Young
Indicator: Discharge to Waters
Results for this indicator are also available for [an error occurred while processing this directive]
What the results tell us for Young
Effluent from Young is treated at the Young Sewage Treatment Works. Effluent generated in rural areas of Young is treated by septic tanks, composting toilets and aerobic septic systems.
The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) licences the Young plant to discharge from the concrete weir of the maturation pond into Burrangong Creek, and to the Young Golf Course. The plant has a volume limit of 2,020 KL/day.
The Burrangong Meat Processors Plant is licensed by the DECC to discharge to an utilisation area.
The total mass load of nitrogen fluctuated significantly during the reporting period, whilst the mass load of phosphorus remained relatively constant (Table 1).
| Licensed/ unlicensed |
Volume (ML/year) | Type | Estimated volume discharged illegally (L/year) | Estimated volume discharged accidentally (L/year) | Receiving waters | Mass load of nitrogen (kg) | Mass load of phosphorus (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–05 | |||||||
| Licensed | 436.8 | Sewage | Nil | Nil | Burrangong Creek | 8101 | 3410 |
| 2005–06 | |||||||
| Licensed | 404.6 | Sewage | Nil | Nil | Burrangong Creek | 6799 | 3134 |
| 2006–07 | |||||||
| Licensed | 467 | Sewage | Nil | Nil | Burrangong Creek | 9229 | 3711 |
| 2007–08 | |||||||
| Licensed | 356.6 | Sewage | Nil | Nil | Burrangong Creek | 6322 | 3154 |
Source: Young Shire Council
In 2005-06, the Young Sewerage Treatment Plant exceeded the daily volume limit of 2,020 KL/day on eight occasions, due to wet weather. The daily volume limit was exceeded in 2006-07 and 2007-08, each on one occasion, again due to wet weather. The concentration limits for total suspended solids were exceeded on three occasions during 2007-08.
The non-compliance report also notes that the Young Sewage Treatment Plant does not comply with the specified timeframes for upgrade.
Trade waste agreements
Young Shire Council has Standard Trade Waste Agreements with food retailers in the council area.
About the data
Information was supplied by Young Shire Council. Additional information was obtained from the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change’s public register of protection licences.
References
Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (2008), Public Register for Licences, Applications or Notices, Environment Protect Licence, Section 55 Protection of the Environment Operations Act, viewed at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/prpoeoapp/searchregister.aspx on 30 September 2008.
