PSP alliance to build Sydney Water sewerage scheme at Appin

Sydney Water has extended the service delivery contract it has with the PSP Alliance to allow construction to start in mid-2010 on a sewerage scheme at Appin.

The PSP Alliance, consisting of Sydney Water, MWH Australia, John Holland Group, United Group Infrastructure and Manidis Roberts, has so far delivered seven sewerage schemes on Sydney’s outskirts over the past 10 years as part of the NSW Government’s Priority Sewerage Program.

Sydney Water Managing Director Kerry Schott said the contract was recently extended to ensure construction could start as soon as possible.

“Over the past decade, the PSP Alliance has demonstrated it can deliver sewerage schemes on time and on budget to the highest standards and with an excellent safety record and environmental sensitivity,” Dr Schott said.

“Staff working on the schemes have become experts in their field and the PSP Alliance has established systems and protocols to ensure the smooth delivery of the schemes.

“The PSP Alliance have already done some planning work on the Appin scheme, and extending the contract will ensure construction work can start on schedule. Issuing a Design and Construct tender would add another year to the project.”

Schott said the contract extension meant the PSP Alliance would now be responsible for the design development, cost estimate, detailed design and construction of the Appin scheme.

“Planning for the Appin scheme is well underway and the environmental assessment process started in June,” Schott said.

“The new scheme will provide sewerage services for the existing properties in the Appin village and some nearby urban growth.

“After extensive consultation with the community and consideration of social, environmental, financial and technical issues it has been decided not to build a sewage treatment plant at Appin.

“Instead, the proposed scheme will include the construction of a pressure sewerage system, with wastewater transferred to the Glenfield sewerage system at Rosemeadow for treatment at the Glenfield sewage treatment plant.

“The treated effluent will then be available to be used in an industrial recycled water scheme in the Rosehill, Camellia and Smithfield areas.

“Sydney Water will continue to keep the community informed during the course of the project.”

Schott said the construction phase would support jobs in the water industry with an average of 125 people on site each day.

“The project is also estimated to inject up to $2 million each year into the local economy through flow-on benefits to local suppliers and businesses,” Schott said.

Schott said planning work was continuing on a sewerage scheme for the nearby villages of Douglas Park and Wilton and a preferred strategy was expected to be completed by the end of the year.

For more information on the scheme, customers can call the free community information line on 1800 627 630 or visit the Major Projects section of the Sydney Water website at www.sydneywater.com.au.