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$50 million upgrade set to further improve flora and fauna in Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment area

By Sydney Water
Archived 21 Aug 2023 - Posted: 21 Jun 2023
Sydney Water Blue Mountains Production Manager, Jose Gonzalez at the Winmalee WRRF which is undergoing a $50m upgrade
A $50 million upgrade to the Winmalee Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) at the foot of the Blue Mountains is nearing completion with the surrounding flora and fauna within the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment set to benefit.

The facility which services 60,000 customers has been undergoing upgrades since 2020 to further improve the health of the surrounding waterways by reducing the nutrient loads of treated water being released.

Upgrades include the construction of a membrane BIO-reactor and the provision of new fine drum screens.

Once completed, these improvements will significantly reduce nitrogen and phosphorous loads discharged from the Winmalee facility.

Sydney Water Blue Mountains Production Manager, Jose Gonzalez, confirmed the upgrade will reduce the nutrient loads by more than 50%, establishing the Winmalee WRRF as best practice for nutrient removal.

“It’s an example of where Sydney Water is delivering world leading performance, implementing changes now to protect the environment for future generations,” said Mr Jackson.

Sydney Water Senior Environmental Scientist, Samantha Prior says Winmalee is surrounded by natural bushland that is home to many native flora and fauna species.

“A large population of an endangered Leucopogon flower grows near the site. The waterways provide habitat for ducks, wallabies and platypus which have been recorded downstream. These latest upgrades will reduce the nutrient load to the environment, contributing towards maintaining and improving stream health in the future,” said Ms Prior.

Upgrades to the Winmalee WRRF are due to be completed by December 2023.

Sydney Water Senior Environmental Scientist, Samantha Prior with the endangered Leucopogon flower which grows near the Winmalee facility.
 
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