Chinderah Service Centre – Stage 2
Scalable wastewater treatment solution for industrial application
PROJECT DETAILS
Location:
Chinderah, NSW
Product:
MBBR Biological – Nutrient Reduction
Capability:
Consult, design, and construct STP
True Water implemented the Chinderah Service Centre Wastewater Treatment System in stages. This approach provided a scalable solution designed for industrial application. Located at the junction of the Northbound Pacific Highway and Tweed Valley Way in Northern New South Wales, this $25 million facility sits just five kilometres south of the Queensland border. Serving northbound traffic, the development includes a fuel outlet and multiple commercial food retailers.
The site owner and Principal Contractor carefully assessed all available sewage treatment solutions on the Australian market. Their evaluation included extensive research into treatment technologies, performance histories, and operational practices. They also considered infrastructure scalability, costs, configuration, and aesthetics, including visual impact, odour, and noise.
True Water won the contract by offering a tailored scalable wastewater treatment solution for industrial application. Through a four-year consultancy and design phase, True Water handled regulatory applications, project planning, delivery, commissioning, and ongoing oversight. The project prioritised operational security and high treatment quality to meet stringent environmental standards, especially given the region’s floodplain setting.
Assembled, and tested before delivery, the Kubota WWTP was ready for fast and efficient installation.
True Water completed the expansion smoothly without any disruption to the treatment function on-site.
True Water's design included two 25kL concrete solid retention tanks.
The concrete slab is prepared for the powder-coated aluminium STP control enclosure.
The safety fence was reinstalled after works were completed on the Stage 2 powder-coated aluminium STP control enclosure.
During commissioning, True Water performed comprehensive system testing.
Addressing site constraints with advanced wastewater treatment
Initially, third-party specialists underestimated the capacity required for the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Their original design planned for a peak daily flow of just 14kL and didn’t factor in the medium to high-strength sewage generated on-site. Commercial wastewater, loaded with greases and oils and produced through 24-hour operations, would present significant challenges for the STP.
Likewise, over 6,000 m² was suggested for the proposed irrigation Land Application Area. However, True Water’s Engineered Dispersal System (EDS) offered an innovative solution that minimised the footprint for treated Effluent Dispersal Area (EDA). Our EDS allowed for underground wastewater dispersal, effectively eliminating any odour. Additionally, it required only 1/8th of the area typically needed for traditional irrigation, making it an ideal choice for the constrained site.
True Water’s environmental consultants reviewed the project documents, leading our team to amend the submission. This ensured the system could handle realistic flow rates and adapt to potential future traffic increases. The team also prepared and submitted a Section 68 application to Tweed Shire Council, along with a Notice of Work for Plumbing and Drainage which are both essential for modifying infrastructure linked to an on-site sewage management system.
Scalable wastewater treatment solution for industrial application
Stage 1 introduced a scalable wastewater treatment solution for industrial application. This included a 40kL Wastewater Treatment Plant, with the flexibility to expand up to 100kL as demand rises. This Kubota Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) offered advanced nutrient reduction capabilities, meeting strict project requirements for lowering Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP). The design ensures continuous influent flow, even during power outages, by incorporating internal buffer storage and a gravity flow path for uninterrupted operation.
When the Chinderah Service Centre opened, a surge in visitors driven by convenient fast-food options and clean amenities accelerated the need for a treatment system upgrade. The Stage 2 expansion saw True Water work closely with Tweed Valley Council to secure prompt regulatory approval for an additional 40kL Kubota MBBR which would operate adjacent to the existing system.
True Water managed all safety, civil, and construction activities, completing the expansion smoothly without any disruption to the treatment function on-site. The system arrived on-site assembled and tested, ensuring a fast, efficient installation. The Kubota STP components manufactured to exact ISO-certification standards, guaranteeing performance-specific warranties. This included two 25kL concrete solid retention tanks, distribution box, and powder-coated aluminium STP control enclosure. It also featured an STP controller with an audio/visual alarm and telemetry monitoring, and duty standby transfer pump well
Efficient and reliable sewage managment
With internal peak flow storage and corrosion-resistant materials, the Kubota WWTP offers durability and a long operational life. Its design, with no internal moving parts, reduces potential failure points and minimizes maintenance needs. Unlike other treatment plants, it operates efficiently without automated chemical dosing, further lowering operational and maintenance costs. This makes Kubota one of the most cost-effective solutions on the market.
During commissioning, True Water performed comprehensive testing, reporting, and documentation. This process included a structured training and handover session for the client, covering warranty implementation, the owner’s manual, “as-constructed” drawings, and an asset management framework.
True Water’s compact STP design requires only half the space of conventional systems, reducing land use and preserving property value. By collaborating with the Principal Contractor and key stakeholders, True Water also reduced the size of the Effluent Dispersal Area by more than 60 percent, enabling the developer to maximise the development footprint and achieve a higher yield and enhanced project outcomes.
