Licence conditions for pollution studies and reduction program


  

Licence conditions for pollution studies and reduction programs

Summary
 
Licence number: 1771
Title: Belmont Wastwater Treatment Plant - Ocean Outfall Monitoring Program
Start date: 04 May 2015
 
Licence Condition
The licensee must carry out an ecological investigation of benthic sediments in and around the vicinity of the ocean outfall diffusers serving Belmont wastewater treatment plant. Samples must consist of a minimum of four random core samples of sediment and are to be taken from the following locations: 1) immediately below the diffuser ports; 2) at the limit of the nearfield effects area at different locations at the circumference; 3) at two control sites remote from the outfall but at a similar depth, seabed characteristics and distance offshore as the diffuser. The samples must be examined for numbers and species of benthic organisms and sediment profile analysis.  The analysis must include analysis of metals and bacteria. The sediment sampling program for metals and bacteria testing is to be run 5 yearly. The next infauna sampling event is to be completed in 2022, followed by a 2025 event coinciding with the sediment contaminant survey. Following this, the monitoring frequency of infauna sampling can be reviewed with the data set collected from the past decade. Reports are to be submitted to the Unit Head - Regulatory Operations Metropolitan North (RegOps.MetroRegulation@epa.nsw.gov.au) at the same time as the Annual Return for the licence. The report is to include statistical interpretation of variation, include data from the previous year(s) and an analysis of temporal trends. The next report of benthic organisms sampling program is to be submitted with the 2022/2023 Annual Return. The next report of the sediment sampling program is to be submitted with the 2021 Annual Return.