Yarwun Wastewater Treatment Plant
New Kubota Membrane sewage treatment plant commences operation
PROJECT DETAILS
Location
Yarwun, QLD
Product
Kubota MBR Membrane System
Capability
Design, construct and install WWTP
The Yarwun Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), owned by Gladstone Regional Council (GRC), utilises Kubota Membrane technology to treat sewage from the 30,000-hectare Gladstone State Development Area (SDA). This zone is designated for large-scale industrial use and includes factories operated by Orica and Rio Tinto.
For many years, the Yarwun WWTP was not achieving performance requirements. In 2019, this resulted in an Environmental Protection Order being issue by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science. This required immediate corrective action to protect public health and the surrounding ecosystems. True Water was engaged to design, construct, install, and commission a new WWTP to service the area. The project was jointly funded by the Queensland State Government’s Building Our Regions program and Gladstone Regional Council.
The works package included the delivery of a new WWTP, renewal of existing infrastructure, decommission of redundant infrastructure, relining of storage lagoons and refencing of the site. Additionally, the project required expansion of the effluent irrigation area from one hectare to six hectares. Finally, the irrigation system required detailed design, manufacture, and construction of a multi zone six-hectare irrigation system, industrial pump set, and smart meter.
Following completion of the project, Gladstone Regional Council wrote to True Water: “Gladstone Regional Council wishes to thank you for your services and work on this project. It has been great working with you on this occasion, and we hope to have the opportunity to work with you again.”
Kubota MBR membrane systems are manufactured under strict quality controls in a factory setting before being shipped directly to site for installation.
The Kubota MBR modules are carefully installed.
The Kubota MBR membrane systems are installed below ground to protect the system from corrosion and the elements.
This aerial view shows the installation process for the Kubota MBR treatment chain.
The existing effluent storage lagoons were not lined and were in urgent need of repair. The project scope included the engineered construction of this wet weather storage lagoon for treated effluent.
True Water's project managers worked with council staff and private contractors to deliver various elements of the Yarwun wastewater treatment facility.
True Water's project delivery team were onsite to coordinate all contractors and to ensure all works were completed to strict specifications.
True Water technicians worked closely with staff from Gladstone Regional Council to ensure continuity of service when bringing the new Kubota MBR membrane system online.
The mechanical and electrical components for the sewage treatment infrastructure is housed in the plant room. The room also houses controller and monitoring equipment.
Membrane treatment systems provide the highest quality treatment within a small footprint.
The finished surface of the Kubota MBR compound allows easy access to the plant for maintenance. Only the gas tight access lids are visible above the surface.
Existing infrastructure was repurposed for effluent storage and a six-hectare irrigation system installed to accommodate the expected daily flows.
Environmentally responsible sewage treatment
In mid 2023, the new Kubota Membrane sewage treatment plant commenced operation. The council’s Yarwun facility now delivers best practice environmental outcomes with Class A+ treated effluent produced by the treatment plant. GRC chose the Kubota Membrane WWTP in order to ensure the facility would satisfy environmental regulations.
Kubota Membranes are used globally when the highest level of sewage treatment is required. At Yarwun, the high-quality effluent is used for irrigation and aids site remediation, lessening impacts from the old decommissioned STP. Gladstone Council’s project liaison stated: “With so many council staff involved, it’s impressive how True Water has coordinated with the council to deliver a top-quality project.”
Through a strong partnership with Gladstone Regional Council, True Water successfully delivered the Yarwun Wastewater Treatment System. Featuring advanced Kubota MBR technology, the project produces high-quality recycled water and meets all environmental and project requirements. The Kubota MBR system offers leading performance and addresses past environmental challenges, thanks to our close collaboration with GRC.
Dale James, General Manager – True Water
Reliable asset management for Yarwun WWTP
The Yarwun WWTP upgrade works were completed in 2023. Following this, the project entered the commissioning and testing phase. Certified True Water technicians manage all servicing, maintenance, and management tasks. To aid council’s management of the system, True Water also provided specialist maintenance training for the Kubota Membrane treatment system for a group of GRC plant operators. This provided the expertise required to manage the facility and ensure proper operation.
True Water has developed an affordable and quality remote-monitoring platform. Our advanced telemetry software allows operators to make informed decisions regarding scheduled and proactive maintenance. The TELEmi system is supported by an online portal that provides day-to-day asset management and monitoring. The asset management platform delivers accurate, immediate, real-time data.
The Integrated Environmental Management System (IEMS) is used to guide all management activities throughout the infrastructure’s lifecycle. With a conclusive framework, operators and managers can be confident that compliance will be secured and stakeholder objectives delivered. This ensures regulatory compliance is upheld, and public health and environmental protection are prioritised.
Providing Kubota sewage treatment solutions to the Gladstone region
Gladstone is starting to feel like a second home for True Water. In 2019, the team delivered a WWTP upgrade at Lake Awoonga. The WWTP is owned and by operated the Gladstone Area Water Board and services a caravan park, recreational facilities, and homes. Lake Awoonga supplies potable water to the region, so a reliable and robust solution was required.
More recently, True Water provided a site-specific solution for the 100-hectare Green Energy Manufacturing Centre (GEM) site located at Aldoga. The $144 million first-stage development is a partnership between the Queensland Government and leading renewable energy company Fortescue Future Industries. The facility is a first in Australia and will become one of the world’s largest hydrogen equipment manufacturers.
GRC’s Yarwun treatment facility now uses a Kubota MBR Membrane system to provide advanced sewage treatment and address environmental regulation on an extremely sensitive site. With our team members in the area for installs and servicing, now is a great time for us to assess your project. We specialise in high quality sewage treatment systems, and solutions designed for your site-specific needs. Contact our team to discuss your project needs today.
