Licence conditions for pollution studies and reduction program


  

Licence conditions for pollution studies and reduction programs

Summary
 
Licence number: 4435
Title: PRP 10 - Investigate impacts of wastewater disposal on the receiving environment
Start date: 03 Sep 2012
 
Licence Condition
Background EPA has reviewd effluent quality data and found elevated levels of Ammonia in treated effluent on occasions. EPA has reviewed groundwater quality data in the area of the effluent infiltration ponds and found elevated levels of Ammonia and Total Nitrogen. Assessment and review of Annual Returns showed detectable levels of Faecal Coliforms in shallow groundwater, with levels as high as 130cfu/mL recorded in the 2010/11 reporting period. HWC is taking a holisitc approach to the management of Tanilba Bay WWTW by integrating the efflluent management strategy with Boulder Bay STP effluent management investigations.  Preferred effluent management strategies will be determined via a sustainable decision making process, which is scheduled to commence in 2014.  The results of this PRP will be used to help inform future management of effluent from the Tanilba Bay WWTW.
Deliverables By 30 June 2014 the licensee must conduct investigations into impacts on the receiving environment of effluent disposal practices at the Tanilba Bay WWTW and submit a report to Regional Manager Hunter - Environment Protection Authority, PO Box 488G, Newcastle NSW 2300.  The investigations must involve assessment of groundwater quality for parameters such as, but not limited to, Ammonia, Total Nitrogen, Hepatitis, Norovirus, Faecal Coliforms and Enterococci.  The report must detail collected and historic groundwater data, compare that data to relevant guidelines and include expert commentary as to whether the Tanilba Bay WWTW is impacting on the local receiving environment. By 29 March 2013 the licensee must submit a proposed study methodology to fulfil the requirements of this PRP to Regional Manager Hunter - Environment Protection Authority, PO Box 488G, Newcastle NSW 2300 for approval.