Overview
Yarrabah wastewater treatment plant in Queensland, Australia, serves a population of 2,479 with secondary treatment. It discharges treated effluent near the coast, supporting local environmental health.
Yarrabah wastewater treatment plant is located on Kings Beach Road in Yarrabah, within the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire, Queensland, Australia. The plant serves a small community of 2,479 people and operates under secondary treatment standards, ensuring effective removal of organic matter and solids before discharge. As a secondary treatment facility, Yarrabah meets the typical requirements for small Australian communities under state and national wastewater regulations. The plant's operational status is active, and it handles an average daily discharge volume of approximately 641 cubic meters. The plant is designed to accommodate the local population's needs. The treated wastewater is discharged into the local environment near the Coral Sea coast, within 10 km of the shoreline. This coastal discharge requires careful management to protect marine ecosystems, including nearby fringing reefs and seagrass beds. The plant plays a vital role in safeguarding water quality in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area, a globally significant marine environment.
Environmental context
The plant discharges treated wastewater into the coastal waters of the Coral Sea, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This region supports diverse marine life, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and migratory species. The plant's secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient and pollutant loads, mitigating risks to downstream ecosystems. The local watershed drains from the surrounding rainforests into the sea, making the plant's performance critical for maintaining water quality in this ecologically sensitive area.
Frequently asked questions
Yarrabah wastewater treatment plant is located on Kings Beach Road in Yarrabah, within the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire, Queensland, Australia.
The plant serves a population of 2,479 people in the Yarrabah community.
The plant discharges treated effluent into the coastal waters of the Coral Sea, near the Great Barrier Reef. It is located within 10 km of the coast, requiring careful management to protect marine ecosystems.
Yarrabah provides secondary treatment, which involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids, meeting standard requirements for small Australian communities.
Australian wastewater treatment plants operate under state and national guidelines, including the National Water Quality Management Strategy. For small coastal plants like Yarrabah, secondary treatment is typical to protect sensitive marine environments such as the Great Barrier Reef.
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