Valley Sewerage Scheme Delayed
1 Aug 10
The development of the proposed scheme has been delayed and placed at risk due to the need to find a new site for the sewage treatment plant and irrigation area.
Scheme wont proceed at Site D3
As reported earlier, Council in December 2008 decided that the proposed sewerage scheme should proceed subject to a number of approval conditions which would mitigate any adverse effects of the scheme on the environment.
The adopted scheme was based on development of an advanced water reclamation facility (WRF), reclaimed water storage and irrigation area at Site D3 to the north of the village.
Council called tenders for development of a detailed concept design for the adopted scheme in mid 2009 and undertook negotiations with the landowner of the adopted Site D3 to finalise an agreement for development of the scheme at the site.
However, due to concerns over the availability of an adequate supply of reclaimed water for the landowner's intended irrigation option a satisfactory agreement could not be reached and in December 2009 the landowner advised Council that he didn't wish to proceed with the scheme on his property.
What's happening now?
Following advice from the Site D3 owner that he didn't wish to proceed with the scheme Council has approached landowners of preferred WRF/irrigation sites identified during option development studies for the scheme to gauge their current interest in scheme participation.
Council is currently negotiating with one of these landowners to establish a suitable agreement to allow the scheme to proceed on his property.
Should a satisfactory agreement be reached with the landowner an assessment of the environmental effects of scheme development on the property will need to be carried out.
If the assessment indicates that the scheme can be developed on the property without significant adverse environmental effects Council will then expedite the preparation of documentation for design and construction of the scheme based on development of the WRF, reclaimed water storage and irrigation area on the site.
Where to from here?
Given the uncertainties that exist at this stage, the timeframe for scheme progression cannot be clearly defined.
Unless a new site for the proposed sewage treatment facility can be confirmed in the near future, it is unlikely that the scheme will proceed.
Also weighing heavily on the scheme progression is the funding arrangement with Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA).
SCA have committed funding in excess of $6 million dependent on the scheme being completed by June 2012.
Without this crucial funding the scheme would not be viable to Council.
If you would like further information on the scheme development process, call Shoalhaven Water's Customer
Contact line on: 02 4429 3244