Discharge from Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant

27 March 2019

Statement from Wannon Water Managing Director Andrew Jeffers.

The Warrnambool Sewage Treatment Plant experienced an operational issue early this week that resulted in the discharge of dirty-coloured treated water to the ocean.

Wannon Water is investigating the cause but believes it is due to an unusual load into the sewerage system on Sunday evening that upset the plant's normal biological treatment processes.

As a result of the incident, Wannon Water was forced to discharge treated water that contained organic material to the ocean mixing zone.

The plant returned to normal operations overnight Monday and continues to be closely monitored.

A visual inspection this morning showed that the water in the mixing zone and nearby rocks and beaches were clear of any noticeable visual impact, apart from a slight discolouration of some small sand patches at the high tide mark on a nearby beach.

The Environment Protection Authority was notified on Monday and inspected the plant yesterday.