Agenda of Extraordinary Water, Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.1

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services

Report No. 4.1 Byron Shire Effluent Management Strategy 2017-27 Comments for Discussion

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Peter Rees, Manager Utilities

File No: I2017/1809

Theme: Community Infrastructure

Sewerage Services

Summary:

The attached document has been prepared as a shire wide effluent management strategy replacing the 2006 adopted Byron Bay Effluent Management Strategy.

The Byron Bay strategy focussed on 3 streams of recycled water use:-

- Urban Reuse Corridor

- Regeneration Projects

- Rural Lands Project

Of these streams, the urban reuse corridor has been the most successful in terms of identified connections with over 70% of the identified users being connected. The quantity of recycled water used however has been low with the largest user being the Byron Bay Golf Course.

Regeneration projects have been the most successful as far as recycled water usage particularly if the wetlands are considered for their water usage. The number of projects, however, has been limited with only the West Byron Wetlands and the Melaleuca Plantation being implemented.

The largest identified project in the 2006 strategy was the Tyagarah Turf Farm. The project was put on hold by Council in 2007 when the Turf Farm pulled out of the project and it became unviable. Ironically, the new owner of the Turf farm has approached Council to restart the project.

For the shire wide strategy, it is therefore recommended Regeneration and Rural lands (including Biomass cropping) projects be the mainstay of the Effluent Management Strategy with continued expansion of the Byron Bay Urban Reuse corridor.

RECOMMENDATION:

The Committee have an extraordinary meeting to workshop the strategy in the first quarter 2018.

Attachments:

1 Byron Shire Effluent Management Strategy Rev 2, E2017/86469 ⇨

2 Duncan Dey Submission Draft Effluent Management Strategy, E2017/107320 ⇨

3 Col Draper Submission Part 1 Draft Effluent Management Strategy, E2017/107319 ⇨

4 Col Draper Submission Part 2 Draft Byron Shire Effluent Management Strategy 2017-27, E2017/107317 ⇨

5 Alan Dickens Submission Byron Shire Effluent Management Strategy 2017-27, E2017/107677 ⇨

Report

In 2006 Council adopted the Byron Bay Effluent Management Strategy which has directed Council’s recycled water schemes. When expanding the Byron Bay urban recycled water scheme in 2016, it was suggested by the General Manager that it was an appropriate time to review the strategy and consider the whole shire when doing so.

The draft strategy has been developed for the next 10 years and is attached. It has built on Council’s successes to date and also the general industry progression in recycled water use. For Byron Shire’s strategy the important points to note are:-

Urban recycled water schemes (dual reticulation) generally do not provide the biggest volume of recycled water usage. The strategy therefore does not propose development of any further schemes in the Shire other than maximising the usage of the existing scheme in Byron Bay.

The strategy pursues schemes that provide Council with a large degree of control of the amount of recycled water usage – projects such as wetlands and biomass cropping.

The key points of the draft strategy are therefore:-

· Dual reticulation has been allowed for in the new West Byron development in accordance with the current draft DCP for the area.

· Expansion of the urban scheme west along Ewingsdale Road to the farm and the Hospital site.

· Reactivation of the Tyagarah Turf Farm recycled water project following discussions with the new owner.

· Wetland expansion in the Belongil catchment.

· Wetland expansion at Brunswick Valley STP

· Wetland expansion at the old Ocean Shores STP

· Biomass crops at Brunswick Valley and Bangalow STPs.

The draft strategy has to date been driven by staff and is now ready to be workshopped through the Councillors and the Water Waste and Sewer Committee.

Financial Implications

Not applicable

Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications

Not applicable

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.2

Report No. 4.2 Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan 2017 Review

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Peter Rees, Manager Utilities

File No: I2017/1810

Theme: Community Infrastructure

Sewerage Services

Summary:

Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) helps local water utilities manage urban water services collectively, not as individual components, saving resources and improving services to ratepayers. The three (3) components of urban water – potable water, sewage and stormwater – share common issues, as well as individual problems. IWCM is assisting local councils/utilities to understand how best to integrate water services to provide for their communities and plan for future growth.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Water Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee note the Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan 2017 Review and recommend its adoption by Council.

The Committee have an extraordinary meeting to workshop the Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan 2017 Review.

Attachments:

1 Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan - Review September 2017 FINAL, E2017/100823 ⇨

Report

The NSW Government's Best-Practice Management of Water Supply and Sewerage Framework requires local water utilities to prepare and implement a sound 30-year Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Strategy, which includes a Financial Plan (FP).

A 30-year IWCM Strategy addresses the complex linkages between elements of the urban water cycle (water supply, sewage and stormwater) and community expectations. This is done within the urban area and between the urban area and its water related physical and legislative operating environment. This multi-level transparent and systematic approach encourages cost-effective integration of these urban water systems in consultation with the local community.

Integrated systems often rely less on limited natural water sources, produce less pollutant loads to the environment and have strong pricing signals and demand management measures. They thus encourage water conservation and efficient water use and enable the implementation of cost-effective recycling of treated effluent and urban stormwater use options and the 'broader solutions' that satisfy the water-sensitive urban design and 'liveable cities and towns' objectives.

A sound 30-year IWCM Strategy 'right sizes' any necessary capital works projects and is essential for the provision of appropriate, affordable, cost-effective urban water services that meet community needs and protect public health and the environment.

A water utility's sound 30-year IWCM Strategy developed using a transparent evidence based analysis in accordance with the IWCM Check List identifies the integrated water supply, sewerage and stormwater scenario that provides the best value for money on the triple bottom line (TBL) basis of social, environmental and economic considerations.

The adopted scenario from the final IWCM Strategy defines the local water utility's (LWU) Total Asset Management Plan (TAMP) and includes a 30-year Financial Plan (FP).

A LWU's peak planning documents for its water supply and sewerage businesses are its current IWCM Strategy and Strategic Business Plan (SBP). Below summarise the key outcomes of the IWCM Strategy and SBP.

Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Strategy:-

§ 'Right sizes' any projects and identifies the best-value 30-year IWCM scenario and Strategy on a TBL basis. It includes a 30-year TAMP and FP.

§ Identifies the lowest uniform level of stable typical residential bills (TRBs) to meet the levels of service negotiated with the community and the price path for the next 4 years in current dollars.

§ The adopted IWCM scenario includes an update of the existing 30-year renewals plan, with only proven evidence based renewals included for the first 5 years. The renewals plan takes account of any avoided, re-sized, abandoned or re-prioritised works.

§ An IWCM Strategy is prepared every 8 years.

§ NSW Office of Water concurrence is needed to the IWCM Issues Paper, final IWCM Strategy and scenario and the Financial Plan prior to LWU implementation of the scenario.

Strategic Business Plan (SBP):-

§ Reviews and updates the LWU's existing 30-year TAMP, identifies any opportunities to downsize or defer significant projects and includes a FP.

§ Analyses the renewals component of the TAMP to develop a sound 30-year renewals plan, the first 5 years of which include only proven evidence based renewals that provide value for money.

§ Identifies the lowest uniform level of stable TRBs to meet the levels of service negotiated with the community and the price path for the next 4 years in current dollars.

§ A SBP is prepared every 8 years, i.e.. 4 years after preparing the IWCM Strategy.

§ Provide to NSW DPI Water for registration, your final SBP and FP.

The IWCM Strategy and SBP need to be prepared every 8 years on a rotation of every 4 years. This involves preparing a Total Asset Management Plan and Financial Plan every 4 years, updating these plans annually, and including any necessary corrective action in annual Operational Plan to Council.

Financial Implications

The IWCM plan is integrated with the 30 years capital plan; Developer Servicing Plans Water and Sewerage and the Strategic Business plan.

Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications

Preparation of the Integrated Water Cycle Management plan is a part of the DPI Water’s Best Practice management.

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.4

Report No. 4.4 Byron Resource Recovery Master Plan

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Lloyd Isaacson, Team Leader Resource Recovery and Quarry

File No: I2017/1818

Theme: Community Infrastructure

Waste and Recycling Services

Summary:

The attached Byron Resource Recovery Centre Master Plan has been developed to align current and future infrastructure development and operations at the Byron Resource Recovery Centre (BRRC) with the overarching strategic direction and objectives of Council’s Integrated Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy (concurrently being developed).

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council endorse the Byron Resource Recovery Centre Master plan

Attachments:

1 BRRC Master Plan_Final, E2017/98276 ⇨

Report

The Byron Resource Recovery Centre (BRRC) has evolved from operating as both a landfill and transfer station for approximately 40 years, to now operating solely as a transfer station. As a result, the physical layout of the transfer station site has been developed in an ad hoc nature to accommodate operational requirements of the time.

In order to align current and future infrastructure development and operations at the Byron Resource Recovery Centre with the overarching strategic direction and objectives of Council’s Integrated Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy (concurrently being developed) a master planning exercise was commenced in February 2017.

Also key to the process was utilising the current site at Myocum, much of which occurs on old landfill (in operation since the early 19070’s). Whilst providing a number of challenges and constraints, clever design and use of innovative technologies will enable a revenue generating utilisation of otherwise redundant landfill that requires significant rehabilitation and ongoing environmental management costs to the organisation.

IOLAR Consultancy Services were engaged to develop the master plan for the facility. Attached is the final master plan providing a clearly defined staged solution to deliver on the following key objectives:

· Improve and optimise customer and staff safety to ensure on-going legislative compliance

· Improve and optimise environmental performance of the site to ensure on-going legislative compliance

· Promote and optimise resource recovery and integrate additional recycling streams

· Improve and optimise customer experience through improved site logistics

Critical to the design and planning process was the requirement to maintain continued transfer station and resource recovery operations during the implementation of any planned development at the facility. This has been achieved through a carefully planned staged approach to the development, the 4 stages being:-

STAGE 1 - MAF garden organics processing

STAGE 2 - L-BIN waste collection

STAGE 3 - Landfill capping works

STAGE 4 - Front End Resource Recovery Area (FERRA) and relocation of 2nd Hand Shop

Completion of the BRRC master plan staged upgrades will enable integration of additional recycling streams and subsequent production of various materials available for reuse/reprocessing in local and further afield markets. Stage 1 - MAF garden organics processing was completed and operationally commissioned on 28 November 2017. Composting of self-hauled garden waste has commenced and by early 2018 Council will be able to provide a mature compost product for resale back to the local community.

Community Consultation

On 27 July 2017, staff held a community engagement session with the immediate residents of the Byron Resource Recovery Centre. A presentation was provided showing the draft master plan conceptual design and an overview of Council’s current revision for strategic waste management direction.

Positive feedback was received from the community members with regard to the proposed master plan and an appreciation expressed with regard to the improvements in the environmental management of the site over the past 3-4 years (particularly odour issues). The feedback and attitude expressed from this group is particularly positive for Council given the historic nature of the poor relationship, complaints and distrust associated with this group of residents.

Financial Implications

The abovementioned staged implementation also considered current grant funding sources and budget allocation requiring capital work project completion within the 17/18 FY. In addition to the master plan, indicative costing for each stage of the development was provided to assist planning of BRRC capital works program and budget forecasts.

The below table summarises a delivery plan and estimated cost to implement each stage of the master plan (subject to on-going Council resolution of annual Resource Recovery Budget and Operational Plan).

Stage	Timeframe for Completion	Estimated Cost (with 15% contingency)	Funding Source	Comments
STAGE 1	December 2017	300K	60% 2017/18 Non-domestic Waste budget (allocated) 40% Grant	Capital works completed - Operational commissioning of MAF system occurred 27-28 November 2017
STAGE 2	July 2018	530K	75% 2017/18 Non-domestic Waste budget (allocated) 25% Grant	$174K of this amount is for landfill capping works which is a legislative requirement as part of Myocum landfill rehabilitation.
STAGE 3	2018/19 FY	420K	Non-domestic Waste budget and potential grant funding	Legislative requirement as part of Myocum landfill rehabilitation. Potential 200K grant under EPA Waste Less Recycle More grant program – application submitted 23 November 2017.
STAGE 4 – FERRA	2018/19 FY	140K	Non-domestic Waste budget and potential grant funding
STAGE 4 – Relocation of 2^nd hand shop	2018/19 FY	360K	Non-domestic Waste budget and potential grant funding

Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications

Planning Considerations

Construction of Stages 1-4 (excluding construction of a new Resale/Recycle Market) is considered permissible development under the existing development consent for the site, for which a Section 96 modification was approved for the inclusion of previous upgrades to operational facilities, namely the CRC, Resource Recovery and Transfer Station areas, Resale/ Recycle market, car park and staff amenities.

However, it should be noted that this original consent for the site is for the Southern Expansion of the Myocum Landfill. As such, and as per discussion with Council, it would be preferable for Council to submit a new development application for the site to formalise the continued future use of the facility as a resource recovery and transfer station. This process could be run prior to development of the new Resale/Recycle Market or in conjunction with any future development of the adjacent Quarry for AWT operations

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.5

Report No. 4.5 Mullumbimby Inflow and Infiltration - History and Future

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Peter Rees, Manager Utilities

File No: I2017/1820

Theme: Community Infrastructure

Sewerage Services

Summary:

The history of stormwater ingress into the Mullumbimby sewerage system dates back to the early 1970s with work being done in every decade to the current day. It was only as the result of the work done from 2006-2011 that sewer overflows into the Brunswick River from stormwater inflow were eliminated.

While this is a significant success, there is still a large amount of stormwater entering the sewer system. The Water Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee has expressed concerns at this and the latest iteration of the Strategic Business plan has included a stormwater inflow programme in the capital works programme for the next 10 years. The continuing financial strength of Council’s sewer fund provides the capability to pursue all options to mitigate the amount of stormwater entering the sewer system.

RECOMMENDATION:

That Council commence a Mullumbimby Sewerage System Inflow and Infiltration programme as a part of the sewer fund capital programme.

Attachments:

1 DM990881 Mullumbimby Sewerage System Inflow and Infiltration Programme PRP 1 Integrated Strategy Final Project Review June 2010, E2017/112845 ⇨

Report

History

The Mullumbimby sewerage system (and Brunswick Valley STP) has historically experienced very high flows during dry and wet weather. In 2007 (in response to a licence pollution reduction program, PRP 1) Council developed and adopted the Mullumbimby Sewerage System Inflow and Infiltration Program Integrated Strategy which focused on the following areas:

· Data collection and analysis;

· Public sewerage infrastructure rehabilitation;

· Private sewerage infrastructure repairs;

· Stormwater system maintenance;

· Public education; and

· Pump station analysis and upgrade.

In total, $1,408,870 was spent over three years. The project has had the following positive impacts:

· A reduction in overflow occasions by 15%.

· A reduction in overflow volume by 39%.

The project has also demonstrated that the defects in the system are generally in the sideline connections to the properties and the property’s drainage infrastructure, rather than the public sewerage mains.

Prior to the implementation of the Brunswick Area sewerage scheme, the sewerage system overflowed for all rainfall events above the 1 in 2 year event (50 mm in 1 hour). The sewerage system now has the capacity to transfer flows to the Brunswick Valley STP for all rainfall events at least up to the 1 in 20 year average return interval (ARI).

Preliminary treatment of flows up to 7 times average dry weather flow (ADWF), secondary treatment of flows up to 5.8 times ADWF and tertiary treatment up to 3 times ADWF is provided at the Brunswick Valley STP. However, wet weather flows up to 15 times ADWF have been recorded at the STP.

Council is continuing to liaise with NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) regarding compliance with licence conditions. The EPA has not raised any concerns regarding compliance with the Brunswick Heads environment protection licence since the completion of PRP 1 in 2010.

The combination of the Brunswick Area Sewage Augmentation Scheme and the Mullumbimby Inflow and Infiltration Integrated Strategy, while not preventing stormwater ingress into the sewer system, ensured there were no longer any overflows occurring into the Brunswick River as a result of stormwater inflow. This should be recognised as a major success for the community.

The attached report summarises the Mullumbimby Inflow and Infiltration Integrated Strategy and was reported to the Water Waste and Sewer Committee and Council in 2010. The subsequent Council Resolution 10-840 resolved in part

That Council endorses the recommendations on page 5 of the Mullumbimby Sewerage System Inflow and Infiltration Integrated Strategy Final Report June 2010 (#1002349) as per below:

(1) complete the work on the gravity system in catchments 4001 and 4003b

(2) continue with inspection of private assets

(3) Implement routine investigation and repairs for both public and private infrastructure in

Council’s operational and maintenance activities; and

(4) investigate further the potential implementation of constructed wetlands and a bulk effluent storage dam at Council’s Brunswick Valley STP site to capture and also improve the integrated effluent management outcomes.

Work continued on private property inspections and follow up until 2011-12 with the intention that work on public and private infrastructure would be folded into normal operations in the Sewer maintenance and Local Approvals and Compliance.

Due to the then financial status of the sewer fund after the completion of an $80 million capital programme, work on investigation and implementation of constructed wetlands and bulk effluent storage dam were put on hold.

Future

The improving financial strength of the sewer fund means Council is now in a position to revisit the current status of stormwater infiltration into the Mullumbimby sewer system. The latest revision of the Water and Sewerage Strategic Business Plan has allocated $500,000 per annum for the next 10 years to this project.

It is recommended this project be commenced this financial year with the following strategies:

Implementation of an intensive data collection programme to re establish a baseline of catchment criticality including verification of Council’s Sewer network modelling. The last programme identified catchments 4002; 4003a; 4003b and 4001 as the priority catchments. It is expected these catchments are still the highest priority but this should be verified. Network modelling has improved over the past 5 years and could provide the ability to identify localised hotspots with improved data.

Review the Low Pressure Pump System technology and guidelines to determine if both construction and system control systems have improved to an extent that the identified risk of increased flow can be mitigated. For example, it may be possible to flow limit the low pressure pumps to only supply a maximum of 7x average dry weather flow from each property.

Based on the outcomes of the above, specific projects could be scoped for implementation in 2018-19.

It is also recommended as a parallel project, the previously identified project element of constructed wetlands and an effluent storage pond also be progressed. This can either be in conjunction with the possible Ocean Shores sewage transfer project or can be developed separately.

Financial Implications

The developing financial strength of the sewer fund supports these projects and they have been modelled in the 30 year capital works programme in the latest iteration of the water and Sewerage Strategic Business Plan.

Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications

EPA licence 13266 compliance.

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.6

Report No. 4.6 Byron Shire Recycled Water Schemes - Murtagh Report Discussion

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Peter Rees, Manager Utilities

File No: I2017/1959

Theme: Community Infrastructure

Sewerage Services

Summary:

The Byron Bay Urban Recycled Water scheme currently has as its largest user the Byron Bay Golf Course. Recycled water is supplied to this site for both irrigation and environmental uses. Irrigation application rates are in accordance with the Murtagh 2004 report. Similarly the water supplied for wetland regeneration / use is assumed to be less than the figures used in the Murtagh 2004 report.

The evapotranspiration rate for wetlands used by Council is a conservative 10 ML/ha/year (3mm/m²/day on average) which is less than the Murtagh 31.6 Ml/ha/year. Using the lower 10 ML/ha/day figure gives a surplus of recycled water supplied to the Golf Course of 60 ML/year. Given the degree of uncertainty (upwards) of these figures, this surplus is not considered to be of concern.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee note the report.

Attachments:

1 Byron Bay Golf Course Reuse Irrigation by Murtagh 2004, E2017/111172 ⇨

2 WWS Committee - the Murtagh report No 1, E2017/111198 ⇨

3 WWS Committee - the Murtagh report No 2, E2017/111189 ⇨

4 WWS Committee - the Murtagh Report No 3, E2017/111192 ⇨

5 Byron Bay Sewage Treatment Plant Treated Effluent Flows Nov 2017, E2017/112836 ⇨

Report

Established literature on evapotranspiration rates in wetlands can vary considerably. The variance is due to climatic conditions, rainfall, vegetation and time of year. The Murtagh 2004 report has used a figure of 31.6 ML/ha/year or 8 mm/m²/day. Byron Council has derived a conservative figure of 10 ML/ha/year or 3 mm/m²/day.

These figures should not be confused with application rates for irrigation. The Murtagh 2004 report estimates the Golf Course 18.8 ha of greens and fairways could irrigate between 21 and 94 ML per year depending on rainfall. The actual volumes irrigated at the Golf Course over the past 4 years are shown in the table below.

Dates	BOM Rainfall	Golf Course Application
Dates	mm/year	ML/year	ML/ha/year
2013-2014 (Aug - Aug)	876	100	5.0
2014-2015 (Aug - Aug)	1686	40	2.0
2015-2016 (Aug - Aug)	1418	51	2.6
2016-2017 (Aug - May)	993	89	4.5

The volumes of recycled water applied to greens and fairways are generally in accordance with the Murtagh 2004 report.

In addition to these volumes Council has delivered an additional 160 ML/year on average from August 2013 to May 2017. This volume is discharged into the pond/wetland complex at the Golf Course. This area is approximately 10 hectares in size and if the conservative figure of 10 ML/ha/year is used, it can be derived there has been approximately 60 ML/year excess water delivered.

This is equivalent to 1.6 mm/m²/day over the Golf Course wetland and pond complex and is not considered material. Certainly anecdotal evidence would indicate it has had overall beneficial effects if the Golf course pond is compared to the nearby Baywood Chase lake. The Golf Course pond has not had any algal outbreaks over recent years while the Baywood Chase lake suffers almost annual toxic events.

The use of recycled water in this way is exemplary in that it provides beneficial reuse for commercial and environmental uses. The 2017-27 Effluent Management strategy incorporates these aims

· Recycled water for crop production and irrigation where available

· Recycled water for wetland (re)generation

· Recycled water for degraded water body rejuvenation

Financial Implications

Nil

Statutory and Policy Compliance Implications

Nil

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.9

Report No. 4.9 Current and Future Capacity of Bangalow STP - Response to Resolution 17-502

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Dean Baulch, Principal Engineer, Systems Planning

File No: I2017/2003

Theme: Community Infrastructure

Sewerage Services

Summary:

The approval of this development will not place restrictions on proposed / identified development within the catchment with regard to Capacity at Bangalow STP over a 20 year horizon including Urban Release Areas identified in:

· the Bangalow Settlement Strategy/ DCP; and

· the Preliminary Draft Residential Strategy

With regulated on-site pre-treatment to manage the quality of effluent reaching the STP, there will be no impact on the effectiveness of the treatment process at the STP and therefore the quality of the resultant discharge to the environment.

Installation of additional membranes filters at the STP may have to be bought forward by an estimated 3 years. However, this is dependent on actual growth rates.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:

That Council note the report.

Background

Resolution 17- 502

“That Council receive as a matter of urgency a report that assesses the various capacities of the Bangalow sewerage system in the longer term and provides a basis to consider the feasibility or otherwise of connecting the proposed 'Rural Industries Food Precinct' (DA No:10.2016.283.1; 201 Lismore Rd Bangalow) as an alternative to its current proposal for on-site wastewater management. Assessments to include:

1. Flow and composition of sewage that could be generated as proposed in DA No:10.2016.283.1 or as expanded over the years by its tenants.

2. Current loading and treatment capacity of the Bangalow STP in both dry and wet weather, and in terms of both flow and pollutant loads.

3. Projected utilisation of the Bangalow STP taking into consideration the following:

· Previous assessments of allocations to the Bangalow sewerage system

· Byron Shire Council LEP (2014)

· Byron Shire Council Preliminary Draft Residential Strategy (Aug 2016)

· Bangalow Settlement Strategy (2003)

4. Upgrade and augmentation works which would be required to accommodate treatment of the wastewater loads generated by both the above mentioned Development Application and other projected sewage loads through to a 20 year horizon, including but not limited to:

· Sewerage network infrastructure

· Dry weather flow balancing

· Inlet works

· Secondary treatment

· Disinfection

· Biosolids processing and management

· Odour control works (both network and STP)

· Whole-of-life costs associated with development, operation, and maintenance.

5. Impact on the receiving environment (Byron Creek and Wilsons River) of additional flow and its content as would come to the system from the proposal.

6. Not approve any application to connect the proposal to Bangalow's sewerage system, including any additional flow or load (sewage content) that would be sent to the receiving environment unless the report shows conclusively that the STP has the capacity to handle the extra load from this development without compromising existing standards and expectations of future use.

7. That a report be presented to Council at its December meeting.”

Report

1. Flow and Composition of Sewerage Generated by proposed DA No:10.2016.283.1

DA 10.2016.283.1 proposes a Rural Industries Food Precinct at LOT 1 DP 806211, 201 Lismore Road BANGALOW. The DA includes the following stages:

· Stage 1 – Development of 21,400m² (Floor Area) of Light Industrial space and 200m²of Office space.

· Stage 2 – Development of an additional 15,000 m² (Floor Area) expansion of Light Industrial units.

Wastewater Flows DA No:10.2016.283.1

The estimated flows to sewer from the Bangalow Food Hub DA 10.2016.283.1 are shown in Table 1. The flows estimated by the developer in the Engineering Design Report (Rev 3, Dec 2016) are in line with flows estimated using Council’s ET Policy (13/005) and therefore deemed reasonable for a development of this type.

It is noted that it is incumbent on the applicant to accurately establish wastewater flows. Any approved capacity (ET allowance) for the site will correlate with the approved capacity of the required dedicated pump station which will be the limiting factor. Any increase in flows / pump-station capacity would therefore have to be applied for under a separate DA.

Table 1 – Bangalow Food Hub – Estimated Wastewater Flows

Year	Wastewater Flows (kL/day)
Year	Design Report (Dec 2016)	Council ET Policy
Stage 1	50.5	42
Stage 2 (Ultimate)	70.8	70

Effluent Quality

There is uncertainty about the final composition of effluent produced by operations on the site as several tenancies do not have confirmed tenants and the make-up of effluent from food processing operations can vary. It is likely that effluent produced will be high in nutrients (Nitrogen & Phosphorus) and have a high biochemical (BOD₅) load. The Engineering Design Report of the applicant (Rev 3, Dec 2016) for DA 10.2016.283.1 estimated BOD₅ loads in excess of ten times that of domestic sewerage concentrations.

Discharge of such raw effluent directly to Council’s sewerage system is not permissible. The high organic load and the risks associated with receiving such untreated effluent given the uncertainties in pollutant concentrations and associated risk to the STP treatment process is too high.

On-site pretreatment will be required to treat effluent to a standard comparable to the quality of domestic sewage before discharge to sewer. The quality of effluent would be managed via Council’s Liquid Trade Waste Policy (4.23) which requires operators to reduce pollutant loads via on-site pre-treatment systems at the applicant’s cost, to levels which do not impact the operation of the receiving STP and the sewerage system.

The proponent has not submitted detailed design information regarding pre-treatment but does propose a pre-treatment system to meet the Liquid Trade Waste quality requirements as follows:

· screening and pre-treatment in grease traps for all sheds

· primary treatment through settling and aeration tanks on site.

Approval to discharge to sewer would be predicated on the ability to comply with the Liquid Trade Waste Policy maximum pollutant concentrations and compliance will be maintained via periodic sampling and testing of effluent at the applicant’s cost.

Again, it is noted that some of the units do not have identified tenants and therefore the strength and make-up of any effluent produced is unknown. Any new operation will require approval to discharge to sewer (Trade Waste Approval) and any additional pre-treatment of management processes would be imposed at this time to manage pollutant loads to levels which do not impact the operation of the STP.

2. Current loading and treatment capacity of the Bangalow STP in both dry and wet weather, and in terms of both flow and pollutant loads.

STP Design Capacity

The Bangalow STP is a Membrane Bio-reactor Plant incorporating two treatment trains each with two (2) membrane cassettes. The treatment process is designed for an ultimate treatment capacity of Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF) = 850 kL/day.

As current inflows are well below STP capacity, the STP is currently operating using only one (1) membrane cassette in each treatment train resulting in a current treatment of ADWF = 530 kL/day. Replacement of the existing membrane cassettes as part of the routine renewal program is currently underway.

Table 2 summarises the observed flows from 2009 to 2016 and the corresponding STP capacities described above illustrating that there is more than adequate capacity at Bangalow STP under current loads.

Table 2 – Observed Flows versus STP Capacity

	STP Capacity (Current) (kL/day)	STP Capacity (Ultimate) (kL/day)	Observed 2009-2016 (kL/day)
Average Dry Weather Flow	530 approx.	850	323
Peak Dry Weather Flow	1,590	2,550	650
Average Wet Weather Flow	3,000 approx.	5,960	412
Peak Wet Weather Flow	3,000 approx.	5,960	3,862 (max observed in 2015, no overflow to environment occurred).

Explanatory Notes

· For wet weather flow capacity; the plant has been designed to fully treat up to a maximum of three (3) times ADWF (2,550 kL/day at ultimate capacity) with any inflows exceeding this receiving only initial primary screening and grit removal. Following this the excess flow is diverted to the tertiary effluent lagoon for storage until lower flows allow the effluent to be returned to the inlet works for treatment. Using the effluent pond as flow balancing the STP is designed to manage wet weather flows of up to seven (7) times ultimate ADWF (5,950 kL/day at ultimate capacity).

Quality of Discharge to Receiving Environment

The pollutant load as reported in the Annual EPA Licence Returns (Licence 2522) from 2012 to 2017 are shown in Table 3 along with the corresponding EPA licence limits for the STP.

It can be seen that the STP is currently discharging pollutant loads well below the licence limits and, therefore, total pollutant load is not a limiting factor to development in the catchment.

Table 3 - Total Annual Assessable Pollutant Loads – Observed versus Licence Limits

	Annual Pollutant Load (kg / %)
Parameter	Licence Limit (Kg/annum)	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15	2015/16	2016/17
Total Suspended Solids	10,864	565.5 (5.2%)	192.2 (1.8%)	65.5 (0.6%)	33.8 (0.3%)	7.0 (0.1%)
Tot-Nitrogen	7,243	396.6 (5.5%)	306.3 (4.2%)	403.9 (5.6%)	331.3 (4.6%)	434.3 (6.0%)
Tot-Phosphorus	217	8.3 (3.8%)	5.1 (2.4%)	10.2 (4.7%)	27.2 (12.5%)	19.4 (8.9%)
BOD5	7,243	243.9 (3.4%)	65.4 (0.9%)	121.2 (1.7%)	48.5 (0.7%)	0 (0%)
Grease & Oil	1,448	141.9 (9.8%)	40.3 (2.8%)	112.6 (7.8%)	74.9 (5.2%)	43.4 (3.0%)

The average pollutant concentrations at the Maori Creek discharge point as reported in the Annual EPA Licence Returns (Licence 2522) from 2012 to 2017 are shown in Table 4 along with the corresponding EPA licence limits.

It can be seen that the quality of effluent discharged by Bangalow STP is well below the licence limits, therefore, the STP is operating efficiently and well within design parameters. Additional loads from the Food Hub development should not impact Average Pollutant Concentrations this data indicates that the treatment process is not a limiting factor to development in the catchment.

Table 4 –Pollutant Concentrations at Discharge Point – Observed versus Licence Limits

Parameter	Licence Limits		Average Pollutant Concentrations
Parameter	90 %ile	100 %ile	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15	2015/16	2016/17
BOD5 (mg/L)	10	20	1.2	0.6	0.8	0.4	0
Suspended Solids (mg/L)	15	30	2.6		0.4	0.3	0.1
Grease & Oils (mg/L)	5	10	1.1	0.4	0.8	0.7	0.3
Faecal Coliforms (cfu/100mL)	200	600	0.7	0.9	2.5	3.9	2.7
pH	-	6.5 to 8.5	7.2	7.2	7.3	7.4	7.2
Total Nitrogen (mg/L)	10	15	2.6	2.3	3.1	2.5	2.8
Ammonia-N (mg/L)	2	5	0.5	0.8	0.9	0.3	0
Total Phosphorus (mg/L)	0.3	1	0.2	0	0.1	0.2	0.1

3. Projected Utilisation of the Bangalow STP

Adopted Population Growth & Urban Release Areas

The adopted population projection for Bangalow used for Capital Planning (30 Year Capital Works Plan (2016) is based on the following:

· This growth projection is based on the development strategies identified in the Byron Shire Development Control Plan (DCP) (2014) including growth for all the Urban Release Areas shown in Figure 1.

· The infill growth is based on development principles set out in the Bangalow Settlement Strategy (2003). The Urban Release Areas identified in the Settlement Strategy align with those identified in the DCP (Figure 1).^{^[1]}

Figure 1 – Identified Urban Release Areas, Byron Shire DCP, 2014

Additional Areas of Interest

The DRAFT Byron Shire Council Preliminary Draft Residential Strategy (Aug 2016) identifies an additional area of interest for development area highlighted in light green in Figure 2 below. This area is not currently included in Capital Planning projections. The area has been identified as possibly suitable for residential development of approximately 180 dwellings subject to further assessment. As the identified area is only identified as an area of interest at this stage it is unlikely that it will impact on STP loads in the short-term however, it has been considered in this assessment with STP loads assumed to begin from 2026.

Figure 2 – DRAFT Byron Residential Strategy – Areas of Interest

Projected STP utilisation

The projected STP utilisation has been based on an Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF) of 425 L/ET/day. This is a conservative value as illustrated by Table 5 below which shows the actual ADWF observed over the last 5 years.

Table 5 – Observed Average Dry Weather Flows

Year	Equivalent Tenements (ET)	ADWF (kL/day)	ADWF L/ET/day
2012	757	322	425
2013	785	325	414
2014	813	312	384
2015	843	313	371
2016	874	310	355
Average			390

Source: Byron Shire Council Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan Review (2017)

Figure 3 shows projected STP loads over a 20+ year horizon under a number of possible development scenarios:

· Scenario 1 - Currently adopted growth (DSP, 2014)

· Scenario 2 – Currently adopted growth & the Food Hub (DA10.2016.283.1); and

· Scenario 3 - Currently adopted growth, Food Hub (DA10.2016.283.1) & Draft Byron Residential Strategy Area of Interest (development from 2026)

Figure 3 – Average Dry Weather Flow Projections under various Growth Scenarios

It can be seen that development including all identified areas, infill development and the additional loads from DA10.2016.283.1 is not constrained by available capacity at Bangalow STP until approximately 2038. This is in line with currently assumed timeframes for upgrade of the STP. The works required to upgrade the STP from current to Ultimate Capacity in the shorter term are discussed in the following discussion.

With regard to peak dry weather flows DA10.2016.283.1 proposes the inclusion of flow balancing and discharge to the STP out of peak periods therefore the development is unlikely to have any significant contribution to peak dry weather flows and therefore any impact on the STPs capacity to manage peak dry weather flows.

Impact of Development on Influent Quality

Regular quality testing of the influent to the STP is not carried out, as the STP is designed based on achieving the specified effluent quality at the outlet of the STP to Maori Creek.

However, a testing regime was carried out during the commissioning of the current STP between 2008 and 2010 and Table 6 shows the influent characteristics tested compared with the standard Trade Waste discharge limits which would most likely be imposed on the development. it is noted that lower maximum limits can be imposed if it is considered that the treatment process at the STP would be impacted by higher effluent concentrations.

Table 6 – Influent Pollution Concentrations

Parameter	Observed Concentrations 50^th Percentile (2008-2010)	Typical Trade Waste Approval Maximum Concentrations
BOD5 (mg/L)	280-336	300
COD (mg/L)	662-758	900
NH3-N (mg/L)	42.9-44.7	50
TKN (mg/L)	56.4-60.7	50
TP in liquid (mg/L)	9.6-11.6	20
TSS (mg/L)	263.5-314	600

As previously noted, the current 30 year capital works plan for Bangalow is based on the sewerage loads including those from all applicable Urban Release Areas identified in the Bangalow Settlement Strategy as described in Section 3.

The Planned Capital Works for Capacity purposes the 20 year horizon are summarised in Table 7.

Table 7 – Capital Works Planned Spend to 2040 – Bangalow Catchment

Byron Shire Council Developer Servicing Plan	Scope	Year	Capital Cost
Bangalow Long Term Capacity (membranes)		2022	$725,200
SPS1001 - Pump Upgrade (40% renewal 60% capacity)	Pumps: 21 L/s to 35 L/s	2032	$55,115
SPS1003 - Pump Upgrade (40% renewal 60% capacity)	Pumps: 52 L/s to 90 L/s	2032	$101,528
SPS1003 rising main	1545 m to DN300	2032	$867,696
SPS1001 - Capacity	Emergency Storage	2032	$55,396
SPS1003 - Capacity	Emergency Storage	2032	$24,981
SPS1005 - Capacity	Emergency Storage	2018	$22,229

Additional Augmentation Works Associated with DA10.2016.283.1

Sewerage network infrastructure

· Given the location of the Food Hub site, a dedicated pump station and dedicated rising main to the STP will be the most efficient arrangement for connecting to the sewerage system.

· Approval to connect to sewer would require this infrastructure to be built at the proponents cost and would therefore not result in a cost to Council or the requirement for upgrade of any downstream infrastructure.

STP

· Given the available capacity at the STP described above there will be no requirement for un-planned augmentation to accommodate flows from DA10.2016.283.1.

· The planned increase in STP capacity to Ultimate requires the installation of two (2) additional membrane filter cassettes at the STP (Table 7). Preliminary assessments indicate that the introduction of loads associated with DA10.2016.283.1 may require the installation to be brought forward up to 3 years to approximately 2022. It is noted that the Capital Plan currently plans for installation in 2022.

· On-site storage for flow balancing is proposed by the proponent and at the proponent’s cost with discharge to sewer during low flow periods. Therefore no upgrades are required to manage peak dry weather flows at the STP.

Whole-of-life costs associated with development, operation, and maintenance.

· It is proposed that DA Approval would be predicated on the required dedicated sewerage pump station (SPS) to be maintained and operated as a private SPS and would therefore not burden Council with additional operation and maintenance costs.

· As the dedicated rising main (RM) to the STP crosses public land and a rail corridor, the RM would become a Council asset post commissioning. Therefore, Council will be responsible for ongoing whole of life costs associated with maintenance, repair and replacement of this RM.

5. Impact on the receiving environment (Byron Creek and Wilsons River) of additional flow and its content as would come to the system from the proposal.

· Assuming adherance to and regulated monitoring of the Liquid Trade Waste Approval limits the effluent reaching Bangalow STP will be similar in character to domestic sewerage. Loads would not be inconsistant with current inflow quality and therefore impact on the receiving environment should not be any different to those currently experienced.

6. Summary of Outcomes

· The approval of this development will not place restrictions on proposed / identified development within the catchment with regard to Capacity at Bangalow STP over a 20 year horizon including Urban Release Areas identified in:

o the Bangalow Settlement Strategy/ DCP; and

o the Preliminary Draft Residential Strategy

· With regulated on-site pre-treatment to manage the quality of effluent reaching the STP, there will be no impact on the effectiveness of the treatment process at the STP and therefore the quality of the resultant discharge to the environment.

· Installation of additional membranes filters at the STP may have to be bought forward by an estimated 3 years. However, this is dependent on actual growth rates.

[1] It is noted that some areas identified in the Settlement Strategy have subsequently been assessed as not suitable for residential development and have therefore been excluded from consideration in the DCP (identified as Areas 8 & 9 and parts of Area 1).

Venue	Council Chamber, Station Street, Mullumbimby
Date	Thursday, 21 December 2017
Time	9.30am