Background
How was the need for Stage 3A Upgrade determined?
A long-term site master plan has been developed to ensure Farley WWTW can cater for population growth until 2040. A range of technology options were assessed in developing the site master plan, based on social, technical, environmental and financial criteria.
Following consultation with government agencies, Maitland Council and the community, Hunter Water undertook a comprehensive options assessment and decision-making process to identify the preferred Stage 3 Upgrade option. Feedback received during the consultation phase has been taken into consideration in the assessment.
A multi-criteria analysis was undertaken to assist the decision-making process, utilising both in-house and independent experts. The key decision-making criteria included:
Compliance with the existing Environmental Protection Licence
- Flexibility for the future
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Resource use
- Impacts on the immediate community
- Acceptability to the wider community
- Operational resilience
- Lifecycle costs
The preferred option comprises a largely biological (rather than chemical) treatment process, which will result in a lower carbon footprint than other options, equal lowest lifecycle cost and minimal community impacts. It also ensures Environmental Protection Licence compliance, retains flexibility to adapt to a range of possible future scenarios, and rated highest in the context of public perception.
Opportunities for recycling are being investigated under a separate study currently underway, known as the Hunter River Catchment Effluent Management Master Plan.
Delivery of the Stage 3 Upgrade in two phases
In order to address the immediate needs at the plant whilst also ensuring value for our customers, Hunter Water will deliver the Stage 3 Upgrade in two phases. The initial Stage 3A Upgrade will ensure the project objectives can be met in the short term, including capacity to service projected growth.
The Stage 3B Upgrade is expected to be delivered in 2018, depending on growth within the catchment and recycling opportunities. This upgrade will further expand the capacity of the plant, reduce reliance on chemicals and cater for future recycling opportunities identified in the Hunter River Catchment Effluent Management Master Plan.
