Wingecarribee Shire Council has awarded the construction contract for the $60.5 million Bowral Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade project, involving extensive upgrades to increase the operating capacity of the plant, and protect the health and environment for the communities of Bowral, East Bowral, and Burradoo in New South Wales.
The $54,368,978 construction contract has been awarded to Haslin Construction. The company has a proven track record of successfully delivering infrastructure projects in Wingecarribee Shire, including Bundanoon Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The extensive upgrades to increase the operating capacity of Bowral Sewage Treatment Plant is anticipated to have far reaching benefits for future sustainability, employment opportunities and economic development.
Wingecarribee Shire Council Manager Project Delivery, Ned Tripkovic, said the plant was last upgraded in 2006, and it is nearing its design capacity, with these works necessary to protect the health and environment of current and future communities.
“Commissioning of this project will not only meet the needs of current and future residential demands within the catchment, the scale of construction is expected to create significant opportunities for local job seekers, suppliers and contractors,” Mr Tripkovic said.
Comprehensive improvements will provide the capability for meeting future growth scenarios, ensuring sustainability, and delivering high-quality services for households.
WSC Senior Project Manager, Jared Brignell, said processes and operational performance were extensively investigated, and a Discharge Impact Assessment Study undertaken, to inform a redesign that will protect sensitive local water environments and satisfy environmental objectives from the government regulator.
“Bowral STP discharges into the Wingecarribee River which flows into Lake Burragong, the source of Sydney’s drinking water, so great care has been taken to safeguard against the potential impact of treated water on these waterways,” Mr Brignell said.
The study involved more than 1,400 drawings to identify key redesign features, including:
- Inlet works with two mechanical band screens for fine screening and grit removal
- Contingency for emergency storm or flooding conditions, in the form of a manual screened bypass to the existing storm detention pond, which later returns stored water to the treatment process
- A new lift pump station to transfer influent to the bioreactors
- Odour control measures
- Two new bioreactors and two secondary clarifiers
- Tertiary filters consisting of four dual media filter cells and a new UV system
- An aerobic digester
- A new mechanical dewatering and sludge handling facility
- Conversion of the existing catch/balance tank to an emergency storage tank
- Upgraded reclaimed effluent system for onsite use
“We’ve taken a risk-averse approach, to mitigate against cost fluctuations in a volatile economic climate, with a lump sum tender,” Mr Tripkovic said.
Negotiations were undertaken by Council’s senior project team, together with specialist consultants and a probity advisor, to protocols aligned with OLG tendering and ICAC direct negotiation guidelines.
“We’re confident the outcome represents value for the community,” Mr Tripkovic said.
“The quality of this contractor’s work on government infrastructure, including as many as 25 water treatment plants, has earned a reputation for excellence.”
The scope and complexity of the upgrade suggests that completion can be expected within 18 months to two years.
“The community can expect regular updates as the project progresses,” Mr Tripkovic said.
Feature image: Wingecarribee Shire Council. Provided by Wingecarribee Shire Council.