TasWater has completed work on the $1.1 million upgrade of Richmond’s Torrens Street Sewage Pump Station.
The project has resulted in an increase in the capacity of the pump station to accommodate projected growth in the Richmond area for the next 30 years.
TasWater has also replaced the sewer main from the Torrens Street Pump Station to the Richmond Sewage Treatment Plant as well as install an underground emergency storage at the end of Jacombe Street, just over the weir from the pump station.
Completion of the project will not only provide improved service to the community but will also minimise the risk of sewage overflows into the Coal River and adjacent waterways, providing greater security to local oyster farmers.
TasWater CEO, Michael Brewster, said the upgrade of Richmond’s sewerage system was prioritised by TasWater following a previous overflow.
TasWater has also carried out extensive consultation with growers and the Tasmanian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (TSQAP) to set up protocols in relation to alerting shellfish farmers to any effluent discharge.
“We have identified key sewerage infrastructure improvements to help mitigate the impact of overflows on aquaculture areas, such as here in the Pittwater area, as part of TasWater’s commitment to improve water and sewerage services across Tasmania,” Mr Brewster said.
“The weir walkway over the Coal River near the pump station which was closed during the construction phase for safety reasons has now reopened.
“TasWater appreciates the patience shown by residents who may have been inconvenienced at times during construction and we are pleased to be able to fully commission the new sewerage infrastructure which will serve the community of Richmond for many years into the future.”