Meeniyan treatment plant opened
THE Meeniyan Wastewater Treatment Scheme and Wetlands was officially opened today by Deputy Premier and member for Gippsland South, Peter Ryan.
The $6.2 million project commenced in 2009 and has been completed with the strong support of the local community under the guidance of the Sewer Meeniyan Action Committee, or SMAC.
The project received $640,000 in funding through the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program, with customers paying a one-off payment of $800 and the balance of the project has been funded by South Gippsland Water.
Mr Ryan said Meeniyan was identified as needing a reticulated sewerage system, as the town’s existing septic tanks were unable to adequately contain waste water on site.
“Residents expressed their concerns regarding the quality of their stormwater as a result of contamination from poorly functioning septic systems,” he said.
“This new scheme, which consists of a treatment plant and wetlands, will eliminate those health and environmental issues caused by ageing septic systems.
“Treated water from the system will now be available for reuse by surrounding facilities, such as the golf club, the Stony Creek Racecourse and the Meeniyan Recreation Reserve.
“The treatment scheme is a vital asset for Meeniyan community and I am pleased to be here today to open it.”
South Gippsland Water managing director, Philippe du Plessis said the final stages of treatment required effluent to pass through wetlands of four lagoons: a duckweed pond, two wetland storages and a macrophyte pond.
“These lagoons are planted with locally indigenous species which lower the nutrient, suspended solids and pathogen concentrations in the water, as well as providing winter storage for reuse,” Mr du Plessis said.
“The wetland is surrounded by a fox proof fence to provide some protection to nesting birds and other animals using the habitat.
“The area will be a community asset with further planting and walkways planned for the future.
“Local residents have been proactive in connecting to the scheme, with over 80 properties connected to date. South Gippsland Water urges all community members to begin the process as soon as possible.”
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