Barwon Water’s biosolids drying project has won the Sustainable Water Management category at the 2014 Banksia Sustainability Awards.
The award recognises “leadership and innovation in assuring continued environment and community access to quality freshwater resources and vibrant marine environments”.
The biosolids drying facility, which is operated by Plenary Environment and Water Infrastructure Group as a public-private partnership, is located adjacent to the Black Rock water reclamation plant in Connewarrae. The facility converts biosolids — a byproduct of the sewage treatment process — into nutrient-rich farm fertiliser.
The plant receives almost 140 tonnes of wet biosolids every day. Since it began operation in September 2012, the plant has slashed Barwon Water’s annual greenhouse emissions associated with sewerage treatment by 30% and taken thousands of trucks off the road.
The Banksia Foundation is a well-established not-for-profit organisation dedicated to working with industry and community to focus attention on environmental excellence and sustainability.
