Upper Lachlan
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 Upper Lachlan
Effluent from Crookwell and Gunning in the Upper Lachlan Shire is treated at two sewage treatment plants in each township. Effluent generated in areas other than in Crookwell and Gunning is treated in septic tanks, composting toilets and aerobic septic systems.
The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) has licenced the Crookwell Town Sewage Treatment Works to discharge from the discharge pipe from the maturation pond to the wetland that flows via a waterway to the Crookwell River. The plant has a volume limit of 8,078 KL/day.
DECC has also licenced the Gunning Sewage Treatment Plant to discharge its effluent to Meadow Creek, downstream of the Hume Highway. The plant has a maximum daily volume limit of 250 KL/day.
The Upper Lachlan Shire Council reports that the trend is relatively consistent between the years, however, only the 2004-05 figures have been reported (Table 1). Upper Lachlan Shire Council notes wet weather causes significant variations in volume due to stormwater infiltration.
| 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 | 4 | Sewage | Nil | Nil | Meadow Creek | 60 | 40 |
| Licensed | 165 | Sewage | Nil | Nil | Crookwell River | 1322 | 272 |
| 2005–06 | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2006–07 | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2007–08 | |||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Source: Upper Lachlan Shire Council
In 2004-05, the Crookwell plant exceeded the pH concentration limit on three occasions due to an algal growth in the maturation pond. The concentration limits of pH, total nitrogen and total phosphorus were also exceeded on eight occasions in 2005-06. No non-compliance reports were available for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 years at the time of reporting.
The Gunning Sewage Treatment Plant exceeded its daily volume limit of 250 KL/day on two occasions, during 2004-05, due to heavy rainfall. However, all flows were treated by the plant and no bypass was required. No other non-compliances have been reported.
Trade Waste Agreements
Upper Lachlan Shire Council has a tradewaste policy and an infiltration reduction program.
About the data
Information was supplied by Upper Lachlan 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.
