WA Water Minister Terry Redman has announced that work has begun on the Septic Tank Effluent Disposal (STED) system which will connect Hyden residents to an innovative central wastewater system.
The $3.6 million trial is part of the State Government’s infill sewerage program and is the first of its kind in Western Australia.
“Hyden’s STED system will take wastewater that has already been treated in household septic tanks through a pipeline system and to a disposal pond located outside of town,” Mr Redman said.
“STED systems are typically used in rural towns where standard wastewater treatment schemes are uneconomical, but where the failure of household septic tanks can result in environment and health issues.
“If the trial is successful, this system will demonstrate effective wastewater disposal can be achieved at significantly reduced costs for small rural towns across the State.”
This is the first time the STED system has been used in Western Australia but a similar system has been operating successfully in South Australia since 1962.
The Minister said there would be minor disruption for road users during construction but traffic management would be in place at all times.
Connection to the Water Corporation’s STED wastewater system is expected to begin in early 2014.
More information about the trial can be found at: https://www.watercorporation.com.au