Overview
Lennox Head wastewater treatment plant serves Skennars Head, New South Wales, Australia. It is an operational facility with a designed capacity of 1.00 million liters per day, serving a population of 12,136.
The Lennox Head wastewater treatment plant is located in Skennars Head, within the Ballina Shire Council area of New South Wales, Australia. It serves a population of approximately 12,136 and has a designed capacity of 1.00 million liters per day, indicating it is a medium-scale facility for the region. As an Australian plant, it operates under the regulatory framework of the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA), which issues environment protection licenses under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. These licenses set discharge limits and monitoring requirements to protect water quality. For a plant of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal in sensitive catchments. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local environment, likely into a nearby waterway that flows to the Pacific Ocean. The region is known for its coastal lagoons and estuaries, which support diverse aquatic life and are important for recreation and tourism. The plant's proximity to the coast (within 50 km) means its discharge must be carefully managed to avoid impacts on marine ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant's treated effluent likely enters a local creek or drainage system that flows into the Richmond River or directly to the Pacific Ocean via coastal lagoons. The area supports sensitive coastal ecosystems, including seagrass beds and mangrove forests, which provide habitat for fish and migratory birds. Nutrient and pathogen removal is critical to prevent algal blooms and protect recreational water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Hutley Drive in Skennars Head, within the Ballina Shire Council area of New South Wales, Australia.
The plant serves approximately 12,136 people in the Lennox Head and Skennars Head areas.
The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, likely into a waterway that flows to the Pacific Ocean, such as the Richmond River or nearby coastal lagoons.
The plant operates under the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority, which issues environment protection licenses under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, setting discharge limits and monitoring requirements.
For a plant of this scale in Australia, secondary treatment is standard, with additional nutrient removal if the receiving waters are sensitive to eutrophication.
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