News

Plant update - March 2025

11 March 2025

We have been busy at the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant with maintenance works continuing at the Langslow Street site.

Our project team is also working on progressing the proposed once-in-a-generation upgrades to the Castlemaine plant.

Maintenance works at the Castlemaine site

Noise update – A noise expert has reviewed the results from the testing of our new blower. They found our noise levels are within the expected EPA limits with the new blower emitting about 10 decibels less noise that the previous unit.

Maintenance works – We have completed essential works on two of our aeration tanks as part of our maintenance program.

We have also completed cleaning and inspection works on our Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion system, which turns sewage sludge into a valued biosolids product for agricultural reuse.

We are also cleaning and inspecting our two Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) tanks that help thicken sludge from the treatment process so it can go to the ATADs.

The first tank has been cleaned and inspected and the chute removes thickened sludge from the DAF tanks will be repaired this week. We re -coat the steel lining of the tank during March and early April.

Work on the second DAF tank will be done between 14 April and 16 May.

Your normal sewer services will not be affected. But people who live or work near the plant may notice some noise and odour during the works. We work to minimise this as much as possible and increase odour monitoring during works.

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

Our next update will be on Friday 9 May 2025.

Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant project update

  • Site investigations

    Our project team has been busy digging into the details — literally!

    We’ve completed a series of site investigations, including geotechnical assessments, existing service checks, and asset condition reviews.

    These findings will play a key role in shaping the detailed design of the plant upgrades, ensuring we build on a strong foundation.

  • DLA application

    Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our Development Licence Approval (DLA) application with the EPA.

    Your input helped demonstrate the community’s perspective and the importance of maintaining flows into Campbells Creek.

    Now that the public submission phase has closed, we’re working closely with the EPA to finalise the conditions of the licence - a process that’s expected to wrap up soon.

  • Planning Permit submission

    Our Planning Permit application is now in the hands of Mount Alexander Shire Council, following its submission in November 2024.

    As the statutory review continues, we’ll keep you updated on any developments.

  • Our new bird hide

    We’re thrilled to announce the installation of a custom-built bird hide on site. This follows installation of security fencing to help improve security and public safety at the site.

    Once open, the hide will provide bird lovers a safe spot to observe local wildlife in a peaceful and natural setting.

    We can’t wait to welcome the community to this new space and share the beauty of the environment we help protect.

    But before we do, we are also working on:

  • Landscaping & pathways to improve access

  • Habitat enhancements to support birdlife and butterflies

  • User agreements to ensure safe and managed public access