Sewer probe to explore more odour solutions in Whyalla

SA Water will be conducting sewer investigations in Whyalla this month to explore further odour busting systems for the regional city, as part of ongoing work to improve the management of sewer network odour.

The work, which will include camera surveillance inside the sewer mains and cleaning them using high-pressure water, complements a recently completed $4 million odour control unit on Billing Street in Whyalla Playford.

The new unit enables SA Water to extract and treat naturally occurring gases in the sewer network, with these new investigations identifying any additional suitable locations that may benefit from water traps and air curtains to seal the network from odour escape and optimise the unit’s efficacy.

Water traps are a flooded section of pipe and work in a similar way to pipework in a household toilet in that it holds the water in the bowl and prevents air from releasing into the bathroom.

Water traps require excavation whereas air curtains can be installed via confined space entry in manholes as the rubber flap is cut to the size of the sewer main.SA Water’s Senior Manager of Production and Treatment Paul Bendotti said crews using high-pressure jet washers and CCTV cameras will target 20 sites in Whyalla’s sewer network to identify any areas that could be augmented, therefore further reducing odours.

"These works will allow us to map our existing network and reveal if there are any locations that suit the installation of an air curtain or water trap," Paul said.

"Having water traps and air curtains creates a sealed network so the new odour control unit can work at the optimum level and only draw in foul air for treatment from the area that needs to be treated.

"The unit is an intricate system of filters, pipes and valves, and connects to the sewer network through an existing pipe on Billing Street where it extracts and treats odorous gases such as hydrogen sulphide.

“A biofilter and activated carbon filter within the new unit treat the gases through a staged process that breaks down odorous compounds and removes any remaining gases by adsorption.”

The unit is now undergoing its standard testing process before it is commissioned and operational, with the planting of native vegetation around the site to provide natural screening completed in December 2024.

The sewer investigations will commence from 24 February, 2025, with traffic management in place while crews work at each of the sites on Story Street, Mill Street, Norrie Avenue and Billing Street, anticipated to be 7am to 5pm, weather permitting.

Contact: Tara Miko

Phone: 0448951418

Email: tara.miko@sawater.com.au