Agenda of Water, Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

What is a “Conflict of Interests” - A conflict of interests can be of two types:

Pecuniary - an interest that a person has in a matter because of a reasonable likelihood or expectation of appreciable financial gain or loss to the person or another person with whom the person is associated.

Non-pecuniary – a private or personal interest that a Council official has that does not amount to a pecuniary interest as defined in the Code of Conduct for Councillors (eg. A friendship, membership of an association, society or trade union or involvement or interest in an activity and may include an interest of a financial nature).

Remoteness – a person does not have a pecuniary interest in a matter if the interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence any decision the person might make in relation to a matter or if the interest is of a kind specified in the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

Who has a Pecuniary Interest? - a person has a pecuniary interest in a matter if the pecuniary interest is the interest of the person, or another person with whom the person is associated (see below).

Relatives, Partners - a person is taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter if:

§ The person’s spouse or de facto partner or a relative of the person has a pecuniary interest in the matter, or

§ The person, or a nominee, partners or employer of the person, is a member of a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter.

N.B. “Relative”, in relation to a person means any of the following:

(a) the parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal descends or adopted child of the person or of the person’s spouse;

(b) the spouse or de facto partners of the person or of a person referred to in paragraph (a)

No Interest in the Matter - however, a person is not taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter:

§ If the person is unaware of the relevant pecuniary interest of the spouse, de facto partner, relative or company or other body, or

§ Just because the person is a member of, or is employed by, the Council.

§ Just because the person is a member of, or a delegate of the Council to, a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter provided that the person has no beneficial interest in any shares of the company or body.

Disclosure and participation in meetings

§ A Councillor or a member of a Council Committee who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the Council is concerned and who is present at a meeting of the Council or Committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable.

§ The Councillor or member must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting of the Council or Committee:

(a) at any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed by the Council or Committee, or

(b) at any time during which the Council or Committee is voting on any question in relation to the matter.

No Knowledge - a person does not breach this Clause if the person did not know and could not reasonably be expected to have known that the matter under consideration at the meeting was a matter in which he or she had a pecuniary interest.

Non-pecuniary Interests - Must be disclosed in meetings.

There are a broad range of options available for managing conflicts & the option chosen will depend on an assessment of the circumstances of the matter, the nature of the interest and the significance of the issue being dealt with. Non-pecuniary conflicts of interests must be dealt with in at least one of the following ways:

§ It may be appropriate that no action be taken where the potential for conflict is minimal. However, Councillors should consider providing an explanation of why they consider a conflict does not exist.

§ Limit involvement if practical (eg. Participate in discussion but not in decision making or vice-versa). Care needs to be taken when exercising this option.

§ Remove the source of the conflict (eg. Relinquishing or divesting the personal interest that creates the conflict)

§ Have no involvement by absenting yourself from and not taking part in any debate or voting on the issue as of the provisions in the Code of Conduct (particularly if you have a significant non-pecuniary interest)

RECORDING OF VOTING ON PLANNING MATTERS

Clause 375A of the Local Government Act 1993 – Recording of voting on planning matters

(1) In this section, planning decision means a decision made in the exercise of a function of a council under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979:

(a) including a decision relating to a development application, an environmental planning instrument, a development control plan or a development contribution plan under that Act, but

(b) not including the making of an order under that Act.

(2) The general manager is required to keep a register containing, for each planning decision made at a meeting of the council or a council committee, the names of the councillors who supported the decision and the names of any councillors who opposed (or are taken to have opposed) the decision.

(3) For the purpose of maintaining the register, a division is required to be called whenever a motion for a planning decision is put at a meeting of the council or a council committee.

(4) Each decision recorded in the register is to be described in the register or identified in a manner that enables the description to be obtained from another publicly available document, and is to include the information required by the regulations.

(5) This section extends to a meeting that is closed to the public.

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.1

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services

Report No. 4.1 Minutes of previous Water, Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Dominika Tomanek, Executive Assistant Infrastructure Services

File No: I2020/498

Summary:

The previous minutes of Water, Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting of 30 January 2020 are attached to this report.

RECOMMENDATION:

That committee note the report.

Attachments:

1 Minutes 30/01/2020 Water, Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee, I2020/80 , page 7⇩

REPORT

The minutes of the Water, Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting held on 30 January 2020 are attached. The minutes were reported to the 27 February 2020 Council Meeting which resulted in resolutions 20-052, 20-053, 20-054, 20-055 and 20-056.

Although the minutes of WWSC meeting held on 30 January 2020 has been adopted on the 27 February 2020, the correction to the minutes has been made on 27 March 2020. It has been pointed by committee member Duncan Dey that the motion to adopt the Minutes of the November 2019 has been incorrectly seconded. Cr Lyon has agreed to second the motion. The updated version is available online and does not require any further action.

20-052

Resolved that Council adopt the following Committee Recommendation(s):

Report No. 4.1 Inflow and Infiltration - Sewer Asset Management

File No: I2019/2060

Committee Recommendation 4.1.1

That Council:

a) Recognise the high level of deterioration of Mullumbimby's systems for sewage and stormwater, built in the 1940's to 1960's;

b) Support the ongoing projects to appropriately manage sewer assets and support expenditure proposed in this report, plus expenditure required in future budgets;

c) Recognise that this expenditure may only be the beginning, and that on-going assessment and maintenance is required over the life of such systems and that deterioration generally increases over time;

d) Recognise that similar outcomes are likely in other urban areas like Byron Bay and Ocean Shores;

e) Note the Communication Plan to be updated.

20-053

Resolved that Council adopt the following Committee Recommendation(s):

Report No. 4.2 Effects of water mining in Byron and surrounding shires on groundwater resources

File No: I2019/2131

Committee Recommendation 4.2.1

That this item to be included in the next Agenda of WWSC. n/Lyon)

20-054

Resolved: that Council adopt the following Committee Recommendation(s):

Report No. 4.3 Condition 9. Additional Load at Byron STP

File No: I2019/2155

Committee Recommendation 4.3.1

1. That Council note that:

a) 2,408 ETs (i.e.1.42 ML/day) of new development (plus some ETs for secondary dwellings) has been approved for connection to the Byron Bay STP since Condition 9 of Council’s approval of the STP in December 2002;

b) reuse capacity is currently 3,427 ET (2.02 ML/day); and

c) Condition 9 is currently satisfied.

2. That staff investigate and recommend a modern day industry method for calculating Average Dry Weather Flow that can be applied consistently across all of Council’s Sewage Treatment Plants.

3. That staff continue to monitor compliance to Condition 9 and report quarterly to WWSAC and Council.

4. This information to be integrated with ongoing reuse strategies. /Lyon)

20-055

Resolved that Council adopt the following Committee Recommendation(s):

Report No. 4.4 Byron Bay Integrated Water Management Reserve

File No: I2020/53

Committee Recommendation 4.4.1

That Council note the report. /Lyon)

20-056

Resolved that Council adopt the following Committee Recommendation(s):

Report No. 4.5 Nutrient Loading in the Belongil

File No: I2020/56

Committee Recommendation 4.5.1

That this item to be included in the next Agenda of WWSC. /Lyon)

The reports related to the resolutions 20-052, 20-053, 20-054 and 20-056 were included in the Agenda of Water, Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting hold on 9 April 2020 as requested.

There is no action outstanding with regards to resolution 20-055.

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

N/A

Financial Considerations

N/A

Consultation and Engagement

N/A

Minutes of the Water, Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting held on Thursday, 30 January 2020

File No: Error! Unknown document property name.

PRESENT: Cr Richardson, Cr C Coorey, Cr M Lyon

Staff: Phil Holloway (Director Infrastructure Services)

Cameron Clark (Manager Utilities)

Bryan Green (Water Sewer System Environment Officer)

Dean Baulch (Principal Engineer System Planning)

Jason Stanley (System Planning Officer)

Julian Vivoli (Consultant IS)

Dominika Tomanek (Minute Taker)

Community: Col Draper, Duncan Dey, Fawcett and Mary Gardner

Cr Richardson (Chair) opened the meeting at 11:39 am and acknowledged that the meeting was being held on Bundjalung Country.

Apologies:

Cr Ndiaye

Madeleine Green

David Fligelman

Declarations of Interest – Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary

There were no declarations of interest.

Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings

Committee Recommendation:

That the minutes of the Extraordinary Water, Waste and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting held on 14 November 2019 be confirmed.

(Dey/Lyon)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

Note: The minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2019 were noted, and the Committee Recommendations adopted by Council, at the Ordinary Meeting held on 28 November 2019 without changes.

Business Arising from Previous Minutes

There was no business arising from previous minutes.

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services

Procedural Motion

Committee Recommendation:

That Council change the order of business to deal with Reports 4.2 last in the Agenda

(Richardson/Coorey)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

Report No. 4.1 Inflow and Infiltration - Sewer Asset Management

File No: I2019/2060

Committee Recommendation:

That Council:

a) recognise the high level of deterioration of Mullumbimby's systems for sewage and stormwater, built in the 1940's to 1960's;

b) support the ongoing projects to appropriately manage sewer assets and support expenditure proposed in this report, plus expenditure required in future budgets

c) recognise that this expenditure may only be the beginning, and that on-going assessment and maintenance is required over the life of such systems and that deterioration generally increases over time.

d) recognise that similar outcomes are likely in other urban areas like Byron Bay and Ocean Shores

e) note that Communication Plan be updated

(Dey/Lyon)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

Report No. 4.3 Condition 9. Additional Load at Byron STP

File No: I2019/2155

Committee Recommendation:

1. That Council note:-

a) that 2408 ETs (i.e.1.42 ML/day) of new development (plus some ETs for secondary dwellings) has been approved for connection to the Byron Bay STP since Condition 9 of Council’s approval of the STP in December 2002;

b) that reuse capacity is currently 3427 ET (2.02 ML/day); and

c) that Condition 9 is currently satisfied.

2. That staff investigate and recommend a modern day industry method for calculating Average Dry Weather Flow that can be applied consistently across all of Council’s Sewage Treatment Plants.

3. That staff continue to monitor compliance to Condition 9 and report quarterly to WWSAC and Council.

4. This information to be integrated with ongoing reuse strategies.

(Dey/Coorey)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried .

Report No. 4.4 Byron Bay Integrated Water Management Reserve

File No: I2020/53

Committee Recommendation:

That Council note the report

(Richardson/Coorey)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

Report No. 4.5 Nutrient Loading in the Belongil

File No: I2020/56

Committee Recommendation:

That this item to be included in the next Agenda of WWSC.

(Richardson/Lyon)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

Report No. 4.2 Effects of water mining in Byron and surrounding shires on groundwater resources

File No: I2019/2131

Committee Recommendation:

That this item to be included in the next Agenda of WWSC.

(Richardson/Lyon)

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared carried.

There being no further business the meeting concluded at 1:36 pm.

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.2

Report No. 4.2 Nutrient Loading in the Belongil

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Bryan Green, Water Sewer Systems Environment Officer

File No: I2020/297

Summary:

This report is in response to questions raised by the Waste and Water Sewage Advisory Committee, and subsequent recommendation that a report be submitted to Council to address the following:

18-690

Resolved that Council adopt the following Committee Recommendation(s):

Report No. 4.5 Nutrient Loading in the Belongil

File No: I2018/1704

Committee Recommendation 4.5.1

1. That Council note that consent conditions in clause 11 of the approval under Council res 02-1329 have been exceeded for short periods during the past 15 months

2. That Council determine a new methodology to calculate nutrient discharge into the Belongil to satisfy both Council Resolution 02-1329 and the Recycled Water Management Strategy 2017-27

3. That Council consider measures for overcoming these exceedances.

RECOMMENDATION:

That staff:-

1. Continue trialling the newly installed flow meter to assess accuracy and reliability of results and that once results are confirmed, they are dissemination to Committee members;

2. Continue with the Biostem pellets to assess the efficacy of the pellets in removing sludge and therefore possible nutrient reduction; and

3. Continue with a vetiver grass trial and increase sampling downstream of this trial planting to assess the ability of the grass to reduce nutrients and suspended sediments.

REPORT

Committee recommendation:-

1. That Council note that consent conditions in Clause 11 of the approval under Council Re 02-1329 have been exceeded for short period during the past 15 months.

Clause 11 states

Nutrient Load Limit for Byron Bay STP

· Nutrient loads discharged to Belongil Creek, as measured at the outlet of the constructed wetland, shall not exceed 1,502 kg per year for Total Nitrogen and 300 kg per year for Total Phosphorus.

· Council shall continuously monitor nutrient loads discharged to the Belongil Creek. Determination of nutrient loads shall be based on a minimum of weekly sampling continuously averaged over a two month period, converted to an equivalent annual load.

· In the event that the equivalent annual nutrient load for either Total Nitrogen or Total Phosphorus exceeds 80% of the applicable limits specified in this Approval Condition, Council shall investigate feasible management strategies to reduce loads below 80%.

· In the event that the equivalent annual nutrient load for either Total Nitrogen or Total Phosphorus exceeds 100% of the applicable limits specified in this Approval Condition, Council shall meet to discuss appropriate courses of action to prevent further exceedances.

As this is an annual nutrient load calculation, it is not clear how the question relates to exceedance of nutrient loads for short periods during the past 15 months.

As per Council EPA licence 3404, Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus samples are collected fortnightly at the constructed wetland discharge and calculated using the EPA approved “source monitoring” method, EPA Load Calculation Protocol.

Nevertheless, if the question relates to the previous 15 months from the meeting date, 18 October 2018, then there was a 80% and 100% percentile Total Nitrogen exceedance during the April 2017 to April 2018 EPA reporting period. There may be other plausible reasons for these exceedances and will require further investigation however the most feasible may be the high rainfall during the March / April / May / June 2017 months and the February / March / Apr 2018 months. See table below.

During high rainfall events the flows through the wetlands are accelerated thereby reducing hydraulic retention time i.e. the high flows limit wetland plants ability to uptake the nutrients thereby skewing the monthly nutrient load output consequently the annual average nutrient loads.

2. That Council determine a new methodology to calculate nutrient discharge into the Belongil to satisfy both Council Res 02-1329 and the Recycled Water Management Strategy 2017-27.

In 2016 Council engaged Australian Wetlands Consultancy to design and install a v-notch weir to measure wetland discharge flows from EPA4.

The v-notch weir enabled accurate measurement of flows to support annual nutrient load calculations whereas previous wetland discharge flows were calculated using a complex water mass balance calculation which included rainfall and evapotranspiration.

Further technical advancements have been implemented since then. Council purchased a flow meter from OneTemp to measure flows at the EPA 4 discharge points. These flow units will enable Council to monitor flows on a real time basis i.e. the data will available ‘live’ on a database of choice. Currently this is still at trial stage for approximately 3 months but once confirmed the units do what is required staff will explore the option of having the flow data loaded into our SCADA system.

3. That Council consider measures for overcoming these exceedances.

It is almost impossible to mitigate against increased nutrient loads during high rainfall events.

Literature reviews identify this is a natural occurring event across most natural wetlands.

Therefore it is not financially viable to conduct research and develop innovation to overcome these incidences. However, Council staff are continuously looking at innovative ways of reducing nutrient loading. An intended upcoming trial is to assess a product Biostem, from Water Quality Solution based in Somerton, Victoria. The pellets are a natural biological product that treats sludge by releasing enzymes and micro nutrients. The pellets will be released in one half of a wetland cell to compare the treated and non-treated parts of the cell and hence the efficacy of the product.

Furthermore, Council staff are continuously encouraging native wetland species to thrive by removing weeds from the cells as well as revegetating the cells with native aquatic plants.

Further discussion is needed to investigate a trial of planting the non-invasive species of Vetiver Grass. Numerous trials on the Tweed have shown beneficial results in removing nutrients however the issue of increased flows and the inability of nutrient uptake during this time remains.

The abstracts below are provided to further support the observations in the Byron Wetlands that it is challenging to prevent high nutrient release during high rainfall events and therefore are not unique when compared to natural wetland systems.

Committee members can access these abstracts via the link provided and purchase the full article at their own cost.

Resources:

1. Raisin G.W; Mitchell D.S; Croome R.L, September 1997,The effectiveness of a small constructed wetland in ameliorating diffuse nutrient loadings from an Australian rural catchment, viewed 15 25 January 2020 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925857497000165]

2. Chescheir, G.M., Gilliam, J.W., Skaggs, R.W. et al. Nutrient and sediment removal in forested wetlands receiving pumped agricultural drainage water, viewed 15 January 2020, 30 [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03160842#citeas]

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.3

Report No. 4.3 Effects of water mining in Byron and surrounding shires on groundwater resources

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Dean Baulch, Principal Engineer, Systems Planning

File No: I2020/298

Summary:

The NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer have undertaken an independent review of the impacts of the bottled water industry on groundwater resources in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. The effects appear to be negligible.

Rous Water through its Future Water Supply Strategy is conducting investigation for groundwater sources.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee note the report.

Attachments:

1 Independent review of the impacts of the bottled water industry on groundwater resources in the Northern Rivers region of NSW - Final Report - NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer - 31 October 2019, E2019/91097 , page 17 ⇩

REPORT

At the Council Meeting of 22 November 2018, it adopted the following Committee Recommendation as Resolution 18-742:

2. That Council request information from surrounding shires, Rous County Council, Southern Cross University and DOI on:

a) Current water extraction quantities and locations

b) Research on short term and long term impacts of these activities on aquifers and ground water resources. (Richardson/Hackett)

In November 2018 the (then) Minister for Regional Water, the Hon Niall Blair MLC, requested that the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer undertake an independent review of the impacts of the bottled water industry on groundwater resources in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. This was finalised on 31 October 2019, see attachment 1.

A critical element in the management of water under the Water Sharing Plans (WSPs) is the prioritisation of water to the environment and between water users and purposes. WSPs establish priorities of allocation with environmental first, Basic Landholder Rights second, town water supply and stock and domestic licences third and all other licensed extraction for industrial and commercial purposes fourth.

The Review identified seven operators in the Northern Rivers region with allocations of 240.5 ML/y who are actively extracting for water bottling purposes, representing 0.55% of water licences and basic landholder rights (together defined in the Water Sharing Plans as ‘total water requirements’) and 0.008% of estimated total annual aquifer recharge in the four groundwater sources. The report does not include the location of individual extraction licences.

Rous Water through its Future Water Supply Strategy is conducting investigation for groundwater sources.

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.4

Report No. 4.4 Condition 9. Additional Load at Byron STP

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Cameron Clark, Manager Utilities

File No: I2020/497

Summary:

This report is response to the resolution 20-054 below:-

20-054

Resolved: that Council adopt the following Committee Recommendation(s):

Report No. 4.3 Condition 9. Additional Load at Byron STP

File No: I2019/2155

Committee Recommendation 4.3.1

1. That Council note that:

b) reuse capacity is currently 3,427 ET (2.02 ML/day); and

c) Condition 9 is currently satisfied.

2. That staff investigate and recommend a modern day industry method for calculating Average Dry Weather Flow that can be applied consistently across all of Council’s Sewage Treatment Plants.

3. That staff continue to monitor compliance to Condition 9 and report quarterly to WWSAC and Council.

4. This information to be integrated with ongoing reuse strategies.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. That the Committee note the report.

REPORT

Due to COVID-19 additional work load, council staff has not undertaken the following committee recommendations.

1) That staff investigate and recommend a modern day industry method for calculating Average Dry Weather Flow that can be applied consistently across all of Council’s Sewage Treatment Plants.

2) That staff continue to monitor compliance to Condition 9 and report quarterly to WWSAC and Council.

These works will be undertaken and reported at next committee meeting scheduled for 30^th July 2020.

Council staff recommends that Condition 9 be reported on a Bi-annual basis to WWSAC and Council.

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services 4.5

Report No. 4.5 Inflow and Infiltration - quarterly update

Directorate: Infrastructure Services

Report Author: Jason Stanley, Systems Planning Officer

File No: I2020/504

Summary:

Condition assessments were undertaken in mid-2019 on the gravity sewer and stormwater network throughout the town centre of Mullumbimby. These investigations identified the poor condition of various assets that required rectification to various extents. The results of these assessments prompted a more holistic approach to the ongoing management of the gravity sewer and stormwater networks throughout the Byron Shire.

Since then, a risk analysis model at a catchment level has been established for the entire Byron Shire gravity sewer network. This model is based on various criteria such as catchment length, pipe age, pipe material, pipe depth, rain dependent inflow, and groundwater infiltration. Each of the criteria is scored with weighting multipliers appropriately assigned to each. From this, the highest risk catchments can be identified which enables the Utilities department to target these catchments first for assessment and rectification.

Currently the highest risk assets identified in the Mullumbimby catchment are being rectified and two catchments one in Byron Bay and the other in Ocean Shores are being assessed as they were identified as the highest risk catchments within the Shire.

Additionally, the modelling of the stormwater network in Mullumbimby is being assessed to ensure that the stormwater mains that require replacement are assessed in terms of capacity to ensure that the mains are upgraded where required.

Despite the current presence of the COVID-19 viral pandemic and the imposed limitations by the Australian Government, measures and contingencies are in place to ensure that these projects are delivered in a safe and timely manner.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee note the report

Attachments:

1 Interflow Covid-19 Pandemic Response Implementation Plan, E2020/23260 , page 219 ⇩

REPORT

1. Introduction

This report will provide a brief update on the current status of the Inflow and Infiltration project and will note the proposed catchments to be assessed in FY20/21. Furthermore, this report will identify the existing limitations that COVID-19 is having on the existing contracts under the Inflow and Infiltration project and will also identify future potential risks to the project that this viral pandemic may present.

2. Background

In 2019, there were a number of gravity sewer mains identified for renewal in the Mullumbimby 4001 sewer gravity catchment without reasonable justification to warrant the budget for their replacement. The Utilities team undertook the assessment of this catchment to confirm the condition and subsequently assign a risk against each of the gravity sewer and stormwater mains. The poor condition of both networks that was identified by these investigations have led Byron Shire Council to initiate a proactive approach to the ongoing management of the gravity sewer and stormwater networks. Byron Shire Council has committed a total budget of $5M over a five year period to ensure that the gravity sewer networks integrity and function are maintained through the prioritised condition assessment and rectification programs. Budget of $300k has listed as a budget consideration for the rectification of stormwater mains in FY19/20 with the potential for more funding moving forward. The draft budget for General Fund is still being reviewed.

3. Rectification Works

3.1 Mullumbimby (Sewer)

Following the condition assessments that were undertaken within the 4001 gravity sewer catchment, the highest risk assets were identified and packaged up for rectification/renewal. This scope includes:-

· Structural relining of 26 gravity sewer mains

· Rectification of 20 gravity sewer mains

· Rectification of 20 gravity sewer maintenance holes

· Rectification of 9 stormwater culverts

· Rectification of 7 stormwater maintenance holes

Civil contractor Interflow has been awarded this package of works. Interflow commenced the rectification works in early March and is currently on track to have the rectification of these assets completed before June 30, 2020.

Figure 1 – Mullumbimby 4001 Sewer Catchment, Various Rectification Works Underway

3.2 Mullumbimby (Stormwater)

In addition to the above rectification scope, the stormwater asset management team have put forward a budget bid of $300,000 for FY19/20 to renew the highest risk assets as determined by the condition assessments that were undertaken in Mullumbimby’s 4001 sewer catchment.

Willow and Sparrow have undertaken some high level modelling based on the limited information that is available and have identified a prudent way forward. To eliminate the risk associated with replacing mains that may need to be upgraded, a detailed modelling assessment must be undertaken prior to undertaking replacement works to ensure that mains are replaced in a diameter that is required to adequately service the catchments needs.

Willow and Sparrow will be undertaking this modelling over the next couple of months and will be able to then provide accurately refined scope for renewal/upgrade in FY20/21. This will ensure that no re-work is required in the near future.

4. Assessment Works

4.1 Current

The sewer risk analysis model was employed to identify the next highest risk sewer catchments. The model identified that the next highest risk gravity sewer catchments outside of the Mullumbimby catchment were 3002 and 5012 in Byron Bay and Ocean Shores respectively. These catchments total a length of 22.65km, refer to Figures 2 and 3 below for the locality of each catchment. The CCTV works for both of these catchments was awarded to civil contractor Interflow who commenced the assessments in Catchment 3002 in early March. They are on track to have the CCTV of both catchments completed before June 30, 2020.

Figure 2 – Byron Bay 3002 Sewer Catchment, CCTV Works Underway

Figure 3 – Ocean Shores 5012 Sewer Catchment, CCTV Works Underway

5. Ongoing Assessment

Through the employment of the sewer risk model, the next highest risk catchments were identified as 3005 in Byron Bay, 4002 and 4003 in Mullumbimby, and 5009 in Ocean Shores. These catchments are proposed to be assessed in FY20/21 and total a length of 24.5km which in conjunction with the MH assessments and associated reporting is anticipated to cost in the order of $500k.

Figure 4 – Byron Bay 3005 Sewer Catchment

Figure 3 – Mullumbimby 4002 Sewer Catchment

Figure 3 – Mullumbimby 4003 Sewer Catchment

Figure 3 – Ocean Shores 5009 Sewer Catchment

6. Impact of COVID-19

6.1 Overview

Works on the assessment of the 3002 and 5012 catchments and the rectification of the 4001 catchment are all still underway as of 30^th March 2020. Interflow and Willow and Sparrow are the two external contractors that have been engaged to facilitate these works. Interflows responsibilities largely consist of site based works in small ≤4 person crews whilst Willow and Sparrow’s responsibilities are largely office based. Interflow recently distributed their Pandemic Response Implementation Plan which can be found in Attachment 1.

6.2 Limitations

Notable recent limitations / safe practices that have impacted these works are as follows:

- Border closure – The border closure of Queensland and New South Wales has presented a risk to the projects, however there are currently exemptions including travel to and from work. Though there are delays with crossing the border due to authorities reviewing each vehicles right to cross the border.

- Social distancing – the World Health Organisation (WHO) is pleading that everyone practices social distancing, in summary this means keeping a clear space of 1.5m between each other wherever practicable. However, it should be noted that this isn’t always practicable, especially when crews may be sharing transport or assisting with entrance to confined spaces.

- Precautionary Hygiene Practices – As COVID-19 is transferred through contaminated droplets from infected persons to others via coughing, sneezing, or by contact with contaminated persons, surfaces, or objects, measures that are in place have the potential to obstruct the efficiency of works.

6.3 Contingency

To date, it is largely business as usual, and it is thought to be unlikely that these rather low risk site and office based works will cease to continue due to limitations imposed by the government. However, if personnel become ill or are infected with COVID-19, works will cease immediately. Both Interflow and Willow and Sparrow have multiple internal and external resources available should the need to replace site or office based personnel be required to continue with the projects.

7. Conclusion

The Inflow and Infiltration project is currently proceeding as per the original timeframes which identifies the project completion for both projects before June 30, 2020. Whilst the health and safety of personnel and the community is of the upmost importance, appropriate measures in line with the WHO recommendations as well as project contingencies have been put in place to mitigate these risk and any foreseeable impacts in an attempt to ensure the safe and timely project delivery.