Overview
Ravensthorpe wastewater treatment plant in Western Australia serves a small population of 546 with secondary treatment. It discharges 141.23 megalitres annually into the local environment.
Ravensthorpe wastewater treatment plant is located in the small town of Ravensthorpe, Western Australia, within the Shire of Ravensthorpe. The plant serves a population of 546 and operates under secondary treatment, which is appropriate for the scale of this rural community. Secondary treatment provides biological removal of organic matter and suspended solids, meeting standard Australian regulatory requirements for inland plants. The plant discharges 141.23 megalitres of treated wastewater per year, reflecting the modest flow from a small agglomeration. The treated effluent is released into the local catchment, which drains into the Southern Ocean via the Phillips River system. The region supports semi-arid ecosystems and agricultural land, making proper wastewater management important for protecting local water quality and downstream habitats.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Phillips River catchment, which flows southward to the Southern Ocean near Hopetoun. This coastal drainage supports seasonal wetlands and estuarine habitats that are ecologically sensitive. The semi-arid climate means water resources are limited, so treated effluent contributes to base flows in the river system.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Ravensthorpe, Western Australia, near the Ravensthorpe Equestrian Club on the Ravensthorpe Heavy Haulage Route, within the Shire of Ravensthorpe.
The plant serves a population of 546 people, making it a small-scale facility designed for a rural community.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local catchment, which flows into the Phillips River and eventually reaches the Southern Ocean.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which includes biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting standard Australian guidelines for inland wastewater treatment.
Australian wastewater treatment plants operate under state and national guidelines, such as the National Water Quality Management Strategy. For small communities like Ravensthorpe, secondary treatment is typical to protect local water resources.
Nearby plants