Innovative Decentralised Sewerage Solutions for
KINGLAKE WEST

Yarra Valley Water (YVW) have recently awarded Innoflow Australia / Orenco Systems® Inc the contract to supply interceptor tanks and effluent filtration/pump packages for the first known community STEP ( Septic Tank Effluent Pumped) wastewater collection system in Australia, for the Kinglake West Sewerage Project.  Kinglake West, one of the fire stricken Victorian towns hit in early 2009, is undergoing rebuild.  YVW with the support of the Victorian Water Trust, have developed an all encompassing and innovative sewerage solution (which has been in planning since 2006) that will deliver environmental benefits.  YVW and Innoflow will work closely with Murrindindi Shirt Council, GHD who have been awarded the effluent sewer design contract, and Schultz Plumbing wh have been awarded the installation contract.


Interceptor Tank with ProSTEP™ Kit

The first fibreglass on-lot interceptor tanks were installed mid February 2010.  Some comments from those involved :

"My view of the fibreglass tanks so far is that they have been very easy to move around the sites, many of which are small blocks with limited space and other building works taking place concurrently.  A side benefit is the distinctive appearance of the tanks which has certainly generated interest and discussion from local residents!  We made the decision to go with fibreglass in the end as the tanks are more light weight and maneuverable, and potentially more watertight."  Rita Narangala, Manager - Backlog Planning, Yarra Valley Water.

"After having installed the first delivery of tanks we have found them quite easy to work with.  I initially had reservations about the fibreglass tanks, but have since found them easier to work with than concrete.  We have some site access issues at Kinglake and with the fibreglass tanks they are easily maneuvered around with our machine and into situations that we would otherwise struggle to get a crane truck in for the concrete tanks." Chris Chivers, Schultz Plumbing

Interceptor Tank being installed (Kinglake West)

"Given the limitations to sewerage system design posed by topography in Kinglake West, adaptability is crucial to a successful project.  The interchangeable nature of the effluent pumps along with their ability to operate effectively over a wide range of system pressures makes design of STEP collection sewers significantly easier.  Systems can also be designed with more confidence when the fibreglass tanks are used as a result of reduced potential for infiltration." Ben Asquith, Senior Environmental Scientist, BMT WBM Pty Ltd (and peer reviewer for the Kinglake West Sewerage Project).

Interceptor Tank being installed (Kinglake West)