A major $6.5 million upgrade is now underway at the Singleton Sewage Treatment Plant, marking the latest phase in Council’s ongoing capital investment into critical wastewater infrastructure.
The project, which includes a $1 million contribution from the Australian Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund (Round 2), incorporates a major program of energy efficiency, electrification and automation improvements that will reduce emissions, cut operating costs and improve the resilience of one of Council’s highest-use energy assets.
Mike Duff, Council’s Director Infrastructure and Planning Services, said the project would ensure the 40-year-old facility continued to perform safely and efficiently for the growing community, even though customers may not notice it when they turn on a tap or flush the toilet.
“Originally constructed in 1984, the Singleton Sewage Treatment Plant is essential infrastructure for our current population and the foundation of future residential and economic growth,” he said.
At the heart of the upgrade is a transformation of the plant’s aeration system — the Singleton Sewage Treatment Plant’s largest energy user, accounting for around 80 percent of total electricity consumption. Upgrades are estimated to reduce energy usage by 60 percent, cut energy costs by almost $100,000 annually and avoid 93 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Work also includes major upgrades to the plant’s critical electrical and control systems to support the shift to modern automation, as well as improvements to the UV disinfection system.
Commissioning of the upgraded systems is expected in late this year.
