True Water Australia

Engineering consultants Pitt & Sherry engaged True Water to create a new wastewater treatment system for the United Service Centre in Brighton, Tasmania. Service stations are a key part of our society.  This service centre is on one of Tasmania’s busiest highways, with over 22,000 vehicles travelling daily. Just 27 kilometres north of Hobart, the petrol station is a service for both Brighton Road and the Midlands Highway. The Brighton Service Centre has a fuel station, public amenities and two fast food outlets. In order to design a fit for purpose wastewater treatment system, True Water looked into all aspects of the project. This includes assessing the site constraints and identifying the key requirements of regulators. With no access to municipal sewage treatment infrastructure, the developer had to look at alternative solutions. The option to store wastewater and then pump to an offsite location for treatment was discarded due to the prohibitive cost. Consequently, the most cost-effective plan of action was to deliver an onsite wastewater treatment system. For this project, an area of 100m2 to the south-east of the main development was allocated for onsite treatment and disposal. True Water designed, manufactured, and installed a wastewater treatment management system for the project. The solution utilises two Kubota HCZ50 Sewage Treatment Plants. The design is tailored to meet the individual needs of the site. This wastewater management system is the first of its kind to be installed in Tasmania. True Water’s consultancy team underwent a rigorous process to have the system approved by the Tasmanian government regulators.

Special Characteristics of  Service Station Wastewater

Service stations generate highly concentrated wastewater. While the influent is similar in composition to domestic type influent, the concentrations of contaminants and nutrients are much higher due to the reduced ratio of showers and laundry facilities to toilets and kitchens. The wastewater is defined by highly variable flows, high ammonia content, and high FOG (fat, oil & grease). This is due to the provision of fast food outlets, trucks stops, laundry facilities and amenities. The system design includes a grease arrestor that helps manage  onsite food waste that is high in fats and oils. Grease arrestors reduce the quantity of fats and oils entering the sewage treatment plant. While grease arrestors help manage the issue, the tendency of fast food tenants to generate high levels of fat means there are high concentrations in the influent entering the treatment chain. Importantly, the use of high strength chemical cleaners in large quantities needs to be managed.  Onsite sewage treatment systems can't cope with excess chemical loading. It's vital that what goes down the drain doesn't harm the system or hurt the balance of the biological treatment process.

Receiving Approval from Brighton Council

To manage wastewater treatment systems and protect the public and environment, every state in Australia has legislation. Each state and local council area has different requirements. Brighton Council required a high level of documentation, and proof that the system would work within the sites constraints.  As part of the Council's process, True Water were asked to engage a third-party engineer to review all plans. In addition, we organised a peer review from another engineer to help facilitate the approval. One of the most important tasks that True Water had to complete was to educate the council about the Kubota MBBR Treatment Plant. Kubota systems exceed Australian industry regulations. The systems use advanced technology to achieve the highest level wastewater treatment. These Japanese designed systems use a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MMBR) treatment to treat to Class A effluent for disposal to the environment. With True Water's  involvement, experience and knowledge in the industry, the developer gained approval for the system.

“Delivering the first  Kubota 20kL wastewater treatment plant in Tasmania was great. There aren’t many large onsite STP’s in Tasmania so Council was very cautious in the assessment and approval. True Water engaged with State Government and the Local Council as well as Council's third party engineers to secure a really good outcome for all parties. The Kubota system will deliver reliable operation and long-term compliance for the United Service Centre.  The quality of design and manufacture  hopefully sets a benchmark for Tasmania and helps the industry improve”. Jim Mahoney, True Water Australia | Director | Design & Consultancy Group

The Importance of  Considering Soil and Climate

Brighton Service Station has shallow soils over bed rock. This is important to consider when designing the effluent management area and the method of dispersal. True Water determined that Tertiary Treatment of the wastewater would provide Class A effluent for dispersal into the environment. Due to the low rainfall and limited area available for Land Application of effluent, True Water chose sub-surface irrigation. This was the most cost-effective way of dispersing the effluent to the environment within the land constraints. In addition, the underlying bed rock needed an extra element of skill to prepare for the installation. The excavations required for the STP and connecting infrastructure needed to be blasted out. This was completed before True Water arrived onsite and had to be precise. A high level of communication between True Water, the client, and the civil contractors was vital to complete the work. Check out this video link from Becon Constructions to see the blasting on site: https://www.facebook.com/beconconstructions/videos/555348228719134/?t=6 

Tasmania’s first Kubota MBBR wastewater system is a success

The installation of the Kubota wastewater system in Brighton was a first for the industry in Tasmania. Is is a complete success. True Water designed and placed an advanced and reliable wastewater treatment system. It has a long life span and requires minimal maintenance. Remote telemetry monitoring of the system delivered by TELEmi will allow real time asset management. Our skilled service technicians will also complete scheduled quarterly servicing to maintain the system's compliance. Identifying the site's requirements, the stakeholder's needs and government regulations, has an impact on the final design. True Water understands that the value of these needs differs. For example, one project might have strict time constraints whereas another project may be seeking a more environmentally friendly solution. This is what makes each project unique. True Water enjoys meeting each client’s individual needs in a timely manner while delivery on quality. All our wastewater treatment solutions are fit for purpose and designed by the specific needs of each project. Contact our team today to discuss your project.

When a new onsite wastewater treatment system failed at Gunalda Service Station, True Water stepped in to help find a solution to the problem. The sewage treatment plant designed and installed by another company failed within 18 months of installation and was not treating the effluent to the required standard. In fact, the system had not met the required Environmental Authority (EA) discharge limits since its construction. United Petroleum sought the expertise of the True Water team to assess options for providing an immediate and long-term solution that meets the EA licensing conditions and adheres to project lifecycle objectives. Gunalda Service Centre is located on the Bruce Highway which connects Gympie and Maryborough. It’s approximately 30km North-West of Gympie and receives a high volume of traffic. Currently, the service centre consists of a large food court containing 350 seats, 90 parking lots along with a separate trucker’s lounge. The waste generated from Gunalda stems from the site amenities, kitchen, and laundry facilities. The site does not have a mains water supply, utilizing rainwater for all non-potable purposes and tankering in potable water for consumption purposes. This affects the influent strength which is already high due to the nature of service station wastewater.

Assessing the site to identify the best solution

True Water’s specialist consultancy team was asked to assess Gunalda's failed onsite wastewater treatment system. After conducting a thorough assessment of the site, True Water found the design had multiple points of malfunction. The assessment revealed evident signs of overflows in the STP with a severe build op of solids and untreated sludge. The grease trap had accumulated excess oils and grease with the trap no longer removing grease from the treatment train. The components of the system were not functioning as intended and the wastewater was not being treated. Additionally, the undersized effluent disposal area was unable to meet the operational, hydraulic, and nutrient requirements of the site. It was poorly installed with large rocks in the lateral trenches and components placed in a way that the system lacked the velocity to flush the laterals. The client had been forced to put a pump-out schedule in place to remove wastewater from the site and pay to have it delivered to a municipal sewage treatment plant. As a long-term solution, the prohibitive costs and uncertainty around ongoing acceptance by the municipal plant meant continuing to pump out was not viable. Furthermore, although individual parts could be fixed, a cost assessment showed that repairing the system would incur substantial costs. With no guarantee that the original system would be able to manage the wastewater load. The cost involved in removing from the site and disposing of the failed STP was substantial due to its size and condition. True Water recommended that the existing STP be cleaned, decommissioned, and left in place.  

True Water installs a new system which is guaranteed to last

Due to the severity of the issues, the ongoing failures, and the inadequate system design, True Water was engaged to design and install a new fit-for-purpose wastewater treatment solution. True Water designed a site-specific solution that is suitably sized for the expected wastewater flow. The new system treats and disposes of the wastewater on-site whilst meeting the operational requirements. It’s important to consider the future expansion of the site and design a system that can stand the test of time. Based on the information attained during the consultancy phase, True Water installed a Kubota HCZ to provide Class B treatment. The effluent is then dispersed to a suitably sized sub-surface drip irrigation field. The new system is configured to receive up to 30kL/day with the flows to the treatment system being managed via an EQ Chamber. True Water provided a wastewater solution that includes inflow buffering capacity to manage influent flows and strength. The primary buffer storage captures the wastewater before it enters the Kubota treatment plant. It helps to regulate the flows going into the treatment system and provides a buffer for high-volume flow periods. Due to the limited water supply, the concentration of the influent entering the system is high. The primary buffer storage is also designed to mix the wastewater flow. This is to ensure the high concentration influent from toilets is mixed with wash water before it enters the treatment system.

True Water designs a system that is out of sight and out of mind

The original STP was large, noisy, smelly, and placed right next to the service area where it impacted visitors. True Water values amenity and specializes in wastewater solutions that fade into the background. The new True Water system is installed behind and down a slope from the service station. The modular Kubota sewage treatment systems are underground and serviced via gas-tight access lids. The customers of the United Gunalda Service Centre are unaware of the system and that’s the way it should be. In order to meet the requirements of the project, True Water replaced the failed onsite wastewater treatment system and irrigation that had previously been provided. The replacement system is reliable, simple for staff onsite to manage, and provides a high quality of water treatment. In addition, Kubota systems have no internal moving parts. This means they don’t require chemical dosing systems as part of the treatment process. This reduces operational and maintenance costs. What happened at Gunalda’s service station highlights the importance of engaging a wastewater treatment specialist. By contacting consultancy specialists, we can design a system that meets all of your project requirements. True Water provides a unique service in the industry.  Our team specializes in all aspects of delivering onsite wastewater treatment solutions. From consultancy and design to installation and management. Contact our team today to discuss your project needs. Contact the team at True Water for a great solution for your own unique property.

True Water successfully tendered to provide a prefabricated wastewater treatment plant for the Surface Operations facilities for Glencore’s Ulan Mine. The existing STP was around 40 years old and had come to the end of its operational life. As a result, a replacement system was required. The newly installed Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide a higher level of treatment. Consequently,  this will meet the environmental standards and deliver long-term compliance. The system provides wastewater treatment for the mine administration facilities. It's located on the western corner of the mine site. It processes domestic waste from onsite amenities including toilets, showers, and kitchen/dining areas. Located central west of NSW, the Ulan complex is one of the most established coal mining operations in Australia. True Water has installed and continues to maintain Wastewater Treatment Systems for a number of Glencore’s mining sites. As a result of the successful tender process, True Water undertook the design, construction, installation, and commissioning of the new prefabricated Kubota Wastewater Treatment Plant to upgrade the Ulan Mine site system.

Meeting the requirements of the client

The original system treated up to 10kL of wastewater per day. To clarify, this is insufficient capacity for the current wastewater flow. Designed and installed in the early 1980s, the technology has been superseded. The packaged treatment plant treated raw sewage using the suspended growth-activated sludge process. The original packaged treatment plant was an above-ground system that remained unchanged after its installation. The steel tank system had rusted out. As a result, it was no longer treating the wastewater to the required level. For this project, the client needed a robust replacement STP which that can operate with little intervention. In particular, without the need for technically trained staff. After completing a site assessment and desktop research, True Water found the Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF) ranged from 6 to 8kL. The Peak Wet Weather (PWWF) being 13kL a day. The Consultancy team determined a 20kL/day Kubota MBBR Treatment Plant as the ideal system replacement. The advanced tertiary treatment provided by the Kubota MBBR Treatment Plant produces Class B treated water. Importantly, this means it is suitable for disposal into the existing evaporation ponds. Therefore there is no requirement to install additional effluent disposal structures. If operations increase or the ponds are no longer viable, the standard of effluent from the system meets the requirements for future reuse, including irrigation.

A smooth transition from old to new

The scope of this project required the retention of the supporting infrastructure and dispersal ponds. In addition, to ensure no loss of operation time, it was important for the changeover from the existing system to the new treatment plant to be completed quickly. Firstly, we installed the new system next to the original infrastructure to allow a smooth transition. The lightweight, fiber reinforced plastic Kubota systems are designed to be self supporting and can easily be installed below ground. The compact system was installed in the tight space without disturbing the infrastructure to be retained. Once the new treatment plant and control systems were in place, the now defunct STP was decommissioned and removed. Throughout the process, True Water worked closely with the team from Glencore to ensure the on-site staff would have a clear understanding of how the new system would work. A key benefit to True Water’s solution is its simple and efficient technology. The systems requires very little day-to-day maintenance or chemical dosing. On-site staff undertook training in simple system maintenance including sampling. True Water will remotely manage the new system and provide a quarterly service in accordance with government regulations.

Meeting the challenges of the site

Due to the nature of the project, Glencore needed True Water to deliver the new wastewater treatment system in a short timeframe. Additionally, we could not interrupt the regular operation of the Surface Operations facilities. True Water pre-manufacture most of their systems before delivery to the site. This aids in a quick and stress-free installation. Pre manufacturing in our workshop provides the ability for a quick and quality installation occur. As we already had a Kubota system in stock, all we had to do was customize it for Ulan Mines. Surface water and groundwater were potential issues for the long-term compliance of the site. The existing STP was regularly surrounding by standing surface water. To combat this issue, True Water installed the treatment tank to sit above ground level. We then built up the soil to create a new ground level at the height of the gas tight inspection lids. This keeps the access covers above any surface water with the control system and blowers installed at the same height.

Higher quality treatment for system upgrade

True Water worked with Glencore to meet the site requirements for the Ulan Surface Operations. As a result, the successful delivery a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system is complete. Our design utilises advanced technology to provide reliable and high-quality treatment. The system now easily meets the variance inflow volumes and concentration at all times. Most importantly, the design accommodates future additional flows. The system treats the wastewater to the standard required for future irrigation if needed. Furthermore, the Kubota system meets international quality compliance standards  whilst providing operational security. This is exactly what Glencore required. The prefabricated Kubota system installed by True Water upgrades the wastewater treatment infrastructure at Ulan Mine Surface Operations. Importantly, it provides a new and modern fit for purpose solution that will stand the test of time. Contact True Water today to discuss your system upgrade requirements.

True Water recently installed a septic tank and ETA bed system to service a new two bedroom granny flat for a plant nursery in Tintenbar, NSW.  The Little Gem Nursery needed to meet the council requirements for onsite sewage management as part of their introduction of new onsite accommodation. We were contacted by a regular client, East Coast Granny Flats. They were building the secondary dwelling, or granny flat, at the Little Gem  Nursery. With the nursery set in a rural location, there was no municipal sewerage connection. The existing sewage treatment system for the nursery was not able to cope with an additional wastewater load. Therefore, we needed to provide an onsite wastewater treatment system to service the new addition.

Assessing the Site Requirements

The first step was a site visit to assess the property and discuss options. This property had lots of space, good soils, and no nearby waterways. And with just a secondary dwelling, a simple septic tank system offered the best solution. Septic tank systems connect to ETA bed disposal areas and the open spaces between the nursery plants provided the perfect location for the Land Application Area. Council regulations and site constraints often restrict the use of septic tanks these days. A secondary, or aerated, treatment system is needed instead. But when the site is suitable, a septic tank system can still be a good solution.

Council Application

The next step was to produce the report for the development application. Whether it’s called an Effluent Management Report, a Wastewater Report, or an OSSM Report, they are the same thing. We have environmental scientists on staff and pride ourselves on our excellent reports. The report lists details of the development, the property, and environmental conditions. All of these things, along with council regulations, dictate the size and type of wastewater system needed. The council application went smoothly and quickly, and the project moved to the construction phase. We liaised with East Coast Granny Flats during construction to time the installation of the septic tank. It is often easiest for us to come in towards the end of the building process. This gives the builders space to move around without the tank in place.

Supply & Installation

We installed a 3,000 litre septic tank and 60m² of ETA beds. Septic tanks come in a few different sizes. The size chosen is based on the possible number of inhabitants of a property. As it was just a 2 bedroom house, a smaller tank was enough. In addition, the size of the ETA beds is based on the number of possible inhabitants. But it is not just the number of inhabitants that decides the size of the disposal area. The type of soils and general environmental conditions play a big part too.   ETA Beds can also be made to different shapes. The nursery had existing plants growing that they didn’t want to move. Our designer planned beds that fit in neatly with the rows of plants. Our installer then installed the beds carefully between the rows. The ETA beds soon disappeared back into the landscape. Septic tank installations are not as common as they used to be. But on large properties with simple environmental conditions, they can still be a good solution. They can offer a simple and passive long-term solution. The septic tank system was the best option for the nursery. We enjoy doing unusual jobs like the nursery. We have also forged a reputation in the industry for being able to complete any job. If a project is possible, we will find a great solution for it. Our experience and expertise allows us to find a great solution for any job. The nursery job went very well, and their plants will continue growing happily. Contact the team at True Water for a great solution for your own unique property.

True Water recently worked with Perkins builders to create a wastewater treatment system for the new BP Truck Stop located in Muchea, WA. The job needed a system to meet the particular needs of the project. Perkins Builders required a high-quality, durable wastewater system that requires minimal day to day maintenance. True Water designed, manufactured and installed a system specific to the project needs that blends seamlessly into the modern development. Muchea Service Station is currently the largest truck stop and fuel center in WA, servicing the new Northlink WA road. The multipurpose fuel site provides refueling for cars, commercial vehicles, 4wd’s, and long-haul trucks. With extensive onsite parking, dining options, a picnic area, and showers/laundry facilities, the site is a drawcard for passing travelers. The development has an indigenous artwork  that was a result of the development team wanting to acknowledges the past, present, and emerging traditional landowners and commemorate the cultural significance of the site. Perkins Builders engaged UDLA and community stakeholders to facilitate an Aboriginal led design process for an interpretive artwork reflecting the cultural significance of the Muchea area to Yuat Nyoongar people and all people of the Nyoongar nation.

Assessing the service station’s needs

Perkins Builders contracted True Water to create a sustainable wastewater system for the truck stop they were constructing in WA. The design and delivery needed to cater to the client needs, site constraints, construction timelines and requirements of the regulator. The development is expected to generate an average wastewater loading of 8000 – 11,000 liters per day. Understanding the predicted volume and quality of the wastewater flow is an important factor when delivering a new system. Service stations generate wastewater with a high sewage strength due to a greater ratio of toilets to sinks and showers. High levels of grease and oils  from food outlets, along the with the potential use of harsh chemicals are important things to keep in mind when designing a solution. This ensures the system will continue to treat the wastewater efficiently and with little need for intervention. Furthermore, another important consideration is how the system looks and whether it impacts the visitors to the site. Located close to the car park where people drive in, it was important the wastewater system was not noticeable. Their are two ways that the True Water system satisfies this requirement. Firstly, the Kubota treatment systems are completed self contained units that can be installed below ground. Once installed, only the gas tight lids used as access points for inspection and servicing are visible. Secondly, the effluent management area is designed to disperse water below ground under the cover of a turfed surface. This makes it disappear into the landscape and be virtually invisible to the public. Visitors to the service station would not even realise they are passing the onsite sewage treatment plant.

Introducing new wastewater treatment technology to WA

Social and environmental security is a high priority for the government regulators who monitor onsite wastewater treatment.  The BP Muchea Truck Stop is located in Western Australia.  A full assessment and sign-off from WA Health was needed. They are the standard regulator for this type of project in WA. Being a new development, True Water provided a document suite to receive approval for the installation of the wastewater system. Our consultancy team developed a Site and Soil Assessment, Effluent Management Report, and detailed Wastewater Treatment System design to support the application. As the regulator hadn't dealt with this system type before, in-depth information about the function and maintenance was required. Once these conditions were met, the regulator was happy to sign off on the project. Although True Water is based on the east coast, the modular Kubota treatment plants make delivery across Australia easy. Even to remote locations. In addition, much of the supporting infrastructure is premanufactured in our NSW workshop and delivered to sight ready to install. This means that installation of a new wastewater management system can be quick and precise, with little disruption to the builders schedule.

True Water provides a unique solution for the WA Truck Stop

For this project, True Water designed a system that utilises the advanced Kubota treatment technology to address the high strength influent and fluctuating hydraulic loads. The construction of an engineered effluent disposal system addressed the limited space available for the discharge area. True Water's team drew on years of experience dealing with sensitive environments and restricted sites to design the disposal system. Furthermore, this allows True Water to deliver fit for purpose design solutions to meet the needs of every client. True Water selected a 20kL Kubota Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) as the best system to provide tertiary treatment. Kubota systems are designed and manufactured in the highly competitive Japanese market. Due to the strict quality control and ongoing Research and Development, the Kubota systems offer industry leading technology. The compact and reliable system is the best solution for this project. It easily fulfills the aesthetic, environmental impact, treatment volume and quality needs of the client. True Water have delivered a total onsite wastewater treatment system with a footprint of less than 1000m. This accommodates both the Kubota treatment plant and the effluent dispersal area. Usually, the area required to treat wastewater generated by this site would be between five and ten thousand square metres. This significant reduction in area is a new concept for the regulator and had to be clearly explained and justified. Of course, the reduction in area required meant cost savings for the client, a significant decrease in installation time and a less obtrusive system.

Final update on the project

The wastewater management system for the largest truck stop in WA is operating smoothly and producing treated effluent to a higher quality than required by the WA Health approval. As part of a nationwide agreement with BP, True Water manages the onsite wastewater infrastructure through remote monitoring and scheduled quarterly servicing. The system is simple to manage for both staff on site and our technicians. This is due to the inclusion of the CONNECTmi pump controller and the TELEmi telemetry monitoring systems. These systems provide real time monitoring to ensure reactive maintenance is kept to a minimum. Contact True Water to discuss your asset management requirements.

True Water recently delivered a customised wastewater treatment system for the Rathgar Lodge aged care facility. Located in Ulmarra ,approximately 15kms north of Grafton in NSW, the lodge’s existing wastewater treatment system was assessed when plans to extend the property were proposed. True Water were engaged to supply a high-quality system to comply with the requirements of the development and deal with the various site constraints. Rathgar Lodge sits on 2.5 hectares of land beside the Clarence River. The lodge has approximately 60 residents and staff and various accommodation options. The river offers beautiful views and a pleasant environment for the lodge’s residents. The small town feel of Ulmarra and the riverside location make the lodge a popular place to live. Ulmarra, however, lacks a municipal sewerage connection and the river poses environmental restrictions.

Consultancy & Assessment

Engineering and planning consultants Ardill Payne & Partners engaged True Water on behalf of Rathgar Lodge. We began by inspecting the existing wastewater treatment system at the lodge. Although in generally fair condition, there were signs of overloading, ageing, and poor treatment quality. The disposal or land application area showed various signs of disrepair and damage. The expansion of the lodge was then postponed, however the need to remedy the treatment system issues had been identified. The next task was to assess the flow rates produced by the lodge each day. Correct flow rates are critical for correct system sizing. Once known, attention was placed on addressing all other important criteria. Important items to consider include:

• Space - limited for the disposal area of a larger system.
• Location - proximity to the river and in a flood zone.
• Residential – no noise or odour.
• Visual – aesthetically pleasing for the residents.
• Scalable – expansion still planned for the future.

A realistic and viable solution was found after consulting with Ardill Payne and Rathgar Lodge. The upgrade to the system and disposal area were to be staged. No interruption to the every day running of the lodge would be caused during construction. It also allowed for the gradual expansion of the system in line with the expansion of the lodge in general. Expansion could be timed to suit the needs of the lodge and to stage financial outlay.

New Wastewater Management System for the Aged Care Facility

A 10kL Kubota HC-Z sewage treatment plant was chosen as the best system for the first stage. The HC-Z is a compact system that treats to a high level. It sits below ground after installation, producing a very low visual impact. Because it is sealed, there is no noise or odour impact for the residents at all. The decision was made to decommission the old land application area. Poorly treated water, age and damage had deemed it unviable to resurrect. True Water designed the new disposal area to suit the site’s restrictions which include limited available area, proximity to the river and below flood levels. The solution is an engineered effluent disposal system that is situated in a grassed area beside the lodge. The specially designed disposal system solved various problems. The slightly raised area is engineered to allow all effluent dispersal to remain above water if the river ever flooded. This allows the lodge to continue to operate without a failing system. This solutions also occupies a much smaller footprint than other disposal methods. The limited space for disposal will now be sufficient, even with the future expansion plans. The design and construction are also very durable giving operational security long into the future. The engineered effluent disposal system is sized to take the additional load when the lodge is expanded in the future. The high treatment level of the Kubota system also gives the disposal system a much easier job than with poorly treated water. The area was turfed after installation for effectiveness and aesthetics, with the area now blending in gently within the landscaping.

State of the Art Wastewater Solutions for Current Regulations

The site specific requirements of providing sewage management for commercial properties that are not connected to municipal sewage infrastructure can sometimes be tricky. Importantly, Ardill Payne realised the challenge when they first assessed the site and called in True Water as specialists in the field. Although the existing system was undersized and in poor repair, any replacement had to meet current regulations. Many modern regulations stipulate much higher standards than the original system could ever achieve. Flood zones, soil types, space and treatment levels all added to the challenge at Rathgar Lodge. Modern problems can be solved with modern solutions. Kubota has spent many years refining and improving their systems. The result is a deceptively simple system created by intelligent design and engineering. It is a compact system with high treatment levels and excellent reliability and durability. A complete solution is achieved when the Kubota is part of correctly designed and installed infrastructure. In this instance, the engineered effluent disposal system was an integral part of the complete solution.

Planning for the Future - Staging the Infrastructure Delivery and Costs

Plans are now in place to install a second Kubota system at the lodge. It will be a 10kL HC-Z exactly the same as the first one. Connecting the systems is very simple and was already considered in the initial design. The last of the old system can be completely decommissioned after installation. This will remove any weak points and greatly reduce maintenance. The effluent disposal system is already sized for extra loading so the upgraded system will be complete. The expansion of the accommodation can then take place. True Water, Ardill Payne & Partners and Rathgar Lodge worked together to find a solution. Knowledge and expertise combined with the latest technology means that all criteria were successfully addressed. The lodge has an appropriately sized system with much lower operational and maintenance costs. Operational security has been vastly increased, and the concerns of the residents and the environment have been met.

The wastewater treatment system servicing the Eurong Beach amenities on Fraser Island needed upgrading. The Fraser Coast Council provides and maintains the infrastructure as a public resource.  With the existing system overloading and in a state of disrepair, the Council acted quickly to resolve the problem. The facilities produce high strength effluent, and the existing system did not have the capability to treat it properly. True Water replaced the failing system with a fit for purpose, state of the art solution. Fraser Island is a special place. This description from the UNESCO World Heritage List sums it up perfectly: “Fraser Island lies just off the east coast of Australia. At 122 km long, it is the largest sand island in the world. Majestic remnants of tall rainforest growing on sand and half the world’s perched freshwater dune lakes are found inland from the beach. The combination of shifting sand-dunes, tropical rainforests and lakes makes it an exceptional site." This exceptional and fragile location means that high standards and attention to detail are imperative. True Water is specialist wastewater company with experience in designing systems on Fraser Island. Our team installed sewage treatment systems here before, and we recently returned to install another one.

Engaging Wastewater Specialists to Meet the Challenges of the Site

Fraser Coast Council engaged True Water to assess the site and provide a solution. The natural conditions that make this site so special also provided some challenges to sustainable wastewater treatment. For instance, the sandy soil is highly permeable and has a high groundwater level.  The site includes sensitive vegetation and areas ecological significance which need protection. Moreover, the coastal environment can be harsh on any installed infrastructure. True Water worked within these constraints to provide a fit for purpose solution for the new wastewater system to service the amenities at Eurong. Through careful planning we were able to reuse some of the existing infrastructure. This reduced site disturbance and provided cost savings for the project. The design repurposed and used existing tanks as a pre-treatment tank. The pre-treatment tank feeds into a 10kL Kubota HC-Z 50 for the main treatment process. The HC-Z 50 uses a combination of anaerobic, aerobic, and high surface media to treat to a tertiary level. This configuration offered buffer storage for managing peak events along with consistent high-level treatment.

Cooperation and Cultural Awareness

Installing a system on Fraser Island presents some unique challenges. True Water worked closely with Fraser Coast Council and Rainbow Recovery for an efficient process. Communication with the council throughout the process smoothed the way. A quick and problem free installation was imperative to reduce interruption to the public. The lack of roads on the island presented another challenge. Working with Rainbow Recovery allowed us to benefit form their local transport expertise. In addition to the high environmental significance of Fraser Island, there is an important cultural significance. The Butchulla people are the indigenous people of Fraser Island. Unfortunately, a lot of their history and heritage has been lost or destroyed. The Butchulla people want their message – of care and respect for the land – to reach all visitors to the island. Our team carefully followed all cultural heritage duty of care guidelines throughout the project.

Importance of Correct Disposal

Installing the system is just part of the solution, all treated water needs to be disposed of. We chose 700m² of subsurface drip irrigation as the most practical and appropriate solution. Correct design and installation of the dispersal method is vitally important for wastewater treatment solutions. In fact a good disposal area offers many benefits to a project. The primary focus here was the minimisation of any environmental impact and efficient disposal. Smart design can go a long way to reducing pump run times and loading. This is very important in remote locations like Fraser Island. Along with high level treated water, a good design can hugely extend the life and reliability of a disposal area. The overall combination of the treatment system and disposal area combines for an excellent solution. It has a small footprint and very good aesthetics. The fragile environment will be protected and visitor facilities have been improved. The upgrade works for the wastewater system servicing the Eurong amenities on Fraser Island went very smoothly. The installation was quick with minimal public impact. Installing a system, however, is not the end of the story. Any system will require some maintenance to keep it running smoothly for years to come. The low maintenance requirements and high reliability of the Kubota system is another reason we were chosen to do this latest installation. Here at True Water, we take pride in finding great solutions for even the most challenging locations. As wastewater specialists with access to leading technology, we also provide well rounded and comprehensive solutions. For more information about a solution of your own, contact the team at True Water.

The Korora hills on the Coffs Coast offer stunning ocean views, however, the very steep terrain provides some unique challenges for onsite home sewage treatment. Hopwood Homes in Coffs Harbour contacted True Water to provide onsite sewage treatment for a new home in Korora. This home has stunning views, but is built on a logistically and environmentally demanding block.  In particular, the rocky slope, high rainfall, and restricted space on this site provide some unique challenges. True Water happily accepted the task. The wastewater industry is always changing. In the past, the specific site conditions or restraints were not always taken into account. And to be fair, not a lot was known about the technical and scientific approach to wastewater treatment. These days however, wastewater has become a specialised industry all of its own. The installation for this new home in Korora showcases the experience and knowledge needed to successfully design a home sewage treatment solution.

Designing a wastewater treatment solution for tricky terrain

This property has an intermittent watercourse on the site and one very close by. It also has two groundwater bores in close proximity. Protection of these water sources is important. In addition, the block has a very steep slope and the actual space available for the system is limited. One challenge was physically installing the system and disposal area on the site. The second was ensuring the correct design to dispose of the treated water efficiently and safely. Poorly treated wastewater is a factor in waterway and groundwater health. Pollution and contamination of waterways and water can lead to health risks and environmental degradation. Improving wastewater treatment is an important part of avoiding these problems. To avoid contaminating waterways, we chose a Fuji Clean CE1500EX as the treatment system. The Fuji Clean HSTP is a great system that treats to a secondary level and also includes nutrient reduction. The nutrient reduction is important for avoiding the eutrophication of waterways which can lead to algal blooms. Consistent and reliable treatment from the well-engineered system is also an important feature. The disposal area is restrictive and difficult to access. In order to provide a working solutions, these factors had to be carefully considered. This is where expertise and experience are critical. True Water designed a custom disposal area to fit the specific constraints of the property. The steep slope, contours, restricted space, soil type, and flow volumes were all considered.

Precision installation as part of the project with Hopwood Homes

Our experienced  team completed the precision installation on the contoured terraces.  With the house already built and the HSTP located right next to it, it was important to adhere closely to the plan. The chosen treatment system is a light and compact unit making installation much simpler and cheaper on the confined block. Using the correct equipment with skill is also critical when installing irrigation in such a tight location. Now that it is installed, the home sewage treatment plant and dispersal area are working perfectly. The home's wastewater is treated to a high and reliable level. As a result, the waterways and water bores remain nice and clean. The disposal area disperses the treated water evenly and efficiently. This area is compact and fits in with the environment, but also ensures there is no waterlogging or erosion.

Home sewage treatment built to last

There is another important thing to remember with this system. It's designed to last. We often see poorly designed or installed systems failing. This can be a costly and frustrating experience for any homeowner. In this instance, however, it could cause serious problems. Contaminated water bores or collapsing and eroding disposal areas take time to rectify. This quality system provides peace of mind to the homeowner. Above all, the True Water designed system will provide years of trouble-free operation. The owners know their wastewater is being dealt with effectively and to a consistently high level because they chose an industry leading product. Not only is it important for the environment, it also helps extend the life of the disposal area. The well engineered and designed disposal area will continue to work efficiently for many years to come. At True Water we take pride in finding great solutions to even the most challenging of sites. With careful planning, we make light work of even the most restrictive sites. But, we also ensure that even the simplest job is done well and designed to last. As wastewater specialists, we can guarantee we will provide an excellent solution for any home. Contact our team to talk about your home sewage treatment needs.

The Coolac Service Station is a new development on the Hume Highway that needed a wastewater treatment solution. True Water was engaged to assess the project requirements, site restrictions and government regulations to help find a solution. As the development is in a remote area and not serviced by municipal infrastructure, an onsite sewage treatment system was required. True Water designed, manufactured, installed and commissioned a site specific sewage treatment system for the service station that will manage the wastewater generated by every aspect of the development.

Working Together & Cooperation

Time is money, and the sooner this project was up and running, the better. There are many stages to a development and each one needs to run smoothly. This project was also not a small one. Along with the Mobil service station, there are several fast-food outlets, amenities including laundry and even a dog park. Modern environmental standards and good old fashioned aesthetics also needed consideration. We worked closely with project engineers Allspec & Partners on this service station. Our initial brief was the design and documentation of the system for the council application. Many projects require slight changes as they progress and this one was no different. We completed four different irrigation or disposal area designs to fit in with the project’s progression and constraints. Council approval went smoothly with the in-depth information provided. True Water’s extensive history with service station wastewater systems really helped with this project. Service stations have high effluent strengths and variable loading rates. This project was no different and had restricted space available.  The need to install the system close to the service station entrance meant any solution had to be odour free, safe for the general public and have minimal visual impact.

Specific Challenges for Service Stations

Wastewater treatment plants at highway service stations are commonly undersized or overloaded. Increasing traffic, greater numbers of visitors, or expansion of the facilities can all add to this. Additionally, stricter regulations on discharge licensing by the Environmental Authority may warrant an upgrade to an existing system to meet new standards. Specifically, the difficulty in complying with ammonia and BOD limits.  Service stations generate highly concentrated wastewater due to the provision of fast food outlets, trucks stops, laundry facilities and amenities. The wastewater is characterized by highly variable flows, high ammonia content and high FOG (fat, oil & grease) content due to catering and food preparation. There are various tried and tested methods for treating service station wastewater. The most suitable method will depend on the unique requirements of the project itself. Grease management and the removal of emulsified oils must be considered before any biological treatment step. In addition to consent standards, site requirements and limitations must be taken into consideration. As a result, many systems that currently treat service centre wastewater are not adequate for the job. Flow rates and effluent strengths are too extreme for domestic type systems which leads to shorter working life. Packaged plants are normally bulky and unsightly with high maintenance costs. Reliability is always a concern with packaged systems as well.

Project Specific Features

True Water chose a 40 kilolitre Kubota K-HC-T as the best wastewater treatment solution for the Hume Highway project. Years of Research & Development by Kubota has produced a very well designed and engineered system.  This system offers the excellent quality and reliability needed for a modern service station. Importantly, the modular system becomes almost invisible when installed below ground and is not accessible to the general public. The treatment system and supporting components are manufactured off site and then transported to site for installation. As a result, the time required on site for installation is reduced allowing for a speedy project delivery. True Water completed the installation in two stages to allow for additional flexibility in coordinating with the builder. We completed the two separate irrigation and disposal areas first. Then, we installed the treatment plant and control systems once the builder was ready to connect to the infrastructure and make the system operational. The subsurface irrigation for the grassed front verge area will keep it looking lush and green all year round. The treated water from the Kubota system is so clean that it is perfect for maintaining lawns and saving water. In addition, the visual footprint of the system is kept to a minimum.

Delivering Wastewater Treatment Solutions for Service Stations

True Water are installing more systems for service stations than ever.  Our compact, modular, state of the art systems combine simple process with high quality treatment. Importantly, this provides the perfect treatment solution for the unique requirements of a roadside petrol station. Contact True Water for all of your design & consultancy and supply & installation needs.

When a Biolytix sewage system failed in Lawrence, True Water designed and installed a replacement onsite home sewage treatment system for this family. There has been one home sewage treatment system in Australia that has required replacement more than any other. That system is the Biolytix. Wastewater treatment systems can last for years and they can remain out-of-sight and out-of-mind. The Biolytix initially looked good and performed well. But unfortunately the Biolytix had a design flaw. This flaw caused them to fail and the company went into administration in Australia. There are still a few Biolytix systems around. We still get called in to replace them as well. This one had lasted quite a while, but a storm event caused it to flood and fail. The main process behind the Biolytix is using worms to break down the waste. The issue with floods is that worms can’t swim, and they all perished. It is not uncommon for the worms to die in a Biolytix, but it is normally due to pump failure or blockage. Unfortunately, the Biolytix is very difficult to resurrect and replacing it is normally the only option. Whether you are dealing with a Biolytix, a septic tank, or an AWTP, any system at some point needs “de-sludging”. All systems break down organic matter in the wastewater. The left over sludge needs to be removed and disposed of. The Biolytix is difficult to de-sludge, and is another reason why replacement is often the only option.

Where To Begin

First, the owners contacted True Water. We did a site assessment and provided a system report for the insurance company. With our years of experience in the industry, we have a good knowledge of a wide range of systems. This allowed us to present a concise report for insurance. This ensured a quick response in a situation where the system had failed. Replacement of a treatment system also requires a council application and approval. True Water also provided a site plan and completed an application for the owners. Insurance companies and councils have specific requirements. It is important to address these requirements for a smooth and speedy process. Once approvals from both the council and the insurance company were received, replacement could start.

Careful Considerations

Normally a system replacement is very straight forward. With this replacement we needed to be careful because the old system had flooded. Flooding by storm water was an unusual event, but we needed to make sure it wouldn’t happen again. The homeowners also had a makeshift drain dug across their lawn to deal with the overflowing system. The drain was a health hazard and needed to be removed from their lawn. The land application area, or treated water disposal area, also needed to be checked. It needed checking for damage from receiving untreated wastewater and to see if it was up to standard. Plans were put in place to stop any future storm water issues and for an improved installation. The land application area was 400m² of subsurface irrigation and remained within guidelines and in a suitable location. Flushing and servicing the land application area dealt with contamination from the failed system. The property had no issues with vegetation or access and had lots of space on its 80 hectares.

Quick Installation

Work began as soon as approval was received and True Water replaced the failed system. We used a Fuji Clean CE1500EX Aerated Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTP). The Fuji Clean system has proven to be very reliable for home sewage treatment over many years in Australia and overseas. It uses a biological process to break down the contents within the wastewater.  Beneficial microbes and bacteria naturally break down organic matter in the wastewater. Different stages use anaerobic and aerobic chambers for a more thorough and efficient process. This is a very robust process compared to the use of worms. Installations Home Sewage Treatment Plants or HSTPs are completed in a single day in most cases. The self contained system is made from fibre reinforced plastic. This not only makes it very tough, it also makes it light and compact for easy handling. It is a prefabricated system with everything neatly contained in the unit. This also helps with easy installation along with a higher level of quality control. Any secondary or AWTP system requires quarterly servicing. Servicing is important for any system as correct servicing reduces most issues with wastewater systems. True Water chooses to use Fuji Clean systems for home onsite treatment as they have proved to function very smoothly year after year. Their longevity is impressive with all systems designed for a 30-year lifespan.

Commissioning

Once connected to the existing plumbing network and the refreshed application area, the system could be turned on. Reusing existing infrastructure and only replacing essential items saved money. We took care to make sure no problems from the original system remained. The local council issue an “Approval to Operate” before homeowners can begin to use a new system. True Water ensure every system is up and running perfectly at the end of every job. This means the Approval to Operate is just a formality and there is no delay in using the new system. The homeowners have the peace of mind of a flood and trouble-free system that will last many years into the future. Contact our home sewage treatment specialists to discuss your wastewater management needs.