The construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and major upgrades to the existing system in the Shire of Williams, about 160 km south of Perth, has begun and is expected to take about 12 months to complete. The project includes construction of a new pump station and major upgrades to other pump stations.
The new treatment plant will be built two kilometres north-east of the town centre, just off Cemetery Road. It will consist of four treatment ponds and a wastewater storage pond. Other works include construction of a pump station at the new plant site, upgrades to the existing No. 3 pump station, decommissioning of the No. 1 pump station, construction of emergency storage at the Nos. 2 and 3 pump stations and the construction of approximately three kilometres of a pressurised pipeline.
WA Water Minister Graham Jacobs outlined several significant community benefits of the $9.5 million upgrade to the Williams wastewater scheme, saying it would bring the scheme up to current standards and cater for long-term growth
“This upgrade will lift treatment capacity from 32 kilolitres of water a day to 150 kilolitres, which will allow for substantial growth,” the Minister said.
“The Water Corporation has undertaken to create a major revegetation plan, developed to offset clearing required for the building of the new plant and its associated pipelines.”
Dr Jacobs said the Water Corporation would revegetate about 3.3 hectares of land.
Remnant native vegetation that was disturbed would be replanted and all work had been planned in consultation with the Shire of Williams. Native flora species to be planted had been agreed in consultation with the Department of Environment and Conservation.
“It is extremely pleasing to see such great co-operation between the agencies and the shire to create a win-win situation,” he said.