SA Water is set to begin construction of a new odour control facility to improve the management of odour emitted from the sewer network in Gawler West and Angle Vale.
Located in Gawler West, at the corner of Dean Street and Overway Bridge Road, the $3.4 million project involves the construction of a dosing station, which aims to significantly reduce odour impacts for residents living along Hillier Road.
SA Water Senior Manager of Infrastructure Planning and Strategy, Dr Daniel Hoefel, said the new facility is the result of extensive investigations into odour hotspots along the Bolivar North wastewater trunk main, associated with wastewater trunk mains along Angle Vale and Stebonheath roads.
“This new system will effectively minimise any bad smells in the area by targeting a primary odour contributor – hydrogen sulphide,” Dr Hoefel said.
“While it’s normal to have some odour coming from our sewer infrastructure, we make every effort to ensure it’s not noticeable to the community.
“The dosing station works by reacting with dissolved sulphides in wastewater to prevent the formation of hydrogen sulphide.
“Once operational, the odour control facility’s performance will be monitored to ensure its effectiveness and address any residual odour concerns. This project reflects our ongoing efforts to improving wastewater services and deliver lasting benefits to our customers.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2025 and is expected to take around six months to complete, subject to weather conditions and technical constraints, with work typically occurring from Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm.
“We are committed to minimising any impacts, such as dust or noise caused by the use of heavy machinery and increased vehicle movement in and out of our worksite,” Dr Hoefel said.
“For the safety of the community and our crews, there will be temporary footpath closures during the works, with no traffic impacts required on the nearby road.
“Residents may also notice temporary increases in odour during construction while our crews are isolating certain equipment.
“Once operational, the dosing station will be securely fenced with native vegetation planted around the site to provide a natural screening and enhance the building’s visual appeal.”
