Unitywater said it is well advanced in its five-year renewal of the Maroochydore wastewater treatment plant, which forms part of its $500 million replacements and renewals program.

Upgrades on critical operating equipment will help the plant process about 11 gigalitres of wastewater each year – the equivalent of 4000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

This will ensure continuous and reliable wastewater services for 147,000 residents of Sippy Downs, Buderim, Forest Glen, Mountain Creek, Maroochydore and beyond.

Unitywater executive manager – sustainable infrastructure solutions Mike Basterfield said a key success of the program has been the utility’s ability to move away from costly upgrade options towards initiatives delivering cost savings. This has all been done while keeping the operations online for customers.

“Through strong collaboration, our planning, operations and capital delivery teams have identified and implemented innovative solutions to optimise the plant’s performance for future demand and requirements, delivering the most cost-effective outcome,” he said.

The works being undertaken by delivery partner Abergeldie include reconfiguration of the inlet works and associated equipment at the first stage of the treatment process where wastewater enters and debris, solids, grit and fats are removed.

“We’re also renewing the secondary clarifiers, which help settle sludge on the bottom and separate it from the wastewater, and one of the bioreactors, an important part of the wastewater treatment process where microorganisms or ‘bugs’ break down wastewater to remove nutrients,” Basterfield said.

The solar dryer is also receiving a major renewal.

“This is also an important part of the treatment process where moisture is evaporated from the sludge to produce biosolids, a by-product of wastewater treatment that can be used as fertiliser in agriculture,” he said.

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