Resource Recovery in Melbourne, Australia: A Management Solution to Sewer Odour & Corrosion

The Pascoe Vale sewerage catchment area in Melbourne, Australia has a long history of issues with sewage gases. This has been evidenced by the high number of odour complaints received in the area and extreme corrosion in the main sewer branch. Investigations have revealed high levels of hydrogen sulphide gas in the sewer branch, originating in the upper catchment where a number of significant industrial and commercial customers discharge trade waste into the sewer. Source control was found to be the best way to manage the gas generation, however altering trade waste discharge agreements is not currently considered feasible. The concept of an energy generation (sewage treatment) plant was subsequently conceived. An options assessment has shown this to be the more favourable option when compared with traditional sewage gas treatment methods. The expected energy generation, deferral of significant asset renewals and upgrades, and gate fees have made the $28M AUD energy generation plant feasible and even profitable.