ACTEW reviews sewerage options for the ACT
February 16, 2011
ACTEW Corporation has today released a report with findings regarding the future of sewerage management for the ACT.
The Future Sewerage Options Review: Canberra Sewerage Strategy 2010-2060 report focused on identifying a sewerage management approach for our region that considers adapting to climate change, technological advances and environmental sustainability.
ACTEW Managing Director Mark Sullivan said "the ability to effectively plan, operate, and maintain sewerage assets in a manner that meets community expectations, and meets legislative and regulatory requirements, is becoming increasingly challenging as a result of climate change and variability, population increases and other key factors".
"ACTEW is at the leading edge with undertaking this sort of strategic review for the sewerage business and this report has confirmed that we are in good shape - that our existing sewerage system is appropriate for the ACT and with some modifications and enhancements will see us well into the future," said Mr Sullivan.
"However there is a need to undertake further detailed assessment of a variety of issues associated with a drying climate and its impact on our sewerage services," he said.
The report noted changes will also be required to enable ACTEW to respond to population growth, climate change, environmental pressures and other factors. Further work has commenced to enable ACTEW to continue to deliver effective sewerage services into the future.
The last major review of Canberra's sewerage system took place in 1992 and focused on sewage treatment at the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre.
A summary of the Future Sewerage Options Review is available here. Hard copies are also available by phoning (02) 6248 3555.