Desludging works begin

Jan 14, 2025

The works will continue until May 2025. Photo: Goulburn Valley Water.

Essential lagoon desludging works have begun at Goulburn Valley Water’s Shepparton Wastewater Management Facility.

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The project, scheduled to run until May, aims to remove 30,000 cubic metres of biosolids from the bottom of the wastewater treatment lagoon.

The project’s timing coinciding with summer was strategic, and was one of several measures put in place to help reduce disruptions to the community, including proactive odour monitoring, lime spreading and misting techniques.

The measures will speed up biosolid drying and processing time, as well as reduce the risks of potential odour.

The project offers many sustainability benefits, with the nutrient-filled biosolids eventually to be offered as a soil conditioner for farmers to spread on cropping areas.

GVW managing director Steve Capewell said the desludging was part of an ongoing maintenance program and was required periodically to ensure the lagoon could run as effectively as possible.

“The Shepparton facility treats about 6.5 gigalitres of wastewater each year, and these works are really important to help ensure the lagoon continues to function efficiently,” he said.

If residents do experience odour from the works, they can report it to GVW’s customer service centre on 1800 454 500.

For more information and to stay up to date on the project, visit tinyurl.com/2c7mktpd