Work starts on four-million litre upgrade

Published 6:00am 20 July 2024

Words by Nick Crockford

Unitywater has started work to increase the capacity of Burpengary East Wastewater Treatment Plant by 30 per cent to meet population growth.

The Burpengary treatment plant’s catchment is forecast to increase from approximately 52,000 residents at present, to 74,000 by 2026.

Scaling up capacity from about 10 million to almost 14 million litres per day will support growth and protect of the health of the Caboolture River.

Mike Basterfield, Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions at Unitywater, said the two-year project would renew infrastructure and improve processes.

“We're meeting the needs of today and laying groundwork for sustainable growth and development in the future," Mr Basterfield said.

“Wastewater treatment plants are often the un-sung heroes of our community, not only recycling waste for the community, but playing an essential role in keeping our community healthy.”

“We started construction in May following a comprehensive planning process, to ensure delivery in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.

“We expect the project to be complete by the end of 2026.”

Serving Narangba, Burpengary, Beachmere, Burpengary East, Deception Bay and Morayfield, Burpengary East Wastewater Treatment Plant was first commissioned in the 1970s.

Mr Basterfield said this will be the first major upgrade to the plant since 2012 and will touch on most components of the treatment process.

“New inlet works with enhanced odour control will increase flow capacity of the plant, while helping reduce odour experienced by the community,” he said.

“A new bioreactor will enhance the efficiency of organic pollutant degradation, as microorganisms within the reactor break down the nutrients present in wastewater, improving the quality of treated water being returned to the environment.”

Work will also see a new clarifier constructed, disinfection systems enhanced, and electrical and control systems upgraded.

Ventia will deliver the upgrades, with up to 200 workers on site throughout the project.

For more information on the Burpengary East Wastewater Treatment upgrades click here