Permeability
Salinity
Blatherskite Park pump station wet well
6.5
Slight to moderate
Slight to moderate
Alice Springs A Ponds outlet EP10
9.1
none
Slight to moderate
Alice Springs B pond outlet
6.6
Slight to moderate
Slight to moderate
Alice Springs C pond outlet
5.7
none
Slight to moderate
Yulara outlet of polishing pond 2
4.7
Slight to moderate
Slight to moderate
TABLE A.4. RAINFALL FOR 2004/05 AND 2003/04 AT DARWIN AIRPORT
500
450
400
300
2004/05
2003/04
250
200
150
100
50
0
July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Rainfall (mm)
350
71
Level 2, Mitchell Centre, 55 Mitchell Street
GPO Box 1921, Darwin NT 0801
Toll free number 1800 245 092
Office Hours 8.00am – 4.30pm
Monday – Friday
(except public holidays)
www.powerwater.com.au
ABN 15 947 352 360
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WASTEWATER TREATMENT,
REUSE AND DISCHARGE 2005

Wastewater Treatment, Reuse and Discharge 2005

Transcription

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