By Eleanor Wilson
Kingsmere Estate resident Jarrod Lawrenson was looking forward to building a pool in the backyard of his “dream home” to enjoy with family in the summer months.
Instead, he has found his plans overshadowed – by a nine metre high sewer vent.
The towering sewer vent was erected at O’Shea Road near Clyde Road by South East Water in May this year as part of the Monash Upgrade by Major Road Projects Victoria.
Mr Lawrenson and neighbours at the Berwick estate said they are angered at the lack of consultation they received, despite the vent sitting as close as 6.5 metres from their back fences.
“If we were aware this nine metre sewer vent was to be installed within 6.5 metres of our property, we definitely would not have chosen this block to build our dream home,” Mr Lawrenson said.
“We have been in our home for seven years and love to entertain guests, and now feel embarrassed and ashamed to invite people to our home.”
Mr Lawrenson said he was sent a letter by Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) in March notifying him of plans to build a sewer vent in the vicinity of his property.
Upon contacting MRPV and South East Water about the issue, he claims they could not confirm the exact location of the tower and did not offer any further consultation to residents before building it.
“It’s quite disrespectful and deceptive that we’ve not been given any opportunity to consult with them when it’s 6.5 metres from our back fence,” he said.
The purpose of the sewer vent is to allow the sewer and drain system to flow freely, as well as diffuse sewer gas.
It connects to two pre-existing pits and air valves that previously vented near ground levels in the area.
But Mr Lawrenson said the vent not only looks horrendous, but worries it poses a “significant health concern to residents”, particularly to his daughter, who suffers from a diagnosed respiratory illness.
Fellow resident Jay Vummiti said he also harbours concerns about the health implications of the vent, which diffuses hydrogen sulfide from the sewerage.
“I’ve got two children, My daughter is immunocompromised and she already has a lot of issues when anything is toxic,” he said.
“I was even thinking if I should sell the property.”
Residents approached Gembrook MP Brad Battin about their grievance, who raised the issue in Parliament in April, stating the lack of consultation with the families was “not good enough”.
“It is not something that is normally directly behind residential houses, and the community there want to know why they were not consulted,” Mr Battin asked the Chamber.
In response, Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said residents were notified of the installation via a letter and were provided with contact information for Major Road Projects Victoria and South East Water.
Ms Allan said the sewer stack is a requirement of South East Water and will be an improvement to the pipeline for residents.
“Sewer stacks resemble power poles (without the wires) and there are more than 1500 stacks across the South East Water network, including one on O’Shea Road near Clyde Road,” she said.
South East Water general manager of service delivery Simon Willis said the sewer vents release and disperse gas safely and are also compliant with WorkSafe Victoria guidelines.
“Very low levels of hydrogen sulphide gas are released from the vents into the atmosphere,” he said.
“This allows the sewer to work properly and stops the build-up of gases in a confined space.”
“Customers were notified by South East Water contractors in advance and provided with a fact sheet about the sewer vent and why it was needed in that particular location.”
When looking at locations, South East Water considers a variety of issues including odour, public safety, overhead power lines, pipes and services of other utility companies, and access for maintenance, Mr Willis said.
But Mr Lawrenson and fellow residents of the estate maintain they would like the vent removed and relocated to a more appropriate location.
“The department responsible had adequate time to plan & develop the installation of this required sewer vent, in a position where it is inconspicuous and does not impact residents’ existing properties,” he said.
“We feel we have been completely let down by all parties involved in the project.”
