Overview
Yungngora wastewater treatment plant in Western Australia serves a small community of 290 people with secondary treatment, discharging treated effluent into the local environment.
Yungngora wastewater treatment plant is located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, serving the small Aboriginal community of Yungngora. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the Australian government and Western Australia's Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, which sets discharge standards for small communities. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is appropriate for its small population size. Secondary treatment typically removes organic matter and suspended solids, reducing the environmental impact of the discharged effluent. The plant's discharge volume is approximately 75 megalitres per year. The treated wastewater is discharged into the local environment, likely into a nearby watercourse or groundwater system. The Kimberley region is ecologically sensitive, with diverse aquatic habitats and seasonal rivers that flow into the Indian Ocean. The plant's operation helps protect local water quality and downstream ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant discharges into the Fitzroy River catchment, which flows into King Sound and the Indian Ocean. This region supports diverse aquatic life, including migratory fish and waterbirds. The Fitzroy River is one of Australia's largest seasonal rivers, and its health is critical for the local ecosystem and traditional Indigenous uses.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Calwynyarda-Noonkanbah Road, near Mount Hardman in the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley, Western Australia, Australia.
The plant serves approximately 290 people, primarily the Yungngora Aboriginal community.
The plant provides secondary treatment, which typically involves biological processes to remove organic matter and suspended solids.
The plant operates under Australian state and federal regulations, including the National Water Quality Management Strategy, which sets guidelines for effluent discharge to protect environmental and public health.
Small remote communities often use secondary treatment systems like aerated lagoons or package plants, which are cost-effective and require less maintenance while meeting regulatory standards.
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