Sundrop Wastewater Treatment Plant
The design and construction of a decentralised Reed Bed sewage treatment plant was undertaken by The Water & Carbon Group. This plant was built to service Sundrop’s $150m+ green house complex in Port Augusta.
Project Summary
The Water & Carbon Group was awarded the design and construct contract to build a new wastewater treatment facility for the Sundrop horticultural site. The facility was required to treat the wastewater produced from 200+ site personnel and a 2.2kL flow from irrigation backwash. The system was designed to meet Sundrop sustainability requirements along with all local and state regulatory requirements.
In 2014 Sundrop received approval to expand their glasshouse operations in Port Augusta, but had stringent requirements imposed regarding the treatment of their wastewater streams. Treating water in this area is challenging due to the level of remoteness and the sensitive environment that surrounds it. The Water & Carbon Group were engaged to design and build a sustainable treatment facility to undertake this treatment process.
2.2
200
+person sewage effluent system required to be constructed.
10
Monthsfrom conception to completion.
Project Summary
The Water & Carbon Group was awarded the design and construct contract to build a new wastewater treatment facility for the Sundrop horticultural site. The facility was required to treat the wastewater produced from 200+ site personnel and a 2.2kL flow from irrigation backwash. The system was designed to meet Sundrop sustainability requirements along with all local and state regulatory requirements.
In 2014 Sundrop received approval to expand their glasshouse operations in Port Augusta, but had stringent requirements imposed regarding the treatment of their wastewater streams. Treating water in this area is challenging due to the level of remoteness and the sensitive environment that surrounds it. The Water & Carbon Group were engaged to design and build a sustainable treatment facility to undertake this treatment process.
Solution
The entire works package entailed the design and construction of a robust treatment environment to remove suspended solids, break down organics, and partially nitrify the effluent. The Water & Carbon Group designed a treatment solution comprising of an Anaerobic Baffled Reactor followed by an Aerobic Vertical Flow Wetland to treat these streams. Key Outcomes defined by the client included: low maintenance costs, very-low operator input and low power consumption.
The treatment plant was designed to handle sewage effluent produced from up to 200 staff, grey water and the wastewater from the glasshouse tomato production along with chiller wastewater. From conception to commissioning the system took 10 months to complete, involving a Water & Carbon Group team of ten specialists. When possible local contractors and suppliers were used to undertake site works.
Irrigation pipework installation
Outcomes
The Sundrop WWTP is an excellent example of when a sustainable low energy treatment process can be utilised in a remote environment to exceed client expectations and satisfy government regulations. As requested in the design brief, operator involvement time is very low and the overall treatment operational costs have been kept to a minimum (no ongoing chemicals, aeration, pumping etc.), providing for a very satisfied customer.
2.2
kLflow from irrigation backwash required to be treated.
200
+person sewage effluent system required to be constructed.
10
Monthsfrom conception to completion.
Irrigation pipework installation
Earthwork construction of basin
Installation of influent storage tanks
Constructed system showing partial regrowth
Aerial view of the Sundrop facility
