Swift 1 Lock Way, Riverview, QLD 4303 T +61 3 93164732 [email protected]www.jbsswift.com.au Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan Swift Australia Pty Limited Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant – Phase 1 King Island Abattoir November 2010 ABN 14 011 062 338
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Swift 1 Lock Way, Riverview, QLD 4303 T +61 3 93164732 [email protected] www.jbsswift.com.au
Development Proposal and
Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia Pty Limited
Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant – Phase 1
King Island Abattoir
November 2010
ABN 14 011 062 338
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 2
Contents Executive Summary 6
1. Introduction 7
1.1. Title 7
1.2. Proponent 7
1.3. Proposal Summary 7
1.4. Background 8
1.5. Legislative Context 9
1.6. Public Consultation 9
2. Assessment of Alternatives 10
2.1. Disposal options 10
2.2. Treatment options 13
2.3. Summary 16
3. Proposal Description 17
3.1. Overview of the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant 17
3.1.1. Location 19
3.2. Wastewater Composition 19
3.3. Final Effluent Quality 24
3.4. Process Description – Abattoir Primary Treatment 25
3.5. Process Design – Covered Anaerobic Lagoon (CAL) 26
3.6. Key Design Issues – CAL 28
3.7. Operational Issues – CAL 32
3.8. Process Design – Anaerobic & Settling Ponds 33
3.9. Process Design – Polishing Ponds 37
3.10. Overall Pollutant Removal 38
3.11. Solid Waste Management 39
3.12. Air Emissions (Odour Dispersion Assessment) 40
3.13. Energy Management 41
3.14. Noise Management 41
3.15. Traffic 41
3.16. Construction and Commissioning 42
4. The Existing Environment 44
4.1. Planning Aspects 44
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 3
4.2. Environment Aspects 44
4.3. Socio-economic Aspects 47
4.4. Alternative sites 48
5. Potential Effects and Their Management 49
5.1. Air Emissions (Odour dispersion) 49
5.2. Wastewater 50
5.3. Ground Water 50
5.4. Noise Emissions 50
5.5. Solid and Controlled Waste Management 51
5.6. Dangerous Goods 51
5.7. Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depleting Substances 51
5.8. Visual Effects 52
5.9. Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment 52
5.10. Fire Risk 52
5.11. Infrastructure and Off-site Ancillary Facilities 52
5.12. Environmental Management System 52
6. Monitoring and Review 53
6.1. Effluent Discharge Monitoring 53
6.2. Groundwater Monitoring 54
6.3. Reporting Requirements 54
7. Commitments 55
8. Conclusion 56
9. Abbreviations 57
10. References 57
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 4
Table Index
Table 1 Qualitative assessment of disposal option against salient criteria 11
Table 2 Assessment of treatment Options 13
Table 3 Design Wastewater Composition 20
Table A3.1 Results of composites taken over the whole processing day, July 2010 21
Table A3.2 Results of composite grab samples taken of DAF feed during May-June 2010 21
Table A3.3 Results of composite grab samples taken of DAF feed during May-June 2010 22
Table A3.4 Results of composite grab samples taken of DAF discharge during May-June 2010 22
Table A3.5 Statistics for DAF treated samples in table A3.1 23
Table A3.6 Removals by DAF from May-June average values 23
Table 4 Expected average treated effluent composition 24
Table 5 Removal of Pollutants in DAF 26
Table 6 Design parameters for the Covered Anaerobic Lagoon 28
Table 7 Design parameters for the Aerated & Settling Ponds 34
Table 8 Design parameters for the Polishing Ponds 38
Table 9 Design pollution removal across the pond system 38
Table 10 Solid Waste Description 39
Table 11 Energy Using Apparatus 41
Table 12 New wastewater treatment plant potential odour sources 49
Figure 2 Location of King Island Abattoir facility - overview 19
Figure 3 Location of King Island Abattoir facility – close up 19
Figure 4 Bio-gas Flare Design 31
Figure 5 17mm Heavy Bird Netting 35
Appendices
A1 Design Drawing – Site Boundary 58
A2 Design Drawing - WWTP 59
A3 Design Drawing – Elevation 60
B1 & B2 Design Drawing – Bird Netting 61
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 5
C1-C4 Project Plan 63
D DPEMP Project Specific Guidelines 67
E Certificate of Title 72
F RENOIR Settling Data 75
G 7.5kW Aerator specification 76
H 5.5kW Aerator specification 79
I Heritage Report 82
J Biogas Monitoring 84
K Climate Date 86
L Odour Dispersion Assessment 87
M Soil Test Pit (1-3) Results 119
N Expected Acoustical Impact of New Aerators and Flare 122
Document History and Status Version Date Status/Comment Originator Project Manager Reviewer
1 30 March 2010 Draft for Swift / EPA Review Troy White Troy White 2 29 September 2010 First Final Draft to submitted to EPA Troy White Troy White 3 9 November 2010 Final Report to EPA / Public Comment Troy White Troy White
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 6
Executive Summary
Introduction
This Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (DPEMP) has been prepared for the
purpose of constructing and commissioning a Covered Anaerobic Lagoon (CAL) followed by Aerated /
Facultative Lagoons to treat wastewater generated from the site abattoir on King Island. This DPEMP is
also intended to assist EPA Tasmania complete its assessment process, allow public review and
comment that will facilitate the development of permit conditions.
Process Description
Swift Australia is proposing to upgrade the wastewater treatment system at its King Island abattoir site.
The proposed system is designed to treat 260 KL/day (Mon-Fri) through and initial solids screen prior to
entering a 2.3ML CAL to reduce the organic loads and where the captured Biogas is flared providing
odour and GHG reductions. The wastewater enters the adjacent 2ML aerated pond where additional
organic load reduction occurs prior to flowing through a series of new settling ponds, removing the
suspended solids. The wastewater then enters a series of final polishing ponds that also has the facility to
increase the dissolved oxygen levels via a small surface aerator prior to off site release. All lagoons /
ponds will be fully lined with 1.5mm HDPE liners except in the Aerated sections where 2.0mm HDPE
liners will be used.
Exiting Environment
The proposed site is located adjacent to the abattoir on the existing title. The site has been selected to be
the most suitable due to the proximity and gentle topography of the area. Historically, this area has been
subject to year round cattle grazing and subsequently there has been no evidence of threatened flora or
fauna on the proposed site. The location of the proposed WWTP to the King Island Airport is within close
proximity and has been designed with this in mind. There is expected to be no impact on the ground
water as a result of the pond designs incorporating HDPE liners.
Potential Effects and their management
The potential effects of the proposed wastewater treatment system are expected to be a positive impact,
with identified impacts discussed and mitigation measures developed. Specifically, the close proximity of
the King Island Airport highlighted the potential issues of bird attraction (bird strike). This has been
addressed by fully enclosing all open ponds with bird netting.
Monitoring and Review
The monitoring and review program has been established to ensure the management prescriptions
described in the DPEMP project specific guidelines (Appendix B) set out by EPA Tasmania are
successfully complied with. The key aspects requiring monitoring will be final wastewater quality and
odour emissions.
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 7
1. Introduction
1.1. Title
Swift Australia Pty Limited (Swift): Wastewater Treatment Plant - Phase 1 King Island Abattoir and
Rendering plant
1.2. Proponent
The proponent of the proposed WWTP is Swift Australia Pty Limited:
• Warranty: 10 Year Pro Rata U/V Stability 0.6% U/V Inhibitor (excluding colour fastness).
Figure 5: 17mm Heavy bird net
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 36
3.8.6. Groundwater Protection
The aerated pond will be constructed with a 2 mm HDPE liner to minimise seepage from the ponds into
the groundwater table. This ensures a hydraulic permeability of less than 1 x 10-9 m/s). A thinner 1.5 mm
HDPE liner will be used for the Anaerobic and Settlement Ponds.
3.8.7. Settled Sludge Management
The sludge removal pipe work in the base of the Settlement Pond will permit connection to a sludge pump
or truck for removal of settled sludge as required. Due to the long HRT in the aerated pond, and the fact
that the sludge remains in the base of the Settlement Pond for an extended period, it is probable that the
volume needing to be removed will be considerably less than the 620m3 indicated in Table 7. The sludge
will be suitable for land spreading or further digestion in a sludge drying pit.
3.8.8. Commissioning
The aerated pond will be commissioned with the addition of approx. 10m3 of sludge from the Currie STP.
The pond should approach design performance rapidly (within 1-2 weeks) since the growth rates of
aerobic bacterial populations is high.
Monitoring during commissioning will include measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH
on a daily basis for the first 2 weeks, and weekly monitoring of BOD5 or COD and TSS concentrations
until the system settles down.
If the aerated pond struggles to accumulate sufficient bacterial concentrations, it is possible to return
sludge from the Settlement Pond back to the Aerated Pond to assist.
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 37
3.9. Process Design – Polishing Ponds
This section describes the design and operation of the final two ponds in the proposed system.
3.9.1. Reason for Selection
The main roles of the polishing ponds are;
• Reduce pathogenic bacterial numbers through natural attrition due to sunlight, high pH and
dissolved oxygen levels;
• Reduce biodegradable BOD5 levels;
• Allow for ammonia volatilisation during summer periods when the combination of high pH and
warm water temperatures combine to shift the equilibrium towards volatile ammonia in the water
column. Wind assists the mass transfer processes associated with ammonia loss.
• Ensure good oxygenation of the effluent prior to release.
The polishing ponds provide robust and cost effective treatment and allow reuse of the water for
appropriate non-potable uses within the facility. Unfortunately the high nutrient levels remaining in the
effluent make it inadvisable for use in applications where bacterial or algae growth can cause difficulties.
3.9.2. Design Parameters
Table 8 outlines the main design features of the two polishing ponds. The design flows has been adjusted
to the 7-day average on the assumption that the hydraulic variation due to the 5-day processing cycle of
the abattoir has been damped out by the proceeding pond volumes of the CAL and aerated and settling
ponds. The polishing ponds have the following features:
• A series configuration has been adopted to maximise bacterial die off, which is enhanced by plug
flow design (e.g. a number of ponds in series).
• A final 5 kW low speed surface aerator is provided near the exit of Polishing Pond 2 to ensure the
final discharge to the 4 km pipeline conveying treated effluent to the ocean outfall is well
oxygenated. The action of this aerator should also break up any stratification in Pond 2 that can
be deleterious to disinfection performance.
• The long axis of Pond 2 is arranged to allow good longitudinal wind run along its length from the
direction of the prevailing breezes.
• Polishing Pond 1 is a small pond at the western end of the aerated and settlement ponds. It
primarily transfers effluent from the settlement pond to polishing pond 2.
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 38
Table 8: Design parameters for polishing ponds
Parameter Units Polish Pond 1 Polish Pond 2
Design Flow kL/day 190 190
Design hydraulic retention days 2.2 19
Volume @ TWL kL 400 3,500
Pond depth @ TWL m 2.0 2.0
Design organic loading (OLR) kgBOD/ha.d 475 80
BOD loading kg BOD5/day 19 19
Design installed aeration kW 5
Supply as surface aerators - 1 x 5 kW
Freeboard (above TWL) m 0.5 0.5
The organic BOD5 loadings displayed in Table 8 assume an entry BOD5 concentration of 100 mg/l from
the discharge of the Settlement Pond. Although the “design organic loading” for Polishing Pond 1 is very
high at 475 kg/ha.d, in reality, the concentration is sufficiently low that odour is very unlikely. The BOD
load is only of the order of 20 kg/day. For Polishing Pond 2, the loading will typical be 80 kg/ha.day.
3.10. Overall Pollutant Removal
Table 9 outlines the design percentage removals of important pollutants across the total pond system.
Table 9: Design pollutant removals across the pond system
Parameter % removal
Summer Winter
BOD5 99.3 98.7
TSS 95 95
Oil & Grease 96 96
Total Nitrogen 38 10
Total Phosphorus 10 10
Thermotolerant coliforms 99.9 99.9
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 39
3.11. Solid Waste Management
The management of the discharge of pollutants from point sources, such as wastewater treatment plants,
will be managed in accordance with the following hierarchy of waste management:
1. Waste avoidance;
2. Reclamation and recycling;
3. Waste reuse;
4. Waste treatment to reduce potentially degrading impacts; and
5. Waste disposal.
Swift have implemented waste avoidance practices within production areas, to ensure that all reasonable
actions have been taken to reduce the volume of wastewater and pollution loads being discharged from
the abattoir and rendering activities, and that trade waste controls are in place to ensure that the effluent
does not contain contaminants that cause environmental harm.
Solid Waste Management will remain consistent with current practices and the site will continue to
manage its waste generation in accordance with the EMPCA (Controlled Waste Tracking) Regulation.
The Regulated Waste is generated on site is detailed in Table 10. These are removed by an EPA licence
operator located on King Island.
Table 10: Solid Waste Description
Solid Waste Description EPA Description EPA Class
• Paunch
material
• Animal Effluent and Residues (abattoir effluent,
poultry and fish processing waste)
K100
• DODA
Screenings
• Animal Effluent and Residues (abattoir effluent,
poultry and fish processing waste)
K100
• WWTP Sludge • Animal Effluent and Residues (abattoir effluent,
poultry and fish processing waste)
K100
Our expected de-sludging program is based on like experience with systems around Australia. For
example, the expected frequency for desludging anaerobic lagoons is 20 years, Aerobic (10 years) and
Setting ponds (every 1-3 years).
The WWTP polishing pond 1 is not expected to require desludging annually with the 2nd and final
polishing pond every 5 years. This program will be reviewed annually after commissioning.
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 40
Swift has made positive steps in waste reduction by incorporating within the abattoir operations the
means to recover by-products for the rendering plant, recovering blood, separating paunch material to
return to the land, and removing screenings and biosolids matter from the wastewater for alternative use.
The recovery, reuse and recycling of effluent and biosolids is encouraged and supported to allow positive
and sustainable environmental outcomes. The DTAE Guidelines state that “The discharge of effluent to
surface waters should not be permitted unless it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the regulatory
authority that effluent application to land is not feasible or would result in a higher net environmental risk”.
Improved effluent quality and careful consideration of discharge arrangements from an environmental
perspective are key requirements of the State Policy.
3.12. Air Emissions (Odour Dispersion Assessment)
Swift commissioned EML (Air) Pty Ltd to complete an odour dispersion modelling and impact assessment
of the expected odour emissions from the proposed WWTP and existing equipment at the abattoir. This
dispersion modelling has been carried out in accordance with Environmental Protection Policy (Air
Quality) 2004 and the Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling Requirements Draft V0.91 October 2009. The
full details of this report can be seen on Appendix L – Odour Dispersion Assessment, Report No 86330.
The model predicted dispersed odour ground level concentrations for the existing biofilter and proposed
WWTP to extend beyond the boundary of the premises. However, the predicted 2 OU contour 99.5th
percentile 1-hour average complies with the odour criteria specified by the Environment Protection Policy
(Air Quality) – Schedule 3.
EML (Air) Pty Ltd has determined that based on their Odour Dispersion Assessment, the predictions of
adverse impacts attributed to odour from the existing biofilter or the proposed WWTP on the beneficial
uses of air environment beyond the boundary are unlikely to occur.
It is important to note, that the Abattoir plant has recently undergone a full upgrade that has resulted in
improvement operating efficiencies and delivered significant environmental improvement to odour
reductions. These inclued improved Steam recovery, enclosing wastewater transfer stations and paunch
storage and refurbished biofilter.
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 41
3.13. Energy Management
The proposed WWTP will require the following estimated energy sources to facilitate the effective and
sustainable operation of the facility. The following Table 11; shows the energy using apparatus required.
All equipment will be managed through an online monitoring system (SCADA) that will enable variable
speed (on / off) setting to be managed automatically. The aerator will be controlled by this method via
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level monitoring, saving energy through decrease aerator operation.
Table 11: Energy Using Apparatus
Apparatus kW (existing) kW (new)
Primary Pit 1 Effluent transfer pump no 1 - Duty 11
Primary Pit 1 Effluent transfer pump no 2 -
Standby 11
DODA Effluent solids screen 1.8
Setting Pond Surface Aerator No 1 7.5
Setting Pond Surface Aerator No 2 7.5
Polishing Pond Final Surface Aerator No 1 5
Effluent Transfer Pump No 1 – Duty 11
Effluent Transfer Pump No 2 – Standby 11
Biogas Flare Blower 3
Air Compressor 3
General Light and Power (accessories) 0.5
Total 22 50.3
The switchboard will be designed so if biogas is determined sufficient to run a small 50kW generator,
automatic swing over to generator power from mains can be initiated from the biogas pressure and flow
meters.
3.14. Noise Management
The proposed WWTP will produce ambient background noise less than 35dBA that would impact any
residential development in the area. Noise sources are limited to the aerators, flare, pump operations and
general operational works (DODA screen / solids collection). A predictive Noise Impact Assessment has
been completed by Acoustics RB Pty Ltd (Appendix N).
3.15. Traffic
There is expected to be little requirement for vehicle movement in to the plant. The majority of traffic
movement will be isolated to the WWTP construction zone with excavator, dozer and tip trucks.
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 42
After commissioning, the only traffic requirements will be by tractor and trailer to remove the solids
generate via the DODA screen (1 load per day, 5 days per week) between the hours of 7am to 3 pm as
per current practices.
3.16. Construction and Commissioning
3.16.1. Construction Phase
The targeted construction plan (as shown in Appendix C1-4) is a guide only and subject to change
pending date of EPA approval of this DPEMP, King Island council approval, community review feedback,
contractor availability / timelines and unseasonal weather conditions. The construction works will consist
of the follow;
• Plant stormwater segregation (currently underway with plan upgrade improvements)
o Stormwater will be redirected away from the effluent system where identified –namely
redirecting entrance roadway stormwater, redirecting roof stormwater from existing areas.
o Improved stormwater collection from the factory roof including the new blast freezers will
be redirected into the on site stormwater tank for reuse as cattle yard wash down water
• Site excavation (Clay harvesting)
o Clay harvesting will be done during the construction of all the ponds and placed to one
side. This will be used as a base prior to the installation of the synthetic HDPE liners to
obtain a solid, smooth surface free of abrasive materials.
• Anaerobic and Facultative Pond construction
o Construction will include compaction testing, and preparation of each pond surface to
accommodate synthetic HDPE liners to achieve requirements as specified and requested
by EPA Tasmania
• Anaerobic Cover Installation
o The CAL cover will be designed and installed for capture of methane gas emissions and
vented to a flare or potential future energy recovery. It is hoped the energy recovery will
be sufficient in time to self power the effluent treatment system if this option is viable.
• Bird Netting Installation
o The uncovered ponds will have a bird netting structure erected over the ponds to prevent
birds utilising the waters and thus creating bird strike issues for the incoming air traffic at
the airport (roof height to 4mt above TOW, 4mt posts on the central wall for internal
support with 2 access points either end of central dam wall – refer diagram Appendix B1)
• Flare Installation
o The flare installation by Gasco as per section 3.6.5.
• Pump station pit and pipelines
o A pump station pit with automatic level control will control the final polishing pond levels.
At the end of the stage 1 works this will transfer back to the current Porky creek
discharge point, albeit at significantly improved quality – once stage 2 works are
approved then it will pump to the ocean outfall
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 43
• Hard stand for DODA screen and solids removal
o This is to provide good access to turn the solids removal tractor and trailer
o The DODA screen is proposed to be erected on a frame sufficiently high such that gravity
discharge of solids can be achieved to a tractor and trailer setup – these solids will be
added to the paunch grass collected elsewhere on site
• Roadway construction
• Installation of temporary outfall line to Porky creek.
3.16.2. Project Timetable
The expected construction period, subject to the approval of the DPEMP and construction phase being
completed within the proposed timelines, is shown in Appendix C1-4.
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 44
4. The Existing Environment
4.1. Planning Aspects
4.1.1. Location Selected
As shown in Section 3.1.1, the proposed WWTP location has been subject to previous like proposal
presented to the EPA by previous proprietors whom operated the site abattoir. The proposed site is
owned and operated by Swift Australia Pty Limited and formally contained in the existing site Certificate of
Title, Volume 47288, Folio 1, show in Appendix E.
The site is subject to the provisions of the King Island council planning scheme, which requires Swift to
file the required Development Application and supporting information (Statement of Environmental
Effects). The specific landholding has been part of the King Island Abattoir since the early 1950’s. The
land surrounding the site to the south and west is used for primary production, predominately grazing on
land classified as being within the Rural Agriculture zone. The land to the North and East is occupied by
King Island Airport.
4.2. Environment Aspects
The proposed WWTP site located on Morrison Avenue, 7km north of the Currie Township, will provide the
following environmental, public health, social and economic benefits:
• Protects public health;
• Protects Porky Creek / coastal ecosystem;
• Protects surface waters and groundwater;
• Improves local amenity
4.2.1. Topography
The area is characterised a flat. The site slopes slightly from the north east corner (elevation 45 m) about
2 m to the western and southern boundaries.
4.2.2. Geology (Soils)
ADG Laboratories have been commissioned to analyse the soil sample collected from 3 test points
located on the proposed site for the WWTP as shown in Appendix A2. Test pit, located in the anaerobic
pond was dug to a depth of 7 metres, with test pits 2& 3 located in the aerated and settling pond area
terminated a 3.1 metres. The soil profile reports are shown in Appendix M and the typically characteristics
can be summarised as being an initial layer of silty / sand, followed by a layer of sandy silty clay, then
clayed sand and finally sandy gravel.
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 45
4.2.3. Ground Water
No ground water monitoring bores are being proposed for the new WWTP site. The WWTP is expected to
have no adverse impacted groundwater geology due to the installation of 1.5 & 2mm synthetic HDPE
liners in all ponds as detailed in section 3.6.3 & 3.8.5.
Test Pits were constructed on the 17th July 2010, with test pit 1 allowing observations to a depth of 7.0m.
The results of the soil structure and condition seen on the day are detailed in Appendix M. This
determined that there was no groundwater leaching into any of the test pits.
The pond will utilised the recovered soil (including clay) in the preparation of a smooth compacted pond
surface prior to the installation of the fully sealed synthetic HDPE liners protecting the area from any lose
of wastewater to groundwater.
4.2.4. Flora and Fauna
The proposed location for the WWTP will not disturb any established plantations. The area is currently a
mix of pasture grasses that is consistently grazed by cattle. A survey of the area was completed using
Natural Values Atlas report number 40096 completed 02:29:46 PM Thursday, 9th August 2010 which
reviewed the following parameters.
• Threatened Flora: buffers 500m and 5000m
• Threatened Fauna: buffers 500m and 5000m
• Conservation Significance Flora: buffers 500m and 5000m
• Conservation Significance Fauna: buffers 500m and 5000m
• Weeds: buffers 500m and 5000m
• Tasmania Vegetation: buffer 1000m
• Threatened N on-Forest : buffer 1000m
• Geo-conservation: buffer 1000m
• Tasmanian Reserve Estate: buffer 1000m
The report determined that there are no threatened plant species found in the surveyed areas. The final
report is combined wit the Dam Assessment Report – Application sent to the Assessment Committee for
Dam Construction, Water Licence and Dam Administration of the Water Management Branch, Water
Resources Division, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Ground in Hobart.
A 30 m border of medium height native vegetation is located along the southern boundary of the site.
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 46
4.2.5. Climate
Climatic information needed to estimate treatment process operating temperatures, rainfall and other
relevant data was sourced from Bureau of Meteorology for the King Island Airport Station 098017. The
data covers 36 years of data for rainfall (1974 – 2010) and 14 years for temperatures (1995 – 2009). It is
summarised in Appendix 2.
The climate is temperate with half the mean rainfall falling in the 4 months June – September, typically as
light rain (< 10 mm/day). Some rain occurs during other months, but summer is typically dry. Annual
mean rainfall is 854.8 mm.
Evaporation data are not measured on King Island, but the Bureau of Meteorology calculates daily
evapotranspiration rates. During 2009, which was a 90 percentile wet year, evapotranspiration amounted
to 1,023 mm. There is relatively little difference between annual evaporation and rainfall.
Mean maximum air temperatures are 21oC and 13oC in mid-summer and mid-winter, respectively.
King Island is exposed to Bass Strait winds and wind roses show a frequently strong wind pattern even in
the mornings. This is optimal for polishing pond aeration. In the afternoon, the prevailing winds are
predominantly from the western quadrant, but with easterly contributions during spring and summer. The
westerly winds blow across the proposed pond site towards the facility and the adjacent airport. In the
mornings, prevailing wind patterns are more confused with contributions from all directions, depending on
season.
The following climate data has been sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology King Island Airport weather
station.
Climate Data - King Island 1995 to 2010
0
5
10
15
20
25
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Month
Temperature (oC)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Rainfall (mm)
Mean rainfall (mm) for years 1974 to 2010 Mean maximum temperature (Degrees C) for years 1995 to 2010 Mean minimum temperature (Degrees C) for years 1995 to 2010
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 47
4.2.6. Natural Events
Fire - The area surrounding the site is predominately grazing land, typically lined at the boundaries by tea
trees. This does not eliminate the risk of fire, however reduces the possibility of severe bushfire affecting
the site and immediate surrounds.
Flooding - The site is located on an elevated nature rise which will significantly reduce the risk of any
natural flood event to impact the proposed site of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
4.2.7. Heritage - Areas of Special Conservation
The area identified has been heavily disturbed over many years of clearing, farming and grazing
activities. An archaeological survey for Aboriginal Heritage was conducted on the 4th Augusts 2010 (refer
Appendix H) by Mr Vernon Graham (Senior Aboriginal Heritage Officer & Principal of Palawa Heritage
Services Pty Ltd).
At the time, no Aboriginal artefacts were located during the survey. In relation to European Heritage, the
archaeological report noted there were three areas in the local area that were referred to in early historic
accounts of King Island:
• The campsite at the mouth of the Fraser River where a group of naturalists from the French
scientific expedition led by Baudin stayed for 13 days in 1802;
• An early sealers’ campsite near Cower Point which is referred to by the French naturalists in
1802; and
• A nineteenth century snarer’s camp in the Eldorado Creek vicinity where the Field Naturalist’s
Club of Victoria camped during their 1887 trip to King Island
Swift will also ensure that, if at any time during works, workers suspect Aboriginal or European heritage,
works will cease immediately and AHT or Heritage Tasmania will be contacted, as appropriate, for advice.
4.3. Socio-Economic Aspects
The Swift plant is the largest employer on the island outside the Council, employing approximately 85
people directly and indirectly supports around 90 farming families.
The major industries on King Island include the Cray Fishing industry, where there are about 15 local
fishermen who run boats around both Tasmania and King Island. The majority of their catch goes direct to
China and Japan. National Foods operates the King Island Dairy and produces world famous cheese,
cream and yoghurt. They employ approx 80 people and are along with the Abattoir the biggest employer’s
on the island. There is also a Kelp factory processes bull kelp and they ship their product to a Sister
company in Scotland. The factory employs approx 20 people.
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Swift Australia – DPEMP 48
4.4. Alternative sites
No other alternative site has been seriously considered by Swift. The current location selected has been
subject to previous proprietor, EPA and Council encouragement and recommendations for the past 5
years.
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 49
5. Potential Effects and Their Management
5.1. Air Emissions (Odour Dispersion)
As previously outlined throughout sections 3.6.1, 3.8.4 and 3.12 the new WWTP will result in an overall
improvement to the impact of the site operations that contribute to odour by decommissioning the DAF
and covering the Paunch tanks. The potential effects of odour from the proposed WWTP and the
mitigation measure that will be employed to eliminate or reduce these are detailed in Section 5.1.1, table
12.
5.1.1. Potential Effects - WWTP Emissions
The provision of a synthetic cover across the top water surface of the CAL will ensure that the majority of
odorous emissions associated with WWTP are captured and combusted via a biogas flare. Odour
emissions from the aerated and settling ponds can be expected to be negligible as detailed in Section
3.12. The follow table 12 addresses all potential air emission points;
Table 12 New Wastewater Treatment Plant Potential Odour Sources
Potential odour Source Assessment Mitigation
Paunch Tank Medium source of odour emission
during hours of operation
• Building secondary containment bund
• Installation of cover
Fan Press Low source of odour emission during
hours of operation
• Maintenance of Fan press in good
working order
Abattoir Wastewater
transfer pit
Closed system – sealed lid / removal
for servicing only
• N/A
DODA Screen Low source of odour emission during
hours of operation (2 hrs / day)
• Maintenance of DODA screen in good
working order
Solids Collection Very low source of odour emission • Waste to be collected within 24 hour for
land application
Covered Anaerobic Lagoon
(CAL)
Fully seal cover • Biogas to be burnt via Flare
Biogas Flare Potential source of odour emission in
Settling Pond No odour emissions expected • DO level monitoring
Sludge Removal Low odour emission expected • Very low frequency of activity (1 – 3
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 50
years)
1st Polishing Pond No odour emissions expected • DO level monitoring
2nd Polishing Pond No odour emissions expected • DO level monitoring
Final Aerator No odour emissions expected • aerator will operate only as required
(DO level controller)
Porky Creek Outfall No odour emissions expected • DO level monitoring
5.2. Wastewater
The final effluent quality is presented in Table 4. The pond system design seeks to provide a final effluent
pollutant removal as detailed in section 3.10; that is expected to be Odour-free after treatment and during
storage in the final polishing dam; and permits discharge to Porky’s Creek with no visible scums, slicks or
colour.
5.2.1. Mitigation Measures
The WWTP will have the facility to return wastewater to the initial anaerobic section via the DODA screen
in the event that outfall parameters are not achieved. Further operation mitigation measures are detailed
in Section 3.7.
5.3. Ground Water
The site sources 100% of its water requirements from ground water bored located approximately 4 km
directly north of the site. There is no ground water extraction bores located on the abattoir title.
5.3.1. Mitigation Measures
The groundwater system is not expected to be impacted as a result of the construction, commissioning
and ongoing operation of the proposed WWTP. There has been no evidence of shallow groundwater
being detected in test pits 1 – 3 (Appendix M) on the proposed site. Wastewater will be metered exiting
the proposed WWTP.
5.4. Noise Emissions
The ambient background noise is not expected to be noticeable off site. The aerators are the only
equipment that has the potential to generate low level noise. No further sound proofing is deemed
necessary due to the location and distance from local residence.
5.4.1. Mitigation Measures
Noise impacts have been considered and Swift has selected very efficient, stable (dynamically and
statically) aerators that will result in low surface noise. The specification for the 2 x 7.5 kWh and 1 x 5.5
kWh aerators are shown in Appendix G & H respectively.
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5.5. Solid and Controlled Waste Management
During construction the project, is not expected to produce Solid or Controlled waste with all material
being used on site for the pond construction. In the event of waste being generated during construction,
commissioning this material will be managed in accordance with existing site management procedures
and disposed of using approved waste transporters. The waste management hierarchy will be adopted
where ever practicable to minimise waste generation and recycle if appropriate.
The new WWTP will generate Solid waste from the DODA screen and future Sludge from pond cleaning
that will be managed in accordance with EPA guidelines as detailed in section 3.11.
5.6. Dangerous Goods
The construction of the proposed facility will involve the use of some combustible materials, such as fuels
for construction equipment. These materials will be used, stored and transported in accordance with the
Dangerous Substances (Safe Handling) Act 2005. After commissioning, there will be no dangerous goods
required to be stored or handle in and around the proposed WWTP other than that required for the
maintenance of pumps and aerators.
Any dangerous goods (consumables) used on site will be stored in accordance with Australian Standards
and legislative requirements.
5.7. Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depleting Substances
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the proposed WWTP construction will be isolated to the
construction machinery and any associated transport to and from the site. Swift will ensure that all
contracted equipment used on site shall be maintained in good working order.
During the operation of the proposed WWTP facility, biogas flow generation is estimated to have a
potential peak biogas flow is 50m3/hour. The Biogas composition is also estimated to contain
approximately 70 - 75% methane, with the remainder mainly being CO2. A methane analyser, biogas
mass flow meter (as shown in Appendix J) and PLC are proposed to be installed to monitor this system.
CO2-e emissions from the proposed new CAL are with 80% COD removal and no capture 1,767 tonne
CO2-e / year or as intended in this project, all biogas captured and flared 23 tonne CO2
-e / year. This is a
98.7% reduction in emissions which potential further savings if the biogas is used to displace fuel for
electricity generation.
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5.8. Visual Effects
The overall visual effects will not be visible from the public road servicing the Airport due to the lining of
tree surround this area. However, the size and shape of the proposed WWTP can be seen on the site
plans shown in Appendix A1. The final ponds will also be covered by bird netting as shown in Appendix
B1.
The maximum height of any structure is expected to be 4m. The site is part of the Abattoir operations and
is expected to complement the recent upgrade to this site.
5.9. Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment
A preliminary risk assessment has been undertaken for this project in the form of the Dam Assessment
Report (see Section 4.2.4). There has been no significant risks identified with serious consequence,
however the application of mitigation measures using the hierarchy of control (eliminate, substitute,
engineering, administration and protection) has served to minimise the risk of each. This will be reviewed
and reflected in the site Environmental Management Plan.
5.10. Fire Risk
A fire management plan will be developed prior to the operation of the WWTP. The plan will outline any
fuel reduction measures needed to be undertaken of the surrounding area and ongoing maintenance.
The construction of the proposed facility will involve the use of some combustible materials, such as fuels
for construction equipment. These materials will be used, stored and transported in accordance with the
Dangerous Substances (Safe Handling) Act 2005.
All management measures relating to prevention and response to fire at the proposed facility will be
incorporated into an Emergency Response Plan, which will be developed prior to commissioning. All
electrical infrastructures will be constructed in compliance with the Tasmanian Electricity Code to
minimise risk of electrical faults that may act as ignition sources.
5.11. Infrastructure and Off-site Ancillary Facility
The construction phase will require the initial delivery of materials and construction equipment, however
minimal. The ongoing management of the proposed WWTP will have no additional impact on local
infrastructure.
5.12. Environmental Management System
Swift will ensure that ensure that the site management team will induct all contractors, ensuring all
appropriate environmental management expectations are communicated prior to commencing work.
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6. Monitoring and Review Swift will initiate an intensive monitoring program that will be subject to future Environment Protection Notice issued by EPA. Monitoring of the wastewater discharge will be undertaken to:
• Validate improved wastewater discharge characteristic; • Optimise WWTP performance; and • Assess compliance with targeted emission limited outlined with this DPEMP.
It is anticipated that after the initial commission period (the above measures achieved) and prior to the establishment of the Ocean Outfall, it is the intention that the monitoring frequency will be reduced to bi-monthly or quarterly.
6.1. Wastewater Discharge Monitoring
Monitoring points will be established to validate the performance of the WWTP. These points will include
the following:
• Wastewater supply inlet to CAL (after DODA screen);
• Inlet to Facultative Lagoon; and
• Facultative Lagoon Outlet.
All samples will the collected by Swift and sent via airmail to EML (Chem) Pty Ltd. Samples shall be
collected and analysed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards at NATA certified laboratory.
EML (Chem) Pty Ltd, located in Melbourne, Victoria will provide this service and sampling jars, labels and
sample holding times, storage and transportation will be consistent with establish procedures and
practices on site.
Additional observations will be recorded at the time of sampling to assist with the review of any unusual
results. These observations shall include the following areas:
Sol BOD5 = soluble Biochemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l)
SRT = solids retention time (sludge age) (days)
SS = suspended solids concentration (mg/l)
STP = Standard Temperature and Pressure
SVI = Sludge Volume Index (ml/g)
TCOD = Total Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l)
TDS = Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l)
TKN = Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (mg/l)
TN = Total Nitrogen concentration (mg/l)
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TP = Total Phosphorus concentration (mg/l)
TSS = Total Suspended Solids (mg/l)
TWL = top water level
UV = UltraViolet
VFA = Volatile Fatty Acids
VOC = Volatile Organic Compound
VS = Volatile Solids
VSS = Volatile Suspended Solids
WADF = Week-averaged daily flow (tannery only)
WAS = Waste Activated Sludge
LIST of UNITS
kg/ha.d = loading rate in kilograms per hectare per day
kg/m2.d = loading rate in kilograms per square metre per day
kL/d = kilolitres (cubic metres) per day
mg/L = milligrams per litre = ppm.
m/h = metres per hour
m3/m2.d = surface loading rate in cubic metres per square metre per day
ML = Megalitres (1,000 kL)
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10. References
1 1DPIWE (2001). Emission limit guidelines for sewage treatment plants that discharge pollutants into fresh and marine waters. Hobart. June 2001. x
2 2 AQIS (2008) Efficient use of water in export meat establishments. Meat Notice 2008/06. Issued 13 October 2008, Canberra.
X 3
3 MLA (2007). Environmental best practice guidelines for the red meat processing industry. Eds. M Johns, S McGlashan, & A Rowlands. Published Apr 2007, MLA, North Sydney, NSW.
x 4
4 MLA (2009). Anaerobic pond cover vulnerability – assessment of available cover materials. Project A.ENV.0072 Report prepared by Golder Assoc., Perth. Published Aug 2009, MLA, North Sydney, NSW.
5 Johns Environmental Pty Ltd, “Process Design for Wastewater Treatment Upgrade at King Island
Meat Processing Plant” (September 2010) 6 EML Air Pty Ltd, Odour Dispersion Assessment – Report No 86330 (September 2010)
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Appendix A1 - Design Drawing
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 61
Appendix A2 - Design Drawing
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan
Brief regarding 2 phase proposal, the first phase being two dams (9ML Anaerobic dam and 20ML Aerobic dam) and the second
phase is construction of a 4 kilometres Ocean Outfall Pipeline from the two dams near the Abattoir. The survey was conducted
on the 4th August 2010 by Vernon Graham a Senior Aboriginal Heritage Officer; in relation to the area proposed for the two
dams and also the proposed easement for the pipeline. Regarding the two proposals these will be in two stages, just dealing with
the first phase of the project proposal.
However in reference to the second phase of the proposal there needs to be discussions with Tasmanian Aboriginal Land & Sea
Council and possibly the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, prior to the assessment there was discussions with the Senior Aboriginal
Heritage Officer of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land & Sea Council and they indicated that there was a known Aboriginal site
within the region of the proposal and there would be a need to conduct a TASI (Tasmanian Aboriginal Site Index) search.
The methodology in dealing with the area being surveyed to identify incidences of Aboriginal Archaeological (Heritage) values, the topographical layout of the land and the variation of ground visibility;
• Walking the proposed areas of the dams and the easement concerning the pipeline to identify incidences of Aboriginal
Heritage/Relics.
• Potential areas / pads of Aboriginal Archaeological sensitivity if needed.
• If any site is located it‘s recorded and GPS datum used is GDA 94.
Findings regarding the first phase being the 9ML Anaerobic dam and 20ML Aerobic dam located south of the Abattoir, this area has been highly disturbed there had been test pits dug in reference to layout of the soil profiles, this made visibility quite good
and there was no evidence of any heritage values in the areas of the two proposed dam sites, (see attached print).
This is a brief on the survey findings and there will be a need for a full report to be done in regards to the consultation process
with the Aboriginal community to review the survey outcomes for comment. However in regards to the first phase retaining to earth works if they proceed and there is quarries concerning Aboriginal heritage
the following applies;
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Swift Australia – DPEMP 85
• That works cease if any there is any quarries regarding Aboriginal heritage.
• Contact either TALSC and or the AHT Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania.
All Aboriginal sites, along with other important landscape values and cultural resources, are an integral part of Aboriginal
Cultural/Heritage values and should be managed. Any Aboriginal site/s is to be afforded legal protection from the following
legislation.
Legal requirements
In compliance with the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975, as contained under Section 2 (3 a, b, c ) and (4) of the act, interpretation of
the term relic is as follows:
(3) For the purposes of this Act, but subject to the following provisions of this section, a relic is—
( a) any artefact, painting, carving, engraving, arrangement of stones, midden, or other object made or created by any of the
original inhabitants of Australia or the descendants of any such inhabitants;
( b) any object, site, or place that bears signs of activities of any such original inhabitants or their descendants; or
( c) the remains of the body of such an original inhabitant or of the descendant of such an inhabitant who died before the year 1876 that are not interred in—
( i) any land that is or has been held, set aside, reserved, or used for the purposes of a burial-ground or cemetery
pursuant to any Act, deed, or other instrument; or]
( ii) a marked grave in any other land.
As part of the client / proponent has an obligation to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community in accordance with the Aboriginal
Relics Act 1975, as contained under Section 14 (1).
Except as otherwise provided in the Act, no person shall otherwise than in accordance with the terms of a permit granted
by the Minister on the recommendation of the director— (a) destroy, damage, deface, conceal, or otherwise interfere with a relic.
If there’s any concerns please do not hesitate to call.
Thank You
Sign
Vernon Graham Senior Aboriginal Heritage Consultant
& being the Principal of Palawa Heritage Services Pty Ltd
Cc: Colin Hughes the SAHO of TALSC, and
Forward Email to Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania
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Appendix J – Biogas Monitoring
Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan