WEATHER is becoming highly unpredictable around the world and Shepparton is no different.
Following a recent windstorm, the $10M renovation project underway at Goulburn Valley Water’s (GVW) Shepparton Wastewater Management Facility has been delayed by several weeks.
Works to replace a large lagoon cover that has reached the end of its useful life have been underway since July 2020, and had been progressing on schedule up until the evening of Wednesday, November 11, when a severe windstorm caused extensive damage to the site.
Project manager and senior engineer, Mr Lachlan McGregor, said the project was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2021, a date that is now expected to be pushed out to late April.
“The storm was violent and extremely localised, with residential areas nearby almost unaffected. On initial inspection on the Thursday morning, we thought we may have to start over on the project, with much of the new cover crumpled and displaced,” he said.
“This has extended the project schedule by several weeks and while we apologise for the delay we have been pleased with the rapid recovery.”
GVW managing director, Dr Steve Capewell, said that over the duration of the project there have been occasions where odour has emanated from the site and impacted the more northern parts of Shepparton.
“Customers and the community have shown continued patience and tolerance regarding odours from the site and we are genuinely grateful for that,” said Dr Capewell.
Dr Capewell also said gas extraction through the flare will recommence in coming weeks, a significant milestone for the project. GVW will soon be able to recommence the process of capturing gas to generate renewable energy to export to the electricity grid, a process made possible by the large industry load accepted into the site.
