Relocation of Murray Bridge Wastewater Treatment Plant to begin in August 2018

Construction of a new $52 million wastewater treatment facility for Murray Bridge will soon begin on a site around 10 kilometres south of the township, set back from Pfeiffer Road opposite the Brinkley Waste and Recycling Facility.

John Holland has been contracted to carry out the work, which will also include the construction of a new underground pipeline connecting the plant to the township, new pumping stations along the pipeline route, and the gradual decommissioning of the existing treatment plant adjacent to the Murray Bridge Marina.

SA Water's Senior Manager of Community Engagement Matthew Bonnett said a new treatment plant for the regional centre will provide numerous benefits for the local community, environment and SA Water.

"Since the existing treatment plant began operating in the 1970s, the population and needs of Murray Bridge residents and businesses have changed significantly. We are updating our operations to align with community growth and activity," Matthew said.

"The plant currently treats around 2.6 million litres of sewage a day, with 100 per cent of it recycled for irrigation use at a Department of Defence training area and a nearby pastoral property.

"The new plant will have a daily capacity of around 5.6 million litres to continue these operations and accommodate expected future growth in the area.

"Enhanced treatment processes and odour control facilities will also help minimise odour from the new plant.

"Moving the plant away from the River Murray floodplain and residential areas will improve its environmental performance by eliminating the current source of odour and the potential for discharge into the river during high flood events."

SA Water has been consulting with local stakeholders, including residents and the Rural City of Murray Bridge, for the past several years in the lead-up to the start of this project.

"Understanding the views of the community was an important part of our planning process, and they were integral in selecting the new location for the treatment plant," Matthew said.

"We will continue this engagement as work progresses and will soon be discussing with stakeholders the future use of the existing wastewater treatment plant site."

The new treatment plant is expected to begin operating in early 2020.

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