Thursday, 28 November 2024

Wastewater management

Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (18:24): (1342) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Water, and the action I am seeking is for the government to amend regulations to prevent self-auditing of wastewater by private companies. The Environment Protection Regulations 2021 changed wastewater regulations so that private companies are now self-auditing the wastewater they send to Melbourne Water. Since then levels of solids, such as grease and fats, in wastewater have skyrocketed, which means that Melbourne Water is now treating far higher levels of solids than they were previously. Original projections from Melbourne Water for increased solids in wastewater by 2050 have already been overtaken as a result of the shift to self-auditing. Upgrades to equipment to keep up with this demand are projected to cost over $300 million, and this cost will likely be pushed onto home owners and businesses in the form of increased rates. What is worse, the plan requires hundreds of heavy trucks to transport wastewater, up to 30 tonnes, mainly to the Western Treatment Plant, which only has the capacity to treat water using a method that pumps nitrogen oxide, a dangerous and potent greenhouse gas, into the air. In the meantime, at the next heavy rainfall excess wastewater could be pushed into the nearby Kananook Creek, with grim effects on the ecosystem. This could become the new norm for decades to come, all because the industries have been allowed to self-audit their wastewater since 2021. It is clear the current regimen is failing and needs urgent review.