Innovative decentralised sewerage solution for Kinglake West

Yarra Valley Water (YVW) recently awarded Innoflow Australia/Orenco Systems with the contract to supply interceptor tanks and effluent filtration/pump packages for the first known community septic tank effluent pumped (STEP) wastewater collection system in Australia, for the Kinglake West Sewerage project.

Kinglake West, one of the fire-stricken Victorian towns hit in early 2009, is undergoing a rebuild. YVW, with the support of the Victorian Water Trust, has developed an all-encompassing and innovative sewerage solution (which has been in planning since 2006) that will deliver environmental benefits. YVW and Innoflow will work closely with Murrindindi Shire Council, GHD, the company awarded the effluent sewer design contract, and Schultz Plumbing, the company awarded the installation contract.

"My view of the fibreglass tanks so far is that they have been very easy to move around the sites, many of which are small blocks with limited space and other building works taking place concurrently. A side benefit is the distinctive appearance of the tanks which has certainly generated interest and discussion from local residents. We made the decision to go with fibreglass in the end as the tanks are lightweight and maneuverable, and potentially more watertight," said Rita Narangala, Manager - Backlog Planning, Yarra Valley Water.

"After having installed the first delivery of tanks we have found them quite easy to work with. I initially had reservations about the fibreglass tanks, but have since found them easier to work with than concrete. We have some site access issues at Kinglake and with the fibreglass tanks they are easily maneuvered around with our machine and into situations that we would otherwise struggle to get a crane truck in for the concrete tanks,"  says Chris Chivers, Schultz Plumbing.

"Given the limitations to sewerage system design posed by topography in Kinglake West, adaptability is crucial to a successful project. The interchangeable nature of the effluent pumps along with their ability to operate effectively over a wide range of system pressures makes design of STEP collection sewers significantly easier. Systems can also be designed with more confidence when the fibreglass tanks are used as a result of reduced potential for infiltration," says Ben Asquith, Senior Environmental Scientist, BMT WBM Pty Ltd (and peer reviewer for the Kinglake West Sewerage Project).