Coliban Water charged by EPA for contaminating Campaspe River

Coliban Water has been slapped with 11 charges from the EPA for allegedly discharging wastewater into the Campaspe River as the water company announces measures to upgrade its Kyneton plant.

Kyneton’s Huntly Barton say the breaches are affecting the community.

Coliban Water is facing 11 charges for allegedly releasing treated effluent from the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant into the Campaspe River from May to August this year.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) alleges Coliban Water breached s27, s27A and s39 of the Environment Protection Act 1970. The charges include breaching license conditions, causing an environmental hazard and pollution of waters.

EPA North West regional manager Dr Scott Pigdon said poor quality wastewater could have negative impacts on river health.

The Campapse river has allegedly been polluted by treated effluent.

“(It) potentially limits any reuse opportunities for water extracted from a river system,” he said.

Coliban Water warned in October that heavy rains could force it to release more low-quality water into the Campaspe River.

But Dr Pigdon said he thought this would be unlikely.

Coliban managing director Damian Wells said they were focused on improving plant performance and protecting the river.

Poor quality wastewater could have negative impacts on river health at the Campapse River.

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The water company announced on November 25 it would more than double storage and increase irrigation capacity at the Kyneton plant.

“We have commenced upgrades at our Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant and we will bring the plant into a sustainable operating position,” Mr Wells said.

“We respect the process and will work with the EPA as required.”