In response to odour concerns, steps are now being taken to reduce wastewater flows through the Karloo Wastewater Pump Station in Utakarra, WA. This work will increase the pump station’s capacity to transfer flows which will further help to prevent odours escaping into the environment.
The Water Corporation outlined the plan, which involves diverting flows through other pump stations and the eventual construction of a new station, to local residents at a meeting in Utakarra.
Local residents have complained of odours from the pump station for several months and were concerned about significantly increased wastewater flows as more neighbouring areas joined the sewerage network.
WA Minister for Water, Mia Davies, said a planning review of Geraldton’s wastewater system had identified a viable alternative that would see some of the flows being transferred direct to Narngulu wastewater treatment plant rather than via the Karloo pump station.
“I am delighted at this positive outcome for Utakarra residents who can now be assured that Karloo wastewater pump station will not be South Geraldton’s main wastewater transfer facility,” Ms Davies said.
This is just one of a number of recent projects to solve odour issues experienced in the area. In October, a biological odour reduction device was installed at Karloo pump station and had significantly reduced odour incidents.
Work will begin in February to fully upgrade the pump station including the installation of larger pumps, motor and switchboard.
“I am now confident the Water Corporation’s full suite of works to be completed in March next year will significantly reduce the likelihood of odours being experienced regularly in the area,” Ms Davies said.
