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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-02-09 Daily Xml
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Public Works Committee: Bolivar Wastewater Water Treatment Plant Inlet Works Upgrade

Mr BROWN (Florey) (11:34): I move:

That the 16th report of the committee, entitled Bolivar Wastewater Water Treatment Plant Inlet Works Upgrade, be noted.

The wastewater treatment plant at Bolivar is the largest treatment plant in the state. It is managed and operated by SA Water which is wholly owned by the South Australian government. SA Water employs more than 1,400 people across a broad range of disciplines. It operates over $14 billion of assets, delivering essential water services to more than 1.7 million people.

SA Water proposes to upgrade the inlet works infrastructure at the Bolivar treatment plant which currently utilises components dating back to 1960. Many of these components are in poor condition due to their age and the harsh operating environment. A 2017 study by SA Water indicated that the infrastructure is regularly subject to flows exceeding the rate of capacity of 280 to 320 megalitres per day and is not sufficient to handle future flow projections of up to 550 megalitres per day.

Due to these capacity constraints, the current operation of the plant has a high risk of unscreened wastewater entering downstream sections of the plant and impacting treatment performance. This would lead to process inefficiency such as high energy use as well as poor environmental outcomes. In addition to this, the existing inlet screens require frequent manual intervention for cleaning and maintenance. These manual interventions pose a safety risk and, whilst processes are in place, incidents have occurred.

To address these issues, an options analysis was completed by SA Water. The analysis evaluated and ranked a base case along with a number of possible solutions. Three equally important principles guided SA Water's decision-making in this regard. The first was economic efficiency, which balances affordability with service delivery. Second was social responsibility, which considers the greater good of the state. Third was environmental performance, particularly our carbon footprint and climate resilience. It was ultimately decided that the installation of new inlet works was the best way forward. This option had the lowest capital cost while meeting current and future demand requirements, reducing safety and environmental risks, and improving wastewater treatment.

After construction is complete, the new inlet works will be tied into the existing treatment plant process and commissioned. The capital costs of this project are to be funded through the SA Water capital program. Construction is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2023 with practical completion in the third quarter of 2025.

SA Water's risk management policy and framework will apply over the course of the construction. Forming an integral part of the project management process, the framework will assess risks and ensure appropriate management and mitigation measures are incorporated into the delivery of the upgrade. SA Water has also incorporated important environmental parameters in the project design. They will be used to support the environmental integrity of the works and ensure that any harmful impacts are avoided, minimised or managed.

Environmental sustainability will be assessed and used as a key performance indicator for all contractors. As the proposed works will occur within the Bolivar treatment plant, there should be no impact to customers. Engagement has commenced with internal stakeholders and partner organisations and they will be kept informed by SA Water through regular project meetings.

The committee has examined written and oral evidence in relation to the Bolivar wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Witnesses who appeared before the committee were Mr Peter Seltsikas, Senior Manager Capital Delivery, South Australian Water Corporation, and Mr Nabeeh Naushad, Portfolio Manager, South Australian Water Corporation. I thank the witnesses for their time.

Based upon the evidence considered and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public works.

Motion carried.

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