Overview
Kalbarri wastewater treatment plant in Western Australia serves 1,485 people with secondary treatment. It discharges treated effluent near the coast, supporting local environmental health.
Kalbarri wastewater treatment plant is located on Meanarra Drive in Kalbarri, Western Australia, within the Shire of Northampton. The plant serves a population of approximately 1,485 residents and is classified as a small-scale municipal facility. It operates under Australian regulatory standards for wastewater management. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is appropriate for its size and coastal setting. Secondary treatment typically involves biological processes to reduce organic matter and suspended solids. The plant's discharge volume is recorded at 384.18 megaliters per year, indicating consistent operation. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, with the plant situated within 10 kilometers of the coast. This proximity to the Indian Ocean requires careful management to protect marine ecosystems. The plant plays a key role in safeguarding the nearby Murchison River estuary and coastal waters from nutrient pollution, supporting biodiversity and recreational uses.
Environmental context
Kalbarri lies near the mouth of the Murchison River, which flows into the Indian Ocean at Kalbarri National Park. The plant's discharge enters this coastal watershed, where nutrient-sensitive marine habitats include seagrass beds and coral communities. Effective treatment is essential to prevent algal blooms and maintain water quality for tourism and fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Meanarra Drive in Kalbarri, Western Australia, within the Shire of Northampton.
The plant serves approximately 1,485 residents in the Kalbarri area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local coastal environment near the Indian Ocean, after secondary treatment.
The plant operates under Australian state and federal regulations, including the National Water Quality Management Strategy, which sets standards for effluent quality and environmental protection.
Small coastal plants like Kalbarri typically use secondary treatment to reduce organic matter and nutrients, meeting discharge standards that protect sensitive marine ecosystems.
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