Toronto Wastewater Treatment Plant, Newcastle-Maitland, New South Wales

The Toronto wastewater treatment plant is located in the suburb of Toronto, part of the Newcastle-Maitland urban area in New South Wales, Australia. It serves a population of approximately 28,135 residents, classifying it as a medium-sized municipal facility under Australian regulatory frameworks. As an operational plant, it is subject to the regulatory oversight of the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA), which issues environment protection licenses under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. These licenses set discharge limits and monitoring requirements to protect receiving waters. The plant discharges treated wastewater into the local catchment, which ultimately drains to Lake Macquarie, a large coastal saltwater lagoon. Lake Macquarie is an ecologically significant water body that supports diverse aquatic life, including seagrass beds and fish habitats. The treated effluent contributes to the overall water quality and ecological health of the lake and its downstream connection to the Tasman Sea.

The plant's treated effluent flows into the Lake Macquarie catchment, a large coastal lagoon connected to the Tasman Sea. Lake Macquarie is an important estuarine environment that supports seagrass meadows, mangroves, and migratory bird species. The discharge must meet strict nutrient and pathogen limits to prevent eutrophication and protect recreational water quality in the lake.