Inverell Sewerage Treatment Plant Rehabilitation

PROJECT UPDATE – 23 August 2022

The two aeration tanks at the Inverell Sewage Treatment Plant, which have been in continuous operation for over 35 years, require major repairs to the floors and walls.

As the repairs require each of the tanks to be taken “off-line” while the work is completed and there is not sufficient capacity to operate with only one tank in service, Council has constructed another aeration tank to operate on a temporary basis. This temporary tank will form the basis for a permanent capacity upgrade in the future if this becomes necessary.

Eire Constructions Pty Ltd of Wauchope NSW was awarded the contract in the amount of $1,919,997 to construct the new aeration tank, with works completed in September 2017.

Council upgraded and extended the shire wide water and sewer telemetry system during 2021/22 which included connection of the Inverell Sewage Treatment Plant.

The next phase of the Inverell sewerage treatment plant renewal and upgrade project involving the major repairs to the floor and walls of the two aeration tanks plus replacement of the six floating mechanical aerators will continue through to 2024. Council called tenders for these works in March 2022 and declined to accept the only tender received due to a non-competitive price being received. Going forward Council will stage the works by calling tenders for the supply of the six new aerators,, which will be followed by refurbishment of the two aeration tanks.

The Covid outbreak in early 2020 and associated global supply chain issues has resulted in considerable delay to this project.

Council was successful in receiving financial assistance from the NSW Government towards the $2,860,000 project by way of a low interest subsidy of 3% towards a loan of $2,000,000 over 10 years to undertake the construction works, representing a saving of $357,000 for ratepayers.

The photos below show the recently constructed third aeration tank.