Overview
Penrith wastewater treatment plant serves approximately 106,000 people in Sydney's western suburbs, New South Wales, Australia. It is an operational facility discharging treated effluent into the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system.
Penrith wastewater treatment plant is a major municipal facility located in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. Serving a population of around 106,000, it is part of Sydney Water's extensive wastewater network that manages effluent from the city's growing urban fringe. The plant 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. For a facility of this scale, secondary treatment is standard, with nutrient removal expected to protect the sensitive downstream ecosystems. The treated effluent from Penrith plant is discharged into the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system, which flows into the Tasman Sea via Broken Bay. This river system is ecologically significant, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for agriculture and recreation. The plant plays a critical role in maintaining water quality in this important catchment.
Environmental context
The Penrith plant discharges into the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, which flows through the Hawkesbury region and eventually reaches the Tasman Sea at Broken Bay. This river system supports a variety of native fish species and provides habitat for waterbirds. The catchment is also used for drinking water supply and irrigation, making nutrient and pathogen removal essential for downstream environmental health.
Frequently asked questions
Penrith wastewater treatment plant is located at Dean Place, Penrith, in the western suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The plant serves approximately 105,899 people in the Penrith area and surrounding suburbs.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system, which flows to the Tasman Sea via Broken Bay.
The plant operates under the New South Wales Protection of the Environment Operations Act, with environment protection licenses issued by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
For a plant of this scale in Australia, secondary treatment with nutrient removal is standard to protect sensitive waterways like the Hawkesbury-Nepean River.
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