Overview
Wardell wastewater treatment plant in New South Wales, Australia, serves approximately 2,362 people with secondary treatment. It discharges treated effluent near the coast, supporting local water quality.
Wardell wastewater treatment plant is located in the small town of Wardell, New South Wales, Australia, within the Ballina Shire Council area. The facility serves a population of around 2,362 residents, reflecting its role as a local municipal treatment asset. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological treatment process for removing organic matter and suspended solids. Under Australian regulatory frameworks, such as the National Water Quality Management Strategy, secondary treatment is appropriate for small communities to protect receiving environments. The treated wastewater is discharged into the local catchment, which ultimately drains to the Pacific Ocean via the Richmond River system. The coastal location means the plant's discharge must meet strict environmental standards to safeguard marine ecosystems and recreational water quality.
Environmental context
The plant's discharge enters the Richmond River catchment, which flows into the Pacific Ocean near Ballina. This coastal environment supports diverse aquatic life, including fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds. The proximity to the coast necessitates careful management of nutrients and pathogens to prevent eutrophication and protect marine habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Kays Road, Pimlico, Wardell, New South Wales, Australia, within the Ballina Shire Council area.
The plant serves approximately 2,362 residents in the Wardell area.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the local catchment that drains to the Richmond River and ultimately the Pacific Ocean.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard biological process for removing organic matter and suspended solids.
The plant operates under the National Water Quality Management Strategy and state-level environmental protection regulations, which set discharge standards to protect coastal and riverine ecosystems.
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