Goulburn Valley Water will begin ‘desludging’ one of its key wastewater treatment lagoons, removing a long-accumulated layer of organic matter known as biosolids to improve its wastewater processing.
Desludging is typically required every 10 to 15 years.
It involves pumping the layer of biosolids from the bottom of the lagoon to a nearby paddock to dry, allowing it to be beneficially reused as a soil conditioner.
Goulburn Valley Water managing director Steve Capewell said that desludging is a common process at treatment lagoons, addressing any community concerns regarding this work.
“GVW has a program to ensure all lagoons operate as best as possible through a range of optimisation programs like this one,” he said.
About 30,000 cubic metres of biosolids are expected to be removed from the Shepparton facility’s lagoon, which will enhance the lagoon’s treatment capacity and reduce odour potential.
The project is timed for the summer months, from mid-January to the end of May, to expedite the drying and processing time.
GVW plans to implement proactive measures to prepare for any odour occurrences during the desludging process, including spreading lime, misting as needed, and odour monitoring.
The work is in a lagoon section following the major primary treatment lagoon, likely reducing odour since the wastewater has already undergone partial treatment.
For residents who may experience odours, GVW encourages reporting to their Customer Service Centre at 1800 454 500.
To keep up with the latest updates on the project, visit https://tinyurl.com/34ycnmmh
