Kingborough Council and TasWater will be trialling a solution to prevent stormwater from entering the water at Blackmans Bay Beach.
The low-flow water in stormwater networks may be contaminated and can pollute marine environments. A connection from the stormwater network into the sewerage network has been identified as a potential solution to prevent this by the Kingborough Council and TasWater joint investigation team. The intention is for the low-flow water to divert into the sewerage network, which will then go through the normal treatment process for sewerage.
Kingborough Mayor, Cr Dean Winter, said the trial will be carried out in the Illawarra Road catchment area, Blackmans Bay and may be rolled out to other adjacent catchments in Blackmans Bay and Kingston Beach. A detailed design is being completed and the trial is expected to be installed later this year.
“Improving water quality is our highest priority and I’m pleased that our join team has been able to identify this solution. We’re hoping it will have an immediate, positive impact on the work we’ve already done over the past six months to eliminate illegal connections and remove obstructions from the network,” Cr Winter said.
“We have dedicated nearly $1 million for stormwater projects around Blackmans Bay next year which includes the appointment of an additional stormwater officer. This officer will be dedicated to resolving the recreational water quality issues that have – at least in part – been caused by historic stormwater contamination.
“Council will also continue to monitor water quality and thank the Environment Protection Authority for considering more options to assist us.”
TasWater CEO Michael Brewster welcomes the opportunity to continue working with Kingborough Council to find a solution to the water quality at Blackmans Bay Beach.
“The cause of stormwater contamination varies depending upon the catchment area, and this trial is identified as a workable option for diverting stormwater away from Blackmans Bay Beach.”
“TasWater has also carried out an extensive investigation of the sewer network in the local area with significant work already contributing to improved outcomes and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the council on further developments,” Mr Brewster said.