Amy Hume
PLANS to release treated water from the Goulburn Valley Water Kilmore Wastewater Management Facility into Kilmore Creek are gushing ahead.
GVW Operations Manager Bruce Anderson said water discharge had increased since the recent widespread heavy rainfall.
“The heavy rainfall in early September resulted in increased discharges to the flooded Kilmore Creek.,” Mr Anderson said.
“During this time the sewerage system collected a large volume of stormwater which taxed the capacity of the system.
“This discharge is continuing in accordance with EPA approvals.
“It is expected to stop in October when irrigation of the Corporation’s Durkins Lane property is expected to commence.”
He said the flows were measured by monitoring equipment installed prior to September’s heavy rainfall.
“This data is now being analysed, and a program will be developed for smoke testing and other investigation work to eliminate illegal connection of stormwater pipes to the sewerage system. At the same time other stormwater entry points will be sealed.
“It is important to eliminate the entry of stormwater into the sewerage system as it is not designed for these flows, and they may result in overflows to the environment.”
GVW District Manager, Mr Ian Matheson, said the initial decision was made due to the high rainfall in the area.
“After the wet autumn and winter and the associated decline in irrigation needs, the treatment facility had reached its capacity,” Mr Matheson said.
“GVW has therefore commenced discharging the excess water into Kilmore Creek.”
The water being discharged has been fully treated and meets Environment Protection Authority standards.
“Our EPA licence allows for discharge in very wet years, so due to this year’s circumstances GVW is permitted to release surplus water,” Mr Matheson said.
“The water has been fully treated and is of a high quality.”
GVW customers can be assured that any water returned to the waterways has been subject to strict scrutiny and is safe.
