Harden
Indicator: Discharge to Waters
Results for this indicator are also available for [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Please note: Text or data highlighted in this colour represent an update to this indicator for the period 2008/09.
What the results tell us for Harden
Effluent generated in Harden is disposed of into the Harden Shire Council Treatment Works at Murrumburrah. The sewer treatment plant operates a sludge/evaporation plant where there are minimal discharges to waterways.
Effluent generated in rural areas of Harden Shire is treated in on-site systems. Conventional septic tanks are connected to a variety of disposal methods including absorption trenches, evapo-transpiration beds and combined trench/transpiration systems. A small number of aerated septic systems are connected to irrigation beds across the shire.
The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) regulates most sewage treatment systems owned by state and local government. DECC has licensed the Harden Treatment Works to discharge into the Murrimboola Creek with a maximum daily volume of 300 KL/day. The license also allows for the to utilisation areas located at the following sporting ovals including McLean Oval, Station Street Oval, and Harden Country Club Golf Course.
Liquid trade waste monitoring is commencing in 2009-10 to ensure adequate pre-treatment.
No records for volumes of discharge and mass loads of nitrogen and phosphorus were available for the reporting period. However it is noted on the licence that the daily volume limits were exceeded on two occasions and the pH, total suspended solids and Biochemical Oxygen Demand were exceeded on five occasions during 2004-2005.
About the data
Information was supplied by Harden Shire Council. Additional information was obtained from the DECC’s public register of protection licences.
References
DECC – see Department of Environment and Climate Change
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 24 September 2008.
