The new Queensland code of environmental compliance for sewage pump stations—ERA 63(3) is now in effect.
The update was originally announced in August, with Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell saying “Following extensive consultation with industry representatives, the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) has developed a new code of environmental compliance for operators of sewage pumping stations which will save millions in application costs,” Mr Powell said.
“The water industry has strong concerns about the significant costs and management implications involved in ensuring pumping stations obtain planning and environmental approvals.
“The new code allows operators of pumping stations with a capacity of greater than 40 kilolitres per hour to operate under set conditions, without having to apply for a development approval for an environmentally relevant activity (ERA).
“Industry estimates this will save between $20 to $30 million in application costs and will significantly reduce assessing and processing times for departmental staff who can then direct more time to the ongoing protection of Queensland’s environment.
“It is estimated that the new code will apply to over 1000 existing sewage pumping stations and 24 new stations expected to start construction in the next 12 months.”
Mr Powell said the code will officially come once an amendment is made to the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008.
“This is one of the first regulatory changes my department will be making to improve environmental legislation and cut green tape,” he said.
The amended code can be found here.
Find Related Companies In The Pump Industry Capability Guide
-
$22 million water pipeline completed
Melbourne Water has completed the construction of a $22 million water pipeline in Melbourne’s north-west – ensuring a secure...
-
Have your say on the fire pump standard
PIA is holding a seminar on Wednesday 14 August in Sydney to discuss the changes to the fire pump...
-
Queensland oil tech company fined $800,000 over fatal workplace burn incident
Oil Tech International, based in Yatala, Queensland, has been issued an $800,000 fine over a workplace incident, in which...
-
Content marketing 101 for the pump industry
It can be challenging to strike the right balance when marketing to the pump industry, where the emphasis is...
-
Interview with Bruce Maunder
In this ongoing interview series, we talk in-depth with the end users of pumps across a range of industries...
-
Winter maintenance for NSW irrigation systems
Murrumbidgee Irrigation has announced that its Winter Works program will soon commence to take advantage of the cooler months,...
-
Construction begins on Yalata’s new $2.3 million desal plant
A new desalination plant in the Aboriginal community of Yalata, located on the Far West Coast of South Australia,...
-
Utilities combine for new pump station
Two Victorian water utilities are working together to build a new pipeline and pump station for Tatura (VIC). The...
){kind=link}