By Jonty Ralphsmith
South East Water is currently working to provide 30 properties in Guys Hill with reliable and permanent sewerage.
The area has been considered a high-risk for approximately 15 years, as outlined in the Shire of Cardinia’s Domestic Wastewater Management Plan.
Despite having 3.6 per cent of the systems in the northern area of the municipality, according to the plan, Guys Hill accounted for 22 per cent of complaints.
“It is considered high risk due to the presence of small lot sizes, the natural waterways, as well as the geography of the area,” a council spokesperson explained.
“Properties that are smaller than 4000 sqm can struggle to contain their wastewater on site, particularly if other constraints are present such as trees and steep slopes.
“There are also older systems that were installed when septic systems only considered toilet waste, not other wastewater (greywater).”
The discharge of greywater can contaminate waterways with dangerous bacteria and chemicals.
Council’s environmental health department and South East Water did a water quality sampling of the nearby Brisbane Creek area which confirmed contamination.
In Guys Hill there are 91 septic systems aged more than 20 years old with the average age of a system being 27 years old.
South East Water assured that the scheme will occur with environmental preservation front of mind.
All employees are inducted to understand the risks of the project and controls in place.
It will be guided by the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to ensure that impacts to the surrounding environment are minimised and avoided according to the general manager of liveable water solutions at South East Water.
“An example of some of the risks we found in the EMP include sediment controls to prevent sediment runoff into the waterways, protection of native vegetation and existing trees, and appropriate disposal of waste,” Charlie Littlefair from South East Water said.
“Regular audits are conducted throughout the project to make sure these controls are effectively implemented and maintained.”
As previously reported by the Berwick Star News, 1200 metres of sewer pipelines is being installed on nature strips with no long-term visual changes expected.
Construction takes place from 7am-6pm, weather dependent and will be completed in about late-April.
Internal plumbing issues will remain the responsibility of the homeowner.
Properties can connect from April.
For a precise quote, contact the connections team on 1800 720 613.
