Overview
Lightning Ridge wastewater treatment plant in New South Wales, Australia, serves a population of 2,365 with secondary treatment. It discharges 611.83 ML/year, operating under state and national regulations.
Lightning Ridge wastewater treatment plant is located in the remote town of Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. The facility serves a small population of approximately 2,365 residents and operates under the regulatory framework of the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Australian Water Quality Guidelines. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is typical for small inland communities in Australia. Secondary treatment ensures significant reduction of organic matter and suspended solids before discharge. The plant's discharge volume is 611.83 megalitres per year, reflecting the scale of the community served. The treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, likely into a dry creek bed or ephemeral waterway that eventually drains into the Darling River system, part of the Murray-Darling Basin. This basin is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and agricultural activities. The plant's operation is crucial for protecting local groundwater and surface water quality in this arid region.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the local catchment that feeds into the Darling River, a major tributary of the Murray-Darling Basin. This basin is one of Australia's most important river systems, supporting agriculture, wetlands, and biodiversity. The arid climate means water resources are scarce, making the treatment plant's role in preventing contamination of groundwater and ephemeral streams vital for the local ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Lightning Ridge Racecourse, Kaolin Street, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, 2834, Australia, in the remote outback region.
The plant serves a population of approximately 2,365 residents in the town of Lightning Ridge and surrounding areas.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local catchment, which eventually drains into the Darling River system within the Murray-Darling Basin.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which is standard for small inland communities in Australia and meets the requirements of the New South Wales EPA.
The plant operates under the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) regulations and the Australian Water Quality Guidelines, which set standards for effluent quality to protect receiving waters.
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