A Sustainable Near-Potable Quality Water Reclamation Plant for Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Begins Delivering Water

The Gippsland Water Factory (GWF) is being implemented to reclaim domestic and industrial (pulp and paper) wastewater to provide a reliable and sustainable industrial water supply, replacing the high quality raw water currently provided by Gippsland Water (GW). A grassroots facility, the GWF processes domestic wastewater by primary treatment, primary sedimentation, membrane bioreactor (MBR) nutrient removal activated sludge, and reverse osmosis (RO). Domestic primary and waste activated sludge and industrial wastewater is treated in anaerobic reactors (lagoons) prior to biological treatment in an MBR. Significant H2S is produced in the anaerobic reactors and is oxidized to elemental sulfur in the aerobic MBR by controlled oxidation. In stage 2 of the GWF the industrial wastewater will be reclaimed using nanofiltration and RO. Extensive pilot testing supported design of the anaerobic reactors and industrial MBR. Development of the GWF was based on multi-criteria analysis to create an innovative and sustainable solution. Innovative features in addition to those already mentioned include biological sulfur removal from the anaerobic reactor biogas and odor control which includes treatment of foul air in the biological reactor followed by two-stage biological treatment. Commissioning of the domestic train was completed in early 2009. This was followed by a proving period of the system to produce near-potable quality water.