Lorne Wastewater Treatment Plant - Coastal Secondary Treatment in Victoria, Australia

The Lorne Wastewater Treatment Plant is a municipal facility serving the coastal town of Lorne in Victoria, Australia. It treats wastewater from a population of about 1,196 people, operating under the regulatory framework of the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA). As a secondary treatment plant, it meets the standard required for inland and coastal discharges in Australia. The plant's treatment process involves biological and physical methods to reduce pollutants before discharge. The plant handles an average daily flow of approximately 310 megaliters per year. It operates under the Victorian EPA's discharge license, which sets limits on effluent quality to protect receiving waters. Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local catchment, which ultimately drains to the Bass Strait via the Lorne coastline. The area supports diverse marine life and is part of the Great Ocean Road region, a popular tourist destination. The plant's coastal location necessitates careful management to minimize impacts on nearshore ecosystems and recreational waters.

The plant discharges into the Lorne area, which drains to the Bass Strait, a marine embayment between Victoria and Tasmania. The coastal waters support diverse marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and migratory seabirds. The region is ecologically sensitive due to its proximity to the Great Ocean Road and marine parks, requiring careful nutrient and pathogen management to protect water quality and aquatic habitats.