Overview
Denham wastewater treatment plant in Western Australia serves 669 people with secondary treatment. It discharges 173.15 megalitres annually near the coast of Shark Bay.
Denham wastewater treatment plant is located in the town of Denham, Western Australia, within the Shire of Shark Bay. It serves a small population of 669 residents, reflecting the remote coastal community it supports. The plant is classified as operational and provides secondary treatment, which is standard for small agglomerations in Australia. The plant discharges treated wastewater at a volume of 173.15 megalitres per year. As a secondary treatment facility, it meets the typical requirements for inland and coastal discharges under Australian water quality guidelines. The plant's proximity to the coast necessitates careful management to protect marine ecosystems. The receiving environment is the waters of Shark Bay, a large, shallow bay on the westernmost point of the Australian continent. Shark Bay is an ecologically significant area known for its seagrass meadows, dugong population, and stromatolites. The plant's discharge contributes to the local water cycle while adhering to environmental standards to minimize impact on this sensitive marine environment.
Environmental context
Denham's treated wastewater discharges into the coastal waters of Shark Bay, which is part of the Indian Ocean. Shark Bay is a shallow, nutrient-rich environment supporting extensive seagrass beds, diverse marine life, and important migratory bird habitats. The bay's ecological sensitivity requires careful wastewater management to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect its unique biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
Denham wastewater treatment plant is located on Common Road in Denham, Western Australia, within the Shire of Shark Bay.
The plant serves a population of 669 residents in the town of Denham.
The plant discharges treated wastewater at an annual volume of 173.15 megalitres into the coastal waters of Shark Bay.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard level required for small coastal communities in Australia to protect marine environments.
Australian wastewater treatment plants operate under state and national guidelines, including the National Water Quality Management Strategy. For coastal plants like Denham, secondary treatment is typically required to minimize nutrient and pathogen discharge into sensitive marine ecosystems.
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