BMD Constructions is delivering the final stage of Melbourne Water’s three stage expansion works at the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee, Victoria.
This critical upgrade involves constructing a new nutrient removal plant capable of processing 150 million litres of wastewater per day, replacing the existing 55E activated sludge plant.
As the Western Treatment Plant handles almost half of Melbourne’s sewage, this upgrade is important for maintaining the city’s environmental and public health standards.
The improved infrastructure will:
- address historical and future growth
- renew ageing equipment and improve overall plant efficiency
- enhance safety for operation activities and facilitate the elimination of current high risk maintenance works, such as diving and working over water from boats
- provide the opportunity to implement lower cost, more energy-efficient treatment technology, such as short cut nitrogen removal process.
With works on track to be delivered by July 2025, the project will further reinforce BMD’s capabilities in delivering critical infrastructure in the water and wastewater sector.
Scope
The scope of works includes:
- construction of five combined bioreactor-clarifier tanks with associated feed, waste activated sludge and effluent discharge pipeline connection
- installation of interconnecting pipework between pond systems
- building ancillary buildings and pump stations
- fitting process mechanical equipment
- high and low voltage electrical works
- installation and calibration of sensors, transmitters, and analysers for control automation and process monitoring
- commissioning of the plant infrastructure.
Key achievements:
- Successfully completed first attempt hydrotests on all five concrete bioreactor-clarifier tanks, demonstrating water tightness of the structures.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to manage key service isolation, relocation and connection works – ensuring seamless infrastructure handover to plant operators.
- Implemented a local first approach, procuring almost 90% of materials, plant and labour from within Australia to deliver the project.
- Partnered with designers and concrete plants to develop a custom concrete mix for 715 precast panels, maximising recycled content without compromising performance.
- Using ‘individual joint testing’ to pressure test the effluent and feed pipelines. Instead of testing the entire pipeline at once, each joint is tested separately, making the process more efficient and conserving water compared to traditional methods.
- Installed solar-powered light towers at work locations, reducing reliance on conventional electricity and minimising the project’s carbon footprint.
- Established the Social Engine Cafe, providing onsite kiosk and catering services for our project team while also creating employment and training opportunities for at-risk youth.
- Provided opportunities for 78 First Nations employees and supported 16 Indigenous businesses, with a forecasted spend of $9.3 million by project completion.
- Launched a Safety Culture Working Program to create ‘one project, team and safety standard’, fostering a strong safety culture across the project.
- In partnership with our subcontractors, raised over $88,000 for charities close to our hearts, including the Good Friday Appeal, Royal Hospital Appeal, Type 1 Foundation – diabetes and beanies drive, Moving Uniting – charity food drive, Challenge – supporting kids with cancer, The Push-Up Challenge and WaterAid.
