Tenders for a $1.2 million upgrade to the St Helens Esplanade Sewage Pump Station will open in mid-February 2017, following a heavy rainfall event that caused overflow from the pump station into Georges Bay.
TasWater confirmed the projected timing for the new pump station and rising main upgrades, which will assist with preventing future spills.
TasWater is focused on improving network storage and pumping to combat rainfall events.
TasWater CEO, Mike Brewster, said, “TasWater is responsible for 760 pump stations across Tasmania and the sewage pump stations closest to shellfish leases are the top of our priority.
“The timing of the extraordinary rainfall was unfortunate and TasWater understand the impacts to local oyster growers in the Georges Bay area.
“We will continue to work with the growers to minimise the impact on their business. TasWater appreciate the significant economic impacts to the community in the short term and are confident the final pump station upgrade will make a difference.”
On becoming aware of the overflow, TasWater notified Break O’Day Council, the EPA, TSQAP and Oysters Tasmania. TasWater also contacted the Environmental Health Officer at Break O’ Day to inform the extent of the spill as standard procedure.
Whilst working with the shellfish industry in Tasmania, TasWater identified that the bacteriophage process used overseas and interstate was a potential solution for the challenges that come from weather events such as this.
The $1.2 million upgrade to the Esplanade Pump Station is expected to be complete by November 2017.
