Malabar Wastewater Treatment Plant Odour Management

Work has begun on the odour management system at Malabar Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to reduce the risk of odours impacting on the surrounding community.

The Odour Management Program Alliance, comprising Sydney Water, Abigroup and CH2MHill have been appointed to complete this work.

This project will improve the performance and reliability of the plant's odour scrubbers. This will reduce odours by filtering the air from the plant, and ensure the odour control facility meets environmental requirements.

The Odour Management Project includes:

• replacing the six odour scrubbers
• installing a manifold connected to the six odour scrubbers
• installing a ventilation shaft that releases the treated air from the odour scrubbers
• associated mechanical, electrical and control system upgrades.

Construction activities

Construction commenced in August 2011 and is expected to be completed in mid 2013, weather permitting.

All work will be carried out within the boundaries of the Malabar WWTP and, in most cases, will be obscured from view. Work hours will be between 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm, Saturday.

Residents may notice a localised increase in noise and vehicle movement during the work. Odours are not expected to increase during the work. The Alliance will maintain appropriate safety and environmental controls at all times.

Every effort will be made to minimise the impact on local residents and stakeholders.

Environmental management

Sydney Water prepared a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Malabar WWTP Odour Management Project, which assessed the potential environmental impacts of the proposed work. The REF was displayed from 15 to 29 November 2010 at Randwick City Council, Randwick Branch Library, Bowen Library and Malabar Community Library. An information session was held on 20 November 2010.

Written submissions on the REF from the local community and interested stakeholders closed Monday 29 November 2010. Comments received were considered and addressed in a Decisions Report.

Read the summary of the REF Decision Report (PDF - 386KB) .