Onsite installations bring sewerage services closer for Lauderdale

Work to bury more than 240 pressure sewer units in large holes on properties throughout Lauderdale has started as part of the Lauderdale Pressure Sewerage Scheme. TasWater CEO Mike Brewster said that the $8.2 million TasWater project – bringing sewerage services to Lauderdale for the first time – is creating employment opportunities, boosting local businesses and will give the local area environmental relief from aging and potentially failing septic systems.

The installation of the onsite units is a critical step in connecting Lauderdale to a reticulated sewerage service.

“Because of the high water table and flat terrain in Lauderdale a traditional gravity sewer system wouldn’t work, so we had to think outside the square to make this happen” Mr Brewster said.

“It’s exciting for us and the property owners who have signed up to see the scheme really starting to take shape with the onsite units being installed.”

The onsite PSU functions like a miniature underground pump station, pushing wastewater from the property into the sewer mains which are also currently being laid along the road reservations in Lauderdale.

Water Industry Solutions, the Tasmanian company contracted to install the onsite systems and construct the sewer mains, has more than 20 people employed on the Lauderdale Pressure Sewerage Scheme.

“Projects underway aimed at upgrading infrastructure in Tasmania’s water sector are providing vitally needed jobs and economic opportunities for local companies like ours,” WIS’ Director, Peter Barwick said. “We employ around 40 people on a range of water industry projects in Tasmania. We also sub contract to other local firms and purchase materials locally, which has a terrific flow-on effect economically.

“We’re pleased to be involved in a project which provides important health, environmental and economic benefits, to both the local and broader community.”

Work started in the central area of Lauderdale in July, with the scheme in that zone expected to be operational for customers by January 2014. Work in the southern and northern sections of Lauderdale will take place over the coming months, with the scheme expected to be completed by May 2014.

More than 240 property owners have signed up to connect so far, with other property owners able to opt-in to the system in the future as septic tanks come to the end of their lifespan.
TasWater CEO Mike Brewster