The construction of a new piped sewerage system is underway in Monbulk, in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, which is set to service nearly 1,000 properties.
Once Yarra Valley Water completes the works, odours and soggy patches associated with old, leaking septic tanks and sewage run-off will be a thing of the past, meaning less run-off in local waterways.
Monbulk is one of several communities in the Dandenong Ranges that will benefit from Yarra Valley Water’s Community Sewerage Program. Other areas include Kallista, Menzies Creek and The Patch.
Yarra Valley Water General Manager of Growth Futures, Chris Brace, said that the new sewerage system would have a number of benefits for both locals and the environment.
“The new system will make managing sewage easier for customers,” Mr Brace said.
“It’s also a win for the environment.
“Sewage run-off from broken or poorly-maintained septic tanks can pollute waterways which this new system will prevent.”
The pressure sewer system in Monbulk is being constructed in four stages, and customers should be able to connect by the end of 2022.
A new sewage pump station will be constructed in Baynes Park Reserve, near the site of an existing treatment plant. Once complete, the old treatment plant will be removed.
Once all stages are constructed, Yarra Valley Water will have delivered approximately a 25km reticulation sewer network and 1.6km of rising sewer.
Construction of these sewers will utilise trenchless methods of drilling and pressure sewer technologies to minimise disruption to the environment and the community.
Properties that are suitable to continue using on-site wastewater treatment can choose to retain a working and maintained septic system or can connect voluntarily to the new sewerage network.
Fore more information about Yarra Valley Water’s Community Sewerage Program, click here.
