North East Water (NEW) are planning an upgrade to the existing Beechworth Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The upgrade is primarily driven by a pending improvements to the Beechworth sewerage transfer system, which will deliver flows of up to 120 L/s (maximum instantaneous peak wet weather flow) via a new pump station and transfer pipeline to the WWTP.

As a result of this upgrade, NEW must ensure that the WWTP has sufficient hydraulic capacity to meet these increased flows. The WWTP is also limited by its ability to remove nitrogen during winter. As such the upgrade will look to improve nitrogen removal, and also accommodate expected future population growth and additional trade waste customers in the catchment.

A preliminary concept design has been prepared, together with background studies to determine a preferred approach to the project. The new infrastructure consists of:

• new inlet works to receive incoming flows from the proposed transfer main;
• a new intermittently decanted aerated lagoon (IDAL);
• two new sludge lagoons;
• refurbishment of the existing primary lagoons for peak wet weather flow (PWWF) buffering;
• two new maturation ponds for disinfection; and
• modifications to the chemical assisted sedimentation (CAS) plant

The project will also involve electrical mains extension, an electrical control and facilities building and associated civil, mechanical, electrical, control and automation works.

The principal contractor will be responsible for the final design, specification, construction and commissioning of the upgraded plant. They will be responsible for ensuring the existing wastewater treatment plant remains operational until the process undergoes commissioning and acceptance testing. The successful completion of this project also hinges on the construction of the new Beechworth Sewage Pump Station and Transfer Main (separate package of works).

North East Water is now inviting interested parties to tender for the design and construction of this scope of works as detailed in the preliminary drawings and specification provided.

The award of this contract will be subject to final approvals from Indigo Shire, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) and the Victorian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).