Notice of Meeting

Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting

A Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting of Byron Shire Council will be held as follows:

 

Venue	Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby
Date	Thursday, 15 June 2023
Time	11.30am

 

 

Phil Holloway

Director Corporate and Community Services

I2023/932

                                                                                                                             Distributed 09/06/23

 

 

 

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)

Committee members are reminded that they should declare and manage all conflicts of interest in respect of any matter on this Agenda, in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

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.

Councillors are reminded of the oath of office or affirmation of office made at or before their first meeting of the council in accordance with Clause 233A of the Local Government Act 1993. This includes undertaking the duties of the office of councillor in the best interests of the people of Byron Shire and the Byron Shire Council and faithfully and impartially carrying out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested under the Act or any other Act to the best of one’s ability and judgment.

BUSINESS OF MEETING

 

1.    Apologies

2.    Declarations of Interest – Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary

3.    Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings

3.1       Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meeting.............................................................. 6

 

4.    Staff Reports

Infrastructure Services

4.1       Byron Shire Council Future Water Strategy............................................................ 16

4.2       Utilities Operational Update Report........................................................................ 247     

 

 

Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings                                                   3.1

Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings

 

Report No. 3.1       Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meeting 

Directorate:                         Infrastructure Services

Report Author:                   Dominika Tomanek, Executive Assistant Infrastructure Services

File No:                                 I2023/798

 

  

RECOMMENDATION:

That the minutes of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting held on 30 March 2023 be confirmed.

 

 

Attachments:

 

1        Minutes 30/03/2023 Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, I2023/474 , page 10⇩  

 

 

Report

 

The attachment to this report provides the minutes of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Meeting of 30 March 2023 . 

 

Report to Council

 

The minutes were reported to Council on

Comments

 

In accordance with the Committee Recommendations, Council resolved the following:

23-119

Resolved that Council adopts the following Committee Recommendations: Report No. 4.1 Review of Council's Onsite Sewage Management Strategy 2001 and Onsite Sewage Management Guidelines 2004 Committee Recommendation 4.1.1 That Water and Sewer Advisory Committee: 1.      Notes the draft Onsite Sewage Management Strategy and draft Onsite Sewage Management Guidelines; and 2.      Request staff to convene a meeting with available committee members prior to reporting documents in point 1 to Council prior to exhibition.

23-120

Resolved that Council adopts the following Committee Recommendations: Report No. 4.3 Mullumbimby Water Supply Strategy - Members' Motions Committee Recommendation 4.3.1 That the Committee advises Council to:  1.      Thank Hydrosphere for preparing the report ‘Mullumbimby Water Supply Strategy, final draft December 2021’, which was discussed at the meeting of this Committee on 28 September 2022, and not adopt its recommendations. 2.      Recognise that Mullumbimby’s current water source at Lavertys Gap may not supply adequate volumes of water during drought for the supply area (Mullumbimby), but that an emergency supply is secured in the medium term via an option to draw on Rous Water. 3.      Recognise that the current treatment system is near or has passed its use-by date. 4.      Recognise that the weir at Lavertys Gap blocks fish passage and operates under a licence that does not require release of environmental flows to water the downstream environment. 5.      Recognise that the weir is aging and in need of repair, and is heritage listed along with other connected water supply infrastructure (such as the race). 6.      Seek from Rous Water a statement as to the Environmental / Social / Economic Impacts of the addition of the 2060 population of the Mullumbimby water supply network to the Rous water supply network. 7.      Following the meeting with representatives of Rous, consider investigation of matters that will enable a strategy for Mullumbimby’s long term water supply based on the following concept: a)   Lavertys Gap as the source during flows in excess of environmental requirements; b)   water stored off-stream between the source and Mullumbimby; c)   water treated at a new location between the storage and Mullumbimby; d)   water delivered to Mullumbimby and possibly beyond; and e)   maximising demand management, including the harvesting of roof water. 8.      The investigation above to include: a)   the topography of the terrain between Lavertys Gap and Mullumbimby, to identify potential dam sites; b)   the hydrology of Wilsons Creek and its capacity to supply, including seasonality; c)   the impact of climate change on supply and on demand (using CC data and methodologies in the pilot phase for local water supply through DPE, and applied in Regional Water Strategies); d)   infrastructure needs including offtake, storage, treatment and linkages to the town’s reservoirs; e)   environmental assessments for the creation and operation of that infrastructure, including greenhouse gas emissions; f)    assessment of the weir at Lavertys Gap including (i) structural integrity; (ii) means of creating fish passage; and (iii) how this proposal enhances its heritage and preservation; and g)   economic assessment.

 

 

Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings                                         3.1 - Attachment 1

 

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services                                                            4.1

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services

 

Report No. 4.1       Byron Shire Council Future Water Strategy

Directorate:                         Infrastructure Services

Report Author:                   Cameron Clark, Manager Works

File No:                                 I2023/899

Summary:

This report summarises the development of the Mullumbimby Water Supply Strategy and related Committee and Council resolutions.

The key issue to be addressed is water supply security (servicing existing customers and future development over the long-term).  The current demand for water in Mullumbimby is virtually equal to the current secure yield at Laverty’s Gap weir and if the worst drought on record were to repeat, the current supply may not meet demand. Based on the Triple Bottom Line assessment, the most favourable scenario is a permanent connection to the Rous regional supply.

The strategy and water supply need urgent attention. Drafting of the Mullumbimby Water Supply Strategy has extended well over three years with iterations and updates as requested by the committee.  Consultants and staff have addressed all the committees’ requests to date. Additional information on the Rous Future Water Project 2060 was presented to the Committee by Rous County Council staff in May 2023.

A Workshop with Councillors to discuss the Strategy is most appropriate as per Resolution 21-239.

Attachment 1: Mullumbimby water supply strategy final draft Rev 1(2) - December 2021, E2023/57221 

Attachment 2: D23 11088  Byron Shire Council Water and sewer advisory committee response to Request for advice on the Mullumbimby water supply(2) - 29 May 2023, E2023/57213 

  

 

RECOMMENDATION:

1.      Note the report.

2.      That the Committee recommend to Council the preferred strategic direction of staff to facilitate the start of detailed works.

 

 

Attachment 1 (E2023/57221); Attachment 2 (E2023/57213).

 

Attachments:

 

1        Mullumbimby water supply strategy final draft Rev 1(2) - December 2021, E2023/57221 , page 22⇩  

2        D23 11088  Byron Shire Council Water and sewer advisory committee response to Request for advice on the Mullumbimby water supply(2) - 29 May 2023, E2023/57213 , page 245⇩  

 

 

Report

History of Strategy Development:

The development of the Mullumbimby Water Supply Strategy commenced in late 2019 with progress reported to staff and ET in September 2020 and March 2021.  The draft strategy was presented to the WWSAC in April and May 2021 with the following recommendation:

Report No. 4.1 Mullumbimby Future Water Strategy

File No: I2021/781

Committee Recommendation:

That Council:

1. Recognises that for the Mullumbimby township there are 2 water supply issues being considered at the moment, one being a potential drought next summer and the other being the long term future water supply strategy.

2. Undertakes works to complete the connection of the emergency supply to the rest of Mullumbimby.

3. In relation to a long term strategy, firms up the management options including recognising the environmental impacts of each option, inclusive of impacts of Rous's own options (for options that use Rous water).

4. Aims to produce a draft long term strategy to go to a Strategic Planning Workshop with a view to putting the strategy on public exhibition

Detailed design for the emergency supply pipeline is being undertaken.

Additional information on environmental impacts was included in an update of the Mullumbimby Water Supply Strategy (Rev 1, December 2021).

Since then, Committee members have requested further information which has been provided by staff, consultants and Rous County Council.  A workshop with the WWSAC was held in May 2023 including a presentation by Rous County Council on its Future Water Project 2060 and relationship to Mullumbimby water supply as well as responses to questions from the Committee.

Background:

Mullumbimby’s drinking water supply is sourced from the upper reaches of Wilsons Creek. Water is extracted from Laverty’s Gap Weir where it flows by gravity through a ‘race’ (open channel), via a mountain tunnel to the water treatment plant (WTP).

Figure 1: Mullumbimby water supply schematic diagram

Council engaged Hydrosphere Consulting to prepare a long-term strategy for Mullumbimby water supply with a final draft available in December 2021.  The key issue addressed is water supply security (servicing existing customers and future development over the long-term).  The current demand for water is similar to the secure yield at Laverty’s Gap weir and if the worst drought on record were to repeat, the current supply may not meet demand.  Council has developed growth management strategies for urban land, rural areas and business/industrial land which include future development that will increase the demand for potable water.

The water supply strategy also considers the following issues:

·    Asset condition and performance.

·    Drought management and emergency response.

·    Heritage considerations and management obligations.

The strategy assesses the security of the existing water supply system based on its secure yield and current demand.  Options to increase the supply and reduce potable water demand were identified and analysed and scenarios were developed using combinations of the options to achieve the required secure yield in 2050.  An integrated water cycle management (IWCM) approach was used to compare options and scenarios and identify the preferred supply augmentation scenario to meet the predicted 2050 demand.

Additional detail on secure yield, forecast demand and water supply security was presented to the Committee in April 2021 (Report No. 4.2, File No: I2021/478) and is provided in the strategy document.

Water Supply Options and Supply Scenarios

A coarse screening assessment considered a range of new as well as previously identified supply options. Short listed supply-side options are:

Option 1.      Do nothing (assessed for comparison with augmentation options).

Option 2.      Raising Laverty’s Gap weir.

Option 3.      Off-stream storage.

Option 4.      A: Permanent connection to the RCC bulk water supply.
               B: Emergency connection to regional supply

Option 5.      Groundwater.

Following a detailed assessment of these options, four supply scenarios were developed from combinations of the options that achieve the required secure yield over the long-term. Additional detail on options and scenarios was presented to the Committee in April 2021 (Report No. 4.2, File No: I2021/478) and is provided in the strategy document.

The four scenarios were compared using a triple-bottom-line (TBL) assessment which assesses each scenario based on environmental, social and economic criteria.  Based on the TBL assessment, the most favourable scenario is S3:  Permanent connection to RCC regional supply (Figure 2). This scenario would have minimal environmental impact and the security of supply is only limited by the security of the RCC regional supply.  There are significant cost savings in avoiding the need to replace the Mullumbimby WTP and upgrade the weir supply.

Figure 2: Preferred scenario S3: Permanent connection to RCC regional supply

Implementation Plan

The following actions are required to progress the implementation of the preferred scenario:

·    Construction of extension to emergency pipeline.

·    Consultation with the community.

·    Further consultation with Rous County Council.

·    Consultation with state government agencies.

In parallel with the implementation of the preferred strategy, arrangements for rehabilitation and operation of the redundant assets (weir, rising main/race, WTP) including heritage considerations should be investigated.  Supply to the trunk main customers also needs to be determined.

Financial Implications

The NPV of the regional scenario is the lowest of all scenarios (initial capital cost of $4.3 million, mainly for the supply pipeline to Mullumbimby reservoirs).  There are significant capital cost savings in avoiding the need to replace the Mullumbimby WTP, upgrade the weir supply and construction of new infrastructure (savings of between $14 million and $32 million depending on the scenario).  However, the ongoing costs of a regional supply ($21 million over 30 years) are expected to be higher than local scenarios (approximately $5 million over 30 years).  Further consultation with Rous County Council is required to confirm financial arrangements for the regional supply.

When non-financial criteria are considered, the most favourable scenario is still S3: Permanent connection to the RCC regional supply.  This scenario would have minimal incremental environmental impact and the security of supply is only limited by the security of the Rous regional supply.  The addition of Mullumbimby to the regional supply is unlikely to affect the overall bulk supply strategy and the major environmental impacts associated with the regional scheme are fixed regardless of the inclusion of Mullumbimby in the regional scheme.  Social acceptance of this scenario has not yet been determined but when other factors such as energy consumption, infrastructure modifications and required investment are considered, the regional supply has significant benefit over the local scenarios.  Financial benefits would result from regional opportunities for staging of water source development, increased flexibility in scheme development, reduced duplication of infrastructure and sharing of costs over a larger customer base.  There is also the potential to reduce the risk of supply shortage in the region through supply diversity, supply redundancy, climate resilience and system flexibility.  A regional scheme also allows access to a wider range of options to improve environmental and social outcomes than a local scheme.

 

 

 

 

 

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services                                                 4.1 - Attachment 1

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services                                                 4.1 - Attachment 2

Staff Reports - Infrastructure Services                                                            4.2

Report No. 4.2       Utilities Operational Update Report

Directorate:                         Infrastructure Services

Report Author:                   Cameron Clark, Manager Works

File No:                                 I2023/900

Summary:

This report summaries the performance of Utilities Department delivery for April 2023.

 

  

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Committee notes the report

 

 

 

 

Report

DRINKING WATER QUALITY

In April 2023 there were zero (0) critical limit exceedances at Mullumbimby WTP. 

From: WaterOutlook > Reports > Special > MONTHLY UTILITIES REPORTS > UTILITIES REPORT - Mullumbimby Drinking Water Quality

 

CRITICAL LIMIT EXCEEDANCES Mullumbimby Drinking Water Supply Critical Control Points (CCPs) 12 Months to March 2023
Date Occurred	Description	Description and Cause of Issue	Action Taken to Remedy Situation	Action Taken to Prevent Reoccurrence
5/1/23 to 6/1/23	Turbidity Exceedance ‘ Filter 1 & 2 (3 exceedances)	Rainfall event on the 5 Jan 2023 raised the Turbidity in plant process between 6 and 7 Jan 2023 (Filter 1 exceeded on one day and Filter 2 exceeded on both days, see plots below). The finished water on both days had Turbidity of < 0.75 NTU which is within acceptable limits, therefore no impact on supply.	Jar testing and Chemical dosing corrections undertaken throughout.  Treated water returned to < 0.23 NTU by 8 Jan 2023.	Continued monitoring of raw water turbidity and filter turbidity.
11/1/23 – 15/1/23	Chlorine Residual at Left Bank Reservoir = 0.19mg/L	Free Chlorine Residual result during weekly sample collection and testing on 11 Jan 2023 was found to be 0.19mg/L at Left Bank Reservoir outlet. The cause of this issue was the Reservoir filling had been isolated since 6th Jan 2023. During this time of no fresh water entering the Reservoir and the high ambient temperatures the chlorine residual slowly trended lower.	The other Reservoir in Mullumbimby had filled then Left Bank Reservoir inlet valve was returned to normal operations. This happened on 15 Jan 2023. During this fill 44% of the volume was filled with fresh filtered chlorinated water from the water treatment plant. After this Left Bank Reservoir Free Chlorine Residual was sampled as 0.75mg/L on 18 Jan 2023	When Reservoirs are isolated. Check Chlorine trends and if trending downwards dose with sodium hypo to keep level within our set parameters.

 

 

 

2.3.1 Public Health Reportable Events

 

There were no water quality reportable events in April 2023.

2.3.2   Shire Water Consumption

 

From: WaterOutlook > Reports > Special > MONTHLY UTILITIES REPORTS > UTILITIES REPORT - Water Usage and STP Inflows Summary 

 

2.4    STP INFLOWS

 

From: WaterOutlook > Reports > Special > MONTHLY UTILITIES REPORTS > UTILITIES REPORT - Water Usage and STP Inflows Summary

 

 

2.4.1   STP Performance

 

There were zero (0) STP licence 100 percentile limit exceedances in April 2023.

STP 100th PERCENTILE LICENCE LIMIT EXCEEDENCES (TREATED WATER QUALITY)   12 Months to March 2023
Date Occurred	Description	Description and Cause of Issue	Action Taken to Remedy Situation	Action Taken to Prevent Reoccurrence
Byron Bay STP
06/07/22	Ammonia Exceedance ‘EPA 1’ of 5.19 mg/L	Council was notified of the exceedance by the lab on 8/07/2022. The exceedance is believed to be due to lower than optimal Suspended Solids (SS) levels within bioreactor. This SS drop was not identified by instrumentation.	The suspended solids instrumentation was cleaned and calibrated.  DO setpoint increased Wasting reduced to increase SS within Bioreactor which reduces the Ammonia levels.	Instrumentation planned maintenance schedule reviewed. Process review training with operational staff.
Bangalow STP
25/05/22	Ammonia Exceedance ‘EPA 4’ of 12.3 mg/L	Exceedance was caused by a high rainfall event which caused high inflows to the plant.  Council was notified of the exceedance by the Lab on 27/5/2022. The exceedance is thought to be due to effluent being pumped back from the effluent return pond.	The dissolved oxygen (DO) setpoints were raised to help lower the Ammonia will monitor process.		The electricians have cleaned and serviced the DO sensors to ensure correct operation and will continue to monitor.
Brunswick Valley STP
25/05/22	Faecal Coliform Exceedance ‘EPA 1’ of 750 cfu /100 ml	Exceedance was caused by a high rainfall event which caused inflows to the plant of approximately 8 x Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF).  The UV disinfection (rated at 5 x ADWF) was not able to cope with the volume and therefore bypass of the UV system occurred.	Continue monitor plant performance and correct operation during high rainfall events.
15/02/23	Faecal Coliform Exceedance ‘EPA 1’ of 3750 cfu /100 ml	Exceedance was caused by a high rainfall event over 14th and 15 th February.  Hi inflows resulted in bypass of the UV system.	Outflow was retested until FC had dropped to an acceptable level meeting License). This was achieved by 20/02/2023.	Monitor FC testing results and reduce inflow and infiltration into the system.
Ocean Shores STP
25/05/22	Faecal Coliform Exceedance ‘EPA 3’ of 2840 cfu /100 ml	On the 23/05/2022 at 1am the wetlands at Ocean Shores STP started to bypass at the overflow weir due to extreme weather event with high rainfall and as a result there was a treatment bypass All raw sewage and stormwater was discharged via primary screening and UV treatment. The estimated volume of effluent discharged over the four (4) day period was 6.6 ML. No untreated sewage was discharged into the surrounding environment. As a result, there was a Faecal Coliform exceedance at EPA 1.	When flows reduced, a board was placed in the V notch to allow bypass to be halted. Full treatment re-established. During and after the incident, operators monitored and adjusted treatment to correct high faecal coliform, nitrate and ammonia levels in effluent. • Council operators carried out additional sampling at the effluent discharge point (EPA3) and in addition; monitoring of water quality of the Brunswick River upstream and downstream of the STP outfall at: o Upstream of Ocean Shores STP at Federation bridge Mullumbimby o Downstream of Ocean Shores STP at Massey Greene Boat Ramp, Ocean Shore Bypass was reported to the EPA (Ref:  EPA 13060, Reg no. 116.2022.6.1)	• Carried out an incident review process in line with the Pollution Incident Response Management Plan to ensure all procedures were adhered to and amended if required to prevent future deviations from procedure. • Perform Inflow and Infiltration investigation of Ocean Shores sewerage system. • Review SOP’s associated with wet weather events for OSSTP
26/10/22	Faecal Coliform Exceedance ‘EPA 3’ of 3640 cfu /100 ml	FC Exceedence caused by High Inflows to plant due to an extreme rainfall event.	Council operators monitored flows and ensured UV operating correctly. Retesting was carried out to ensure FC levels reduced quickly after the rainfall event.
4/1/23	Faecal Coliform Exceedance ‘EPA 3’ of 950 cfu /100 ml	Cleaning of wetlands combined with heavy rainfall caused flow of debris to hinder effectiveness of UV.	Operators cleaned UV and tested FC levels continuously until license compliance achieved.	Ensure regular cleaning of Wetlands channel and cleaning of UV Tubes to prevent recurrence.
15/2/23	Faecal Coliform Exceedance ‘EPA 3’ of 1120 cfu /100 ml	15 February 2023 a high FC count was tested at EPA 3. This was due to a High rainfall event on 14th and 15th February.	Retesting was done until FC count met License. This was achieved by 20/02/23.	Monitor FC results. Reduce Inflow--Infiltration into system.
1/3/23	Faecal Coliform Exceedance ‘EPA 3’ of 4700 cfu /100 ml	Investigation determined that organic material from the wetland cell is washing through the UV during high flow periods.	A resample was conducted on 17/3/2023 and the result came back at 130cfu which is within normal operating range.	UV to be cleaned regularly to limit the organic material building up in the unit also monitoring of the water quality going through the wetland.
15/3//23	Faecal Coliform Exceedance ‘EPA 3’ of 730 cfu /100 ml	Investigation determined that organic material from the wetland cell is washing through the UV during high flow periods.	A resample was conducted on 17/3/2023 and the result came back at 130cfu which is within normal operating range.	UV to be cleaned regularly to limit the organic material building up in the unit also monitoring of the water quality going through the wetland.

2.4.2 EPA Reportable Events

 

There were zero (0) EPA reportable incident during March 2023.

 

2.5      LIQUID TRADE WASTE OPERATIONS

 

 

Liquid Trade Waste New Approvals

 

Three (3) new Approvals were issued in April:

·    61.2023.12.1

·    61.2023.40.1

·    61.2023.35.1

Liquid Trade Waste Re-Approvals

 

Six (6) Re- Approvals were issued in April:

·    Japonaise Kitchen – 61.2023.23.1

·    Mullum Wash House – 61.2023.36.1

·    Pink Lotus Eatery – 61.2023.37.1

·    Subway Byron Bay – 61.2023.41.1

·    Bang Bang – 61.2023.31.1

·    Honour – 61.2020.44.1

Inspections

The team completed a total of Twelve (8) site inspections in April.

 

Inspection for New Approval Applications

Two (2) inspections at premises applying for a new Liquid Trade Waste Approval were completed this month.

 

Overdue compliance Site Inspections

Zero site inspection to premises overdue for a pump out service.

 

Pre-lodgement Site Inspections

One site meeting to clarify requirements for new development applications – 61.2023.4.1

 

Liquid Trade Waste Customer Request Inspection

Zero customer request inspections

 

Liquid Trade Waste Incidents

Zero Trade Waste Incidents Reported

 

Liquid Trade Waste KPI’s

 

APPROVALS	Re-approvals	8 per month
	New / Amended approvals	3 per month (Estimated)
INSPECTIONS	Approval inspections	10 per month
	Annual inspections	25 per month
COMPLIANCE ACTIONS	Generated from inspections	3 per month (Estimated)

 

 

 

Registers

 

The following addional Registers fall under Systems Compliance Officer position description:

·    Water Backflow Prevention – Register 65. Approximately 20% of backflow devices are currently registered. Annual testing is not currently being enforced due to staffing resources.

·    Private Sewer Pump Stations – Register 34

·    Private Hydrant - Register 68

·    We are storing backflow prevention device commissioning reports as they come in.

 

2.6 TREATED EFFLUENT & REUSE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

2.6.1 Byron Wetlands Water Quality

The data below shows the assimilative and polishing capacity of Byron Wetlands for the February to April 2023 period.

 

From: WaterOutlook > Reports > Special > MONTHLY UTILITIES REPORTS > UTILITIES REPORT - Wetlands Performance

 

The assimilative and polishing capacity is demonstrated by the nutrient reduction trend between EPA1 and EPA 4 for nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations as follows:

 

·    Total Phosphorus - an average increase of 0% to 33% is seen between EPA1 and EPA4, this increase is not in line with the reduction seen in the literature of around 40-60%. It is noted however, that this result is a factor of very low Phosphorus levels entering the wetland, leaving very little scope for improvement.  In addition, small variations in concentrations are amplified due to the way the target is calculated.  Discharge concentrations of 0.12-0.14 mg/L are still significantly below the EPA limit for discharge from the STP of 1.0 mg/L.

 

·    Total Nitrogen - an average reduction of between 78% and 79% is seen between EPA1 and EPA4.  This is significantly better than that seen in the literature of around 40-55%

 

2.6.2   Byron Wetlands (BBIWMR) Water Quantity

Key observations from monitoring and modelling data:

 

-     Rain appears to be a substantial driver of increased water flows into and out of the BBIWMR system, as well as ground water levels.

-     There is still untapped reuse potential at the 24 ha site. This system is in the process of being reactivated.

Note: The Additional Flow Path (AFP) project will soon become operational. Monitoring systems and water-balance modelling will be updated to capture the AFP contributions to the effluent management system.

 

2.6.3   Wetlands Operation

Monthly inspections and checklists have been completed by AWC in April.

 

Bird Buddies have observed an increase in waterbird numbers in recent surveys.

 

Water levels have been higher due to rainfall. Investigations and monitoring into the acidic water and sulphurous smell within the lower section of Cell D have concluded that lowering of water levels has disturbed ASS materials. Careful management of flows through the system and monitoring has enabled the issue to be contained. Reintroduction of effluent into Cell E and rainfall has buffered and neutralised the disturbed ASS materials.

 

The DPI research team continued monthly monitoring.  The reduction of salvinia extent has been sustained in Cell H with large areas of open water providing habitat for waterbirds. There also appears to have been some impact on the Salvinia presence in Cell I due to weevil activity.

 

Meetings with Peter Boyd and Jim Rogers have been completed to discuss and integrate mowing activities with feral animal management on the site. Aruma is providing mowing schedules to ensure that access can be maintained during trapping activities.                            

 

Discussions are ongoing Planit and Safe Group regarding monitoring requirements and the additional flow path have been completed. Progress is being made to complete the assessment of recent monitoring in the Industrial Estate drain and rainfall. Logger locations have been discussed in both the 24ha and Cell J.

2.6.4   Biosolids Management

 

The table below shows the total biosolids removed from the STP sites and applied to land for the last 12 months from May 2022 until April 2023.

From: WaterOutlook > Reports > Special > MONTHLY UTILITIES REPORTS > UTILITIES REPORT - Biosolids Movements

2.6.5 Recycled Water Management Strategy

 

Update on project progress:

As per resolution from December 2022 ET meeting, investigations are being carried out to upgrade urban effluent reuse treatment and management systems. A follow-up report will be presented to ET in May/June 2023.

 

Cost-benefit assessment of future options for effluent reused is being undertaken.

 

2.7 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

 

ET Assessments

 

The graph below illustrates the ET assessment profile from March 2022 to April 2023. In April 2023, the systems planning team required 36.9 days on average to complete ET assessments.

 

 

 

 

Overview

·    Resources are depleted due to staff leave.

·    Assessments are being completed on an ‘as needs’ basis.

·    10 ET assessments were finalised in April.

·    12 referrals are on hold due to requested additional information from planners/applicants.

2.8 PLANNED & REACTIVE ASSET MAINTENANCE

 

Planned Maintenance

Overall planned maintenance data is not available for the month of April. However, the long-term average compliance for the last twelve months is just below target at 79% (target of 80%).

 

Notes:

·      The Sewer Operations team have continued to recover from staff shortages and now have an above target compliance rate.

 

Reactive Maintenance

The reactive maintenance data is not available for the month of April.

 

Task Closeout

There are is now a reduction in aged reactive maintenance tasks, due to a concerted effort to close out aged CRMs as we move across to the Assetic maintenance system. 

 

 

2.9 ASSET MAINTENANCE

 

Utilities Asset Maintenance Software Review

The full functional requirements are contained within Doc Ref: E2021/47655: 24.2021.11.1 Appendix A - Maintenance Software Functional Description DRAFT Feb2021

Project Status – Assetic Rollout

Utilities are in the process of moving to new maintenance management software Assetic. 

 

1.   The Water Reticulation team are now live in this system and using it to manage all planned and reactive maintenance. 

2.   The Rates team are now using the Assetic maintenance system to manage Property meter changes (installs and removals) as well as special meter reads.

3.   The Electrical team have now been trained in the software. ‘Go Live’ for this team was scheduled for April but due to leave and ANZAC holiday this will be actioned by the end of April.

4.   The next team to be rolled out is the Treatment team in May 2023.  This team’s planned maintenance schedule has been built in Assetic.  Review of this sections CRM categories are currently under review for integration into the system.

5.   The Assetic implementation team will be training in Power BI in May 2023. This will enable key information and KPIs to be available to managers, without the need to log into the Maintenance system.

 

Example of Home Screen Profile in Assetic for the Rates Team

 

General Asset Management Improvements

Water Mains and Reuse Mains:

·    Predictor™ model build underway.

Reuse Access Points and Reuse Filling Stations:

·    Predictor™ model build underway.

Sewer Vacuum Pods:

·    Predictor™ model build underway.

Sewer Pump Stations:

·    All latest capital works condition information loaded to the asset register. Predictive model to be updated.

·    All latest pump change out detailed information loaded to the asset register.

Utilities Digital Asset Management Plan (DAMP):

·    DAMP second draft build continuing.

Flood Damage:

·    Laverty’s Gap Weir – PWA provided the Design Scope document to review. Scope accepted by BSC. Concept design underway. Biodiversity walk found no issues. End of June concept completion.

·    Gravity Sewer Mains – We have had to reduce scope of project (1 x asset only) to comply with funding amount. Interflow have confirmed they will honour the current submission with the removal of asset 32792 from the scope. Start date to be mid-June 23.

·    Mullum Water Mains Extension – Geotech data has been forwarded. Survey engaged to Byron Bay Surveying. Kick off meeting for surveying occurred on the 27^th April. Survey to start first week of May.

·    Water Mains Replacement (Kolora Way) – Current design route is required to have an EIS. This will hold project back 6-12 months. Alternate route to the southern side of the bridge is now being considered.

·    SPS Switchboard – Timeline of projects as follows:

o SPS 4001 – Fully Completed.

o SPS 3016 – New board commissioned. Only stairs and handrails outstanding.

o SPS 4013 – Only stairs and handrails outstanding.

o SPS 4006 – Platform completed. Awaiting switchboard install (has arrived). Stairs and handrails outstanding.

o SPS 5005 – Not started. Switchboard has arrived.

o Uploaded 47 (switchboards residing in 1:100 yr + 0.5m freeboard) condition assessments, Lat_Longs and switchboard standard drawings to Public Works SharePoint. Public Works has surveyed all 47 switchboard heights.

·    Pressure Sewer Boundary Valve Kits – Site audit has now been completed. 7 x dwellings require more detailed inspections. Scope finalising. RFT getting close to issue.

·    Telemetry Data Gathering – Purchase Orders created for the 47 x SPS switchboards that sit in the flood layer regarding RTU upgrade project. Some long lead-times on equipment are expected.

·    Electrical Grid Review (OSSTP) – Awaiting Essential Energy feedback to finalise report. Gen set appears to be recommended solution.

STP inspections:

·    Condition assessment and audit inspections at West Byron STP have been fully completed. All data and photos received.

·    Condition assessment and audit inspections at Brunswick Valley STP have been fully completed. All data and photos received.

·    Condition assessment and audit inspections at Bangalow STP have been fully completed. All data and photos received.

·    Condition assessment and audit inspections at Ocean Shores STP have been fully completed. All data and photos received.

·    AWC have completed the wetland assets condition assessment and audit. Data and Shapefiles are currently being added to GIS system.

WTP inspections:

·    Condition assessment and audit inspections at the Mullumbimby WTP have been fully completed. All data and photos received.

General Asset Management:

·    Annual Insurance renewals data has been corrected for Utilities assets.

 

2.10 UTILITIES SUSTAINABILITY

 

Utilities Assets Energy Efficiency Upgrades Validation

 

Utilities have undertaken many energy efficiency upgrades to the waste water network. These upgrades have produced verifiable financial and environmental benefits for council. The Sustainability Officer Utilities (SOU) has been tasked with quantifying and reporting on these savings. In order to assess an assets energy efficiency while taking into account load variations due to population fluctuations and weather variability the SOU has utilised a kWh/kL energy performance metric.

 

SPS5009 which is one of the largest sewer pump stations in Byron’s sewer network had a jockey pump installed in 2015 to handle Average Dry Weather Flow (ADWF) conditions while leaving the larger pumps in reserve for heavy rain events. When the SOU ran energy performance metrics over the site data it became apparent that site energy efficiency was not good and was getting worse. This prompted the removal and servicing of the jockey pump. The serviced jockey pump was reinstalled on the 12/5/22 and the graph below shows that when operating per design the jockey pump halves the site energy usage saving council around $50,000pa on electricity charges alone.

 

Quarterly Utilities Assets Energy Performance Monitoring

 

This table and Key Points is updated quarterly/annually. The tables below display the Utilities sites that have had the largest increases in electricity usage from Q2 2021/22 to Q2 2022/23.  It also applies the standard energy efficiency metric of kWh/kL which demonstrates these sites power consumption per units of influent flow. This metric allows sites to be identified for investigation and optimisation through CRM requests to the Principal Engineer System Planning and the Operations Engineer. Once CRM requests are made sites are monitored and will remain as unresolved items in the IS monthly report until the identified anomalies have been rectified.

 

	QUARTER 1 - 2021-2022			QUARTER 1 - 2022-2023			INCREASE 2021-22 to 2022-23
Asset	Electricity	Inflow	Efficiency	Electricity	Inflow	Efficiency
	(kWh)	(kL)	(kWh/kL)	(kWh)	(kL)	(kWh/kL)	kWh	kWh %	kWh/kL %
SPS3002	20,481	NA	NA	27,966	NA	NA	7,485	37%	NA
SPS3001	30,266	NA	NA	36,480	NA	NA	6,214	21%	NA
SPS3023 (Depot)	30,250	NA	NA	48,575	NA	NA	18,325	61%	NA
SPS3004	3,389	NA	NA	7,153	NA	NA	3,764	111%
SPS4000	8,525	165,136	0.05	14,525	95,429	0.15	6,000	70%	300%

 

Key Points

·    SPS3001 and SPS3002 again showed significant increases in energy usage but Inflow data was still unavailable so a performance metric could not be applied. The missing data will require further investigation.

·    SPS3004 experienced a 111% increase in energy usage but while derived flow was unavailable in Water Outlook pump runtimes had doubled correlating with the increase in energy usage.

·    SPS4000 experienced a 70% increase in energy usage and 300% increase in kWh/kL. This site will be investigated further.

 

Follow Up

 

·    At the request of the Principal Engineer Systems Planning the SOU is endeavouring to separate the electricity billing for Depot Training Room and SPS3023. As a part of the sewer network SPS3023 should have its own dedicated electricity bill and apparently an electricity allowance is included in the lease agreement for the Depot Meeting Room Building that is used by Utilities staff.

·    Electricity account information for all Utilities sites is being validated and corrected where necessary in order to ensure data accuracy for the implementation of Utilities wide rolling energy performance metrics.

·    SPS5003 pump 1 has been recommissioned after servicing. Electricity usage is down by 25% compared to last year (pre flood), derived flow rates and pump runtimes are proportionally down.

·    SPS4000 is continuing to be investigated. Historical data suggest that this SPS is significantly susceptible to I&I and this may be the major cause for power use anomalies.