New sewer for Borroloola

31 May 2011

A fully reticulated sewerage system will be installed to a significant portion of the community this dry season, removing the existing septic tanks with their potential to overflow during extended wet seasons.

Work to construct two sewer pump stations and rising mains, as well as a gravity sewer network to homes has started.

Individual septic systems will then be decommissioned.

Contractor Steelcon will also soon start construction of new treatment ponds to increase the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant.

Power and Water General Manager Water Services Steve McKenzie said the project would take about eight months to complete.

“Once the new infrastructure is in place, Power and Water will own and maintain the system,” he said.

Geotechnical and site survey works have been critical to the successful design of this project, due to topographical constraints and significant amounts of rock in the project area.

In addition to the long-term service benefits, the project has local employment opportunities.

“Steelcon has committed to working with the Borroloola-based Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Association to train and engage local residents to work on the project,” Mr McKenzie said.