Industrial discharge being investigated

Friday, February 5th, 2021

South Gippsland Water is investigating the cause of an unusual waste discharge which has been received at the Korumburra Wastewater Treatment Plant and impacting operations.

For the past two weeks, Korumburra Wastewater Treatment Plant has been periodically receiving wastewater containing a high level of unusual wastewater coming into the plant. On some days this has been more than double our normal level.

This has affected our normal treatment processes and we have had to divert wastewater to our emergency storage lagoon. Due to the ongoing nature of the unusual discharge, this lagoon is now full, and we have commenced discharge of water outside of normal environmental license limits.

Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority were immediately informed.

Our staff have been monitoring Foster Creek’s water quality ever since. Today’s rain is expected to assist in flushing the creek, but we will continue with our close monitoring.

South Gippsland Water staff have been liaising with our commercial customers within Korumburra to determine whether anybody has experienced treatment issues or any changes in the quality of the wastewater going into the system.

We advise caution if taking water for stock and domestic purposes from Foster Creek. Monitor your stock or seek alternative arrangements if available.

All of our customers are reminded to be wary of what they put down the drain. Wastewater treatment is largely completed by micro bugs in the effluent.  Changes to the quality of the waste can impact the natural balance of the treatment process.

Contact our customer service team on 1300 851 636 for all enquiries with respect to the wastewater treatment process or further information on what can be put down the system.