We are about to commence essential odour maintenance at the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant, focusing on key infrastructure involved in processing waste which are called Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD) system.

ATADs are an important part of the treatment process. They have historically produced odours and these works aim to reduce the impact on our neighbours.

Extensive planning and preparation have been undertaken to ensure the works are carried out effectively.

While these works are underway, you may notice additional noise and increased traffic at the plant. However, we assure you that your sewer services will not be impacted.

Weather permitting, the project will take approximately two months.

Works phases

Phase one - ATAD tank cleaning and draining

We will drain all four ATAD tanks, which convert wastewater into biosolids, for cleaning and inspection.

This process will take approximately two weeks: one week to drain the tanks and another to clean them.

Odours may increase during this period.

Phase two - Rehabilitation and ventilation system maintenance

Two ATAD tanks will undergo rehabilitation. We will also perform maintenance on the ventilation and odour treatment systems.

Phase three - System recommissioning

As we bring the ATAD system back online, there may be some odour, but we will take extra precautions to minimise it.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we complete these essential upgrades.

About the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant

Currently, 22 million litres (the equivalent of 9 Olympic swimming pools) of wastewater enters the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant each day, from across Bendigo and the surrounding area.

Treating wastewater at our plant is a complex and multi-step process that sees incoming wastewater turned into high quality recycled water, and biosolids for agricultural reuse.

This maintenance work comes ahead of the Bendigo Solids Handling Upgrade which forms part of our large-scale investment in the Bendigo plant as part of our Big Water Build.

We encourage you to call us on 1300 363 200 to report odour. The more that we receive these reports, the more we can build a picture of the areas of our plant which need the most urgent attention.

Odour issues can also be reported through an online form at connect.coliban.com.au/bendigo-wrp-upgrade-project