Overview
Gladstone wastewater treatment plant in South Australia serves 851 people with secondary treatment. It discharges 220.28 megalitres annually, protecting local waterways in the Broughton River catchment.
Gladstone wastewater treatment plant is a municipal facility located in the town of Gladstone, South Australia, within the Northern Areas Council. The plant serves a small population of 851 residents and operates under secondary treatment, which is appropriate for a community of this scale in a rural inland setting. The plant treats wastewater to secondary standards, removing organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. With an annual discharge volume of 220.28 megalitres, the facility manages the community's wastewater effectively. As an Australian plant, it operates under the national regulatory framework, including state-level environment protection authorities that set discharge limits to safeguard water quality. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, contributing to the Broughton River catchment which flows into Spencer Gulf. This inland location, over 10 km from the coast, means the plant's discharge supports freshwater ecosystems and downstream water users. Proper treatment is essential to protect the region's agricultural and ecological values.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Broughton River catchment, which drains into Spencer Gulf on the South Australian coast. This inland watershed supports agricultural activities and native vegetation. The secondary treatment ensures that nutrients and pathogens are reduced, protecting downstream aquatic life and water quality for irrigation and stock use.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Gladstone Waste Transfer Station, Huddleston Road, Gladstone, South Australia, within the Northern Areas Council.
The plant serves a population of 851 people in the Gladstone community.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local environment within the Broughton River catchment, which flows to Spencer Gulf.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which removes organic matter and suspended solids, meeting typical standards for small Australian communities.
The plant operates under state and national regulations, including the National Water Quality Management Strategy, with discharge limits set by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority to protect water quality.
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