Improvements for Leanyer Sanderson ponds

21 Sep 2010

A pilot aerated rock filter will be built at Leanyer Sanderson waste stabilisation ponds by next dry season as Power and Water Corporation investigates ways to improve the quality of effluent discharged in Buffalo Creek.

Rock aeration was one suggested long-term improvement from UK-based Professor Duncan Mara, an international expert in wastewater stabilisation ponds recently facilitated by Power and Water.

The first stage of short-term work to improve the performance of the ponds was completed this dry season.

One of the 10 ponds was dried out so accumulated sediment could be removed.

“This is known as desludging and is done every 10 years as part of our maintenance routine, but we have accelerated that program,” Water Services General Manager Steve McKenzie said.

Channels at the wastewater treatment ponds were also modified to improve the flow in the ponds and provide improvement in the effluent being discharged.

“We are now investigating ways to reduce the nutrients and reduce the algae that helps treat the wastewater in the ponds system,” Mr McKenzie said.

“This algae makes the effluent look green, but is a great natural treatment option and uses up greenhouse gases.”

“We are designing a pilot scale trial for an aerated rock filter, which will help us see if this is an effective and efficient system for our ponds.”

Other long-term options include looking for more opportunities to recycle treated wastewater in the northern suburbs.

For more information read the fact sheet.

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