Queensland wastewater treatment plant to be upgraded

Aquatec Maxcon has been awarded a design and construct contract to undertake the upgrade of Queensland’s Kingaroy wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The plant will be the first in Australia to utilise Nereda aerobic granular sludge technology, which was selected as a result of achieving both lower capital and operating costs than competing tenders.

Nereda is described as a sustainable biological wastewater treatment technology based on natural ingredients. It treats wastewater with the features of aerobic granular biomass, which are purifying bacteria that create compact granules with good settling properties. The technology features a high treatment capability, low investment and operational costs, a small physical footprint and energy savings of up to 50%.

Nereda aerobic granules (left) compared to conventional activated sludge (CAS). © Royal HaskoningDHV.

The plant upgrade to a design population of 12,500 has been awarded by South Burnett Regional Council and supported by $10 million in funding from the Queensland Government. It will provide the Kingaroy community with water which can be re-used to irrigate sporting grounds in the area and will also significantly improve the quality of effluent released from the plant.

“The project will deliver significant benefits for residents and businesses across Kingaroy, allowing for projected population growth over the next 20 years,” said South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Wayne Kratzmann. “The new plant will utilise Australian-first technology to minimise environmental impacts while delivering high-quality wastewater with reduced operating costs compared to other systems. We’re proud to be working with Aquatec Maxcon, which has sought to make use of as many local materials and labour as possible, providing a valuable financial boost to the region.”

Contract signing for Kingaroy WWTP, with Queensland State Member of Parliament Deb Frecklington, South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Wayne Kratzmann and Aquatec Maxcon Managing Director Greg Johnston. © Aquatec Maxcon.

Nereda technology was invented by the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and developed in a public-private partnership between the university, the Dutch Foundation for Applied Water Research (STOWA), Dutch water boards and engineering and consultancy firm Royal HaskoningDHV. Aquatec Maxcon is the firm’s Australian Nereda technology partner.

“We look forward to working closely with South Burnett Regional Council in delivering this exciting, innovative project,” said Aquatec Maxcon Managing Director Greg Johnston. “The adoption of this first Australian Nereda process in Kingaroy should lead other utilities and councils to take a similar approach to sewage treatment processes. In my view, the Nereda technology will make wastewater treatment more affordable and sustainable. It is expected to become the new industry standard.”

The upgrade is expected to be completed by September 2016.