Overview
Marlin Coast wastewater treatment plant in Smithfield, Queensland, Australia, serves approximately 21,181 people. It is located near the coast and operates under Australian wastewater regulations.
Marlin Coast wastewater treatment plant is located in Smithfield, Queensland, Australia, serving a population of around 21,181. The facility is situated near the coastal suburb of Yorkeys Knob, within the Cairns Regional area, and plays a key role in managing municipal wastewater for the region. The plant operates under Australia's national wastewater management framework, which includes state-level regulations in Queensland. For a facility serving a medium-sized agglomeration, secondary treatment is typically required to protect environmental values. The designed capacity is reported as 1.00 (likely in megaliters per day), indicating the plant's scale. Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local environment, ultimately reaching the Coral Sea via nearby waterways. The region's tropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef make effective wastewater treatment critical for protecting marine ecosystems and coastal water quality.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Coral Sea via local creeks and estuaries in the Cairns region. The receiving waters support diverse marine life, including seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are sensitive to nutrient and pollutant loads. Effective treatment is essential to minimize impacts on these ecologically important coastal habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Marlin Coast wastewater treatment plant is located on McGregor Road, Yorkeys Knob, in Smithfield, Queensland, Australia, within the Cairns Regional area.
The plant serves approximately 21,181 people, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under Australian wastewater classification.
Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local waterways that flow to the Coral Sea. The exact discharge point is managed to meet environmental standards.
The plant operates under Queensland's Environmental Protection Act and the Australian National Water Quality Management Strategy, which set standards for effluent quality and environmental protection.
For a plant of this size in Australia, secondary treatment is standard, often including biological processes to reduce organic matter and nutrients before discharge.
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