final evaluation report name: mildura rural city council ... · pdf filefinal evaluation...

Final Evaluation Report

Name: Mildura Rural City Council

Project Description: Mildura Landfill Complex Stormwater Recycling Project

Date of Report: 19 February 2008

Executive Summary Background The Mildura Landfill Complex has a network of unsealed roadways for vehicle access at all times which they maintain. Dust accumulates on these unmade surfaces that can create a health hazard, particularly when westerly winds dominate throughout the summer months. To keep the dust from being blown off the surface of the roads the current method of dust suppression is using a considerable amount of potable water. This process consists of a water tanker that ‘wet down’ the road surfaces, which prevents the dust from escaping however, the problem with this method is that it is using potable water, which is being accessed from the Lower Murray Water main supply.

Description of Project The project now uses an alternative water supply other than potable water, which can be used in the ‘wet down’ process. This alternative water supply is stormwater from an existing wetland area, via the overflow channel. This stormwater is pumped into storage tanks, which have a capacity to hold 90,000 litres. The water tankers now access the water from these large tanks and proceed to ‘wet down’ the road network when required. Solar Power is utilised at the pumping site to supply the pumps with the energy required to move the storm water from the wetlands overflow channel into the storage tanks. For Occupational, Health and Safety reasons an iodine treatment plant was installed to treat the stormwater prior to storing it into the larger tanks. This was a recommendation from EPA Victoria The amount of potable water saved between September 2006 and December 2007 was 4 ML. It is recommended that any similar projects look at alternative water treatment rather than iodine injection. This technology and infrastructure has turned out to be an expensive exercise with the added supply of iodine tanks amounting to $10,000 in the full year. In conclusion this project did achieve 4 main goals, using stormwater to replace the potable water supply, utilising solar power to save energy costs , increasing community awareness and as an education project for students at Sunraysia college of TAFE to further their studies in Water Management.


Table of contents Introduction page 3 Methodology/project overview page 3 - 8 Conclusions and recommendations page 9 Appendices page 10


Introduction The Mildura Landfill Complex has a network of unsealed roadways for vehicle access at all times which they maintain. Dust accumulates on these unmade surfaces that can create a health hazard, particularly in the summer months. To keep the dust from being blown off the surface, potable water was been used to suppress the dust. The process consisted of a large fleet of water tankers that ‘wet down’ the surface. The problem with this method was that potable water was being used which was being accessed from the Lower Murray Water main supply. This process was using approximately 6ML of towns supply water per year. Project Overview Mildura Rural City Council proposed to implement a recycling program substituting the use of potable water with stormwater. The ‘wet down’ process now uses an alternative supply without using potable water for this process. The alternate supply is stormwater which is extracted from an existing wetland area, via the overflow channel. The stormwater is then pumped into storage tanks, which have the capacity to hold 90,000 litres of water. The tank compound also consisted of a 30,000 litre Iodine dosing tank which is monitored the students at the Sunraysia College of TAFE via a computerized Iodine dosing station. The water tankers now access the water from the holding tanks and proceed with the ‘wet down’ process. Solar Power is being utilized at the pumping site to supply the pumps with the energy required to move the storm water from the wetlands overflow channel into the storage tanks. The water quality of this stormwater was frequently sampled and tested by the students of the Mildura Senior College as well as the Mallee Catchment Management Authority. Part of this project will see the frequency of these tests increased over a 12 month period. This will ensure that the quality of water is of an acceptable standard and won’t be a health hazard to residents in the areas as well as the surrounding environment. This project has been successful in terms of potable water and power savings. The iodine treated water has been transported to “wet down “the unsealed roadways within the landfill network. A communications plan has been successful in creating community awareness particularly with school students. The project created a partnership between Council and the Sunraysia College of TAFE for students to carry out a water monitoring project for 12 months. This is a good example of how Council can interact with the school community and gain positive educational result for the students involved to assist with their studies.


Methodology The project was initiated considering the following criteria: • What needs will the project meet • Costs and benefits of the project • Risks Associated with the project • Ability to measure the performance of the project • Structured work plan and budget process The project met the following needs Economic The saving of 4 ML has saved Mildura Rural City Council approximately $3,200 in town water usage for the year. Although this water saving is very encouraging the running costs for the iodine Treatment Plant were approximately $12,000 per year due to maintenance and iodine supplies. Therefore economically the project proved to be unsuccessful. It is recommended that with any similar projects throughout the state the water treatment process (if required) be investigated more thoroughly to determine a more cost effective method of water treatment. Environmental As part of the Council’s Plan for the Management of Urban Stormwater and Councils Sustainable Water Use Plan recycling of Stormwater is now a high priority action. The conservation of town water has been an important environmental benefit. Social Mildura Rural City Council has set an example to motivate the community towards water conservation. With Water restrictions and drought conditions in place the Mildura region has been under constant pressure to save water by conserving stormwater and recycling grey water. Helping to raise awareness and educate the community has played a key role in this project Organisation The MRCC Council Plan 2006 – 2010 includes Strategic Outcome Measures in regards to Environmental Management. Part of these outcomes is to instigate stormwater recycling projects in line with this specific project.


The costs and benefits of the project The project exceeded the anticipated benefits:

Saving of 4ML per year of the towns potable water, therefore improving the reliability of water supply of other local areas

Reducing the potable water cost to Mildura Rural City Council by $3,200 per year

Achieving an environmentally friendly energy footprint by using solar power for the pumps

Became a demonstration site for other councils in the area and across Victoria

Created awareness amongst the local community and schools Economic Environment Social Benefits – short term

Reduction in water usage and bills

Leading by Example Following the Council’s Environment Plan

Education for the community Creating interest

Benefits - long term

Continue to use less potable water

Saving water for the general community

Increased Awareness and Behaviour change

Costs – short term

Cost of installation $76,000

Costs – long term

Cost of Maintenance $12,000 per annum

Risks associated with the project The use of solar power created a risk of less pumping hours as compared to a regular power supply because of a lack of sunlight. However the installation of a back up battery is planned for installation by July 2008. The initial installation of the iodine treatment plant proved to be a risk as it was untried in this district. Teething problems were experienced for the first 3 months until a proper management program was implemented. Health risks have been minimised by the installation of iodine treatment. The lack of rainfall could have created a risk but the water level in the overflow pond remained manageable throughout the year. The risks associated with drawing stormwater from the wetlands were assessed and it was found that this would pose as no risk as the extraction of stormwater was only from the overflow channel.


Ability to measure the performance of the project The amount of potable water saved From September 2005 and December 2006 water consumption figures sourced from Lower Murray Water showed a total consumption of 6501 million litres for that period. From September 2006 to December 2007, the period in which the stormwater water recycling has been operational, showed a total consumption of 3385 million litres. This amounts to a reduction of 3116 million litres in potable water from the previous period the year before. This reduction has been attributed to the use of recycled stormwater from this project. Education and awareness The project involved a comprehensive communications strategy emphasising community awareness and education along with consultation with councils and schools in the region. The education process was measured with the participation of 1ST year students from the Sunraysia College of TAFE as part of their certificate 111 Conservation and Land Management. A full report is enclosed in the appendices. An awareness program was also developed for schools, general community and Local Government in the area who were encouraged in participating in the program. Structured excursions for primary schools have included:

Sacred Heart Primary Schools St Paul’s Primary School Mildura West Primary School.

These excursions consisted of 4 visits for the year and covered exposure to the Stormwater recycling project. A Technical Fact Sheet was also produced which was distributed to Local Governments to tour the site and encourage them to adopt similar water conservation methods, some of the councils included:

Swan Hill Shire Council Buloke Shire Council Yarriamback Shire Council Greater Council of Bendigo

Further communications activities were undertaken throughout the project and proved to be of great benefit in creating community awareness.


Other Communication activities which were undertaken:

Media Releases announcing the commencement, progress and completion of project

Presentation to senior management and board members of Lower Murray Water

Development of a tour program in stormwater recycling Creation of a noticeboard on site to track water savings Internal communications within Mildura Rural City Council including

regular updates Site tours for Japanese Engineers Case Study on the SWF & Mildura Rural City Council website


Structured work plan and budget process

Project Work Plan

Key performance indicator

Key activity Expense item Milestone Completion Date

Responsibility

Detailed Project Plan (including communications plan) prepared

Project Management time

30 April 2006 MRRC Project Team

Completion and Smartwater approval

Detailed Design completed Contractor 15th June 2006 Mildura Irrigation Services design

Completion Approval

Construction of all infrastructure including Iodine Treatment facility

Contractors 18th august 2006

Mildura Irrigation Services design And Mildura irrigation repairs

Completion Approval

Full commissioning of Project with metering

Contractors September 26th 2006

MRRC Project Team

Treatment process operational

Water Quality Monitoring by Sunraysia College of TAFE

Water Monitoring

Commenced February 2007 Completed November 2007 Full report completed Dec 2007

Sunraysia College of TAFE

Monitoring process completed

Final Report to Smart Water Completed 21st February2008

MRCC Project Team

Smartwater Approval and final payment


Budget Process Summary: (Exclusive of GST)

Item Grant Funds Applicant Contribution

Other Funds Total costs

Plant/ Equipment Costs including labour

Solar pump Storage tanks. Iodine treatment plant

$55,428 $30,568 $85,996

Other materials

Communications materials

$1000 $1000

Administrative costs

PINP Project Management

$2500 (in-kind) $2500

Travel costs N/A

Other Project Costs

N/A

TOTAL

$55,428 $34,068 $89,496


Findings / Results After completing the project it was concluded that the project was successful in achieving its four main goals:

Replacing the use of potable water with Stormwater Utilising solar power Increasing community awareness Education project for students at the Sunraysia College of TAFE

There were some initial problems for the first 3 months with the iodine treatment plant, however this was resolved when an appropriate management program was implemented. With a potable water saving of 4ML per year and a reduction in the energy footprint the Mildura Landfill Complex can now successfully use stormwater from the overflow channel of a nearby wetland for their ‘wet down’ process. Solar pump at outflow pond Storage tank area

Truck at filling point Japanese engineers visit


Conclusion In conclusion the project achieved the proposed 4 main goals, using stormwater to replace the potable water supply, utilising solar power to save energy costs increasing community awareness and as an education project for students at Sunraysia college of TAFE to further their studies in Water Management but it also has become a demonstration site for other similar sites. Recommendations After evaluating the project it was recommended that for similar projects it would be preferable to look at alternative water treatment rather than iodine injection. This technology and infrastructure has turned out to be an expensive exercise with the added supply of iodine tanks and maintenance of the system amounting to $10,000 in the full year. It has been suggested that Chlorine treatment would be a better alternative. A full management schedule for the operation of the treatment process is also recommended. This would include the regular cleaning of all filters and monitoring of the iodine treatment plant. Acknowledgments Smart Water Fund – Primary source of Funding Sunraysia College of TAFE Mildura Irrigation Centre Mildura Irrigation Repairs Staff at Mildura Landfill Assets Department MRCC


Appendices Water Quality Testing Final Report Technical Review Fact Sheet

Open drain before excavation

Technical Fact Sheet

Mildura Rural City CouncilStormwater Recycling Project at the Mildura Landfill Complex

Smart W

ater Fund

Project Description

The Mildura Rural City Council uses a significant amount of water for suppressing dust at the MilduraLandfill Complex.

The project aims to access stormwater from an existing adjacent wetland, via the overflow channel, asa substitute for fresh drinking quality water, for dust suppressant purposes. Stormwater is to betreated with iodine and pumped into storage tanks with a capacity of 90,000 litres. Water tankers canthen access the water from the tanks and proceed to wet down the road network within the landfillcomplex.

The volume of stormwater accessed from the open overflow channel would be approximately 6 ML of water per year. This would save on using the equivalent potable water supply, and also a costsaving of $3500 per year.

Other environmental considerations include the use of solar power to supply energy to the pumpsoperation.

The project demonstrates the benefits of harvesting fit for purpose stormwater, using it for a specificpurpose that does not require the use of potable water.

This project demonstrates leadership in the local government sector and will be used in ademonstrational capacity for other businesses with similar needs to learn from.

This Fact Sheet will detail the design of the process and the construction and commissioning of allproject elements in accordance with the approved detail design.

Detailed Design Process and Construction of all project elements report

1. Sump in stormwater channel

A 110,000 litre sump was excavated at the stormwater channel adjacent to the Mildura Landfill Complex.

Open drain after excavation

2. Solar pump and panel installation

A solar pump and panel was installed with the capacity of pumping 27,000 litres per solar day. Thepump is a 40 mm positive displacement pump, transferring stormwater 170 metres to the storagetanks through a 80 mm PVC pipe which then reduces to 50 mm and runs through a 50 mm stainlesssteel screen filter.

Solar pump and panel 50 mm stainless steel screen filter

This project was made possible by the funding from the Smart Water Fund. The Fund is an initiative of Victoria’s metropolitan and regional water authorities and theVictorian Government.

For more information about this project, contact: Andrew Powell, Stormwater Management Officer, Mildura Rural City Council,phone 03 5018 8455

For more information about the Smart Water Fund:http://www.smartwater.com.au or Freecall 1800 882 432

Smart W

ater Fund

3. Iodine treatment tank

The water then enters a 30,000 litre treatment tank where it is tested and dosed with iodine to theappropriate levels. The level of treatment can be altered to suit the end use functions.

After two hours of treatment , water is automatically pumped into holding tanks with the capacity of90,000 litres with a standpipe facility to fill the water trucks.

30,000 litre iodine treatment tank Iodine treatment facility

Project Summary

The entire process is fully automated. The solar pump only starts when the treatment tank has been emptied.

In addition the entire system shuts down when the 90,000 litre holding tanks are full. The system willnot start up again until there is enough room to pump the treatment tank water into the holding tanks.

All water level sensors have electronic optical sensors, which require less maintenance than probetype sensors. The optical sensors can be recalibrated if a dose of extremely dirty water is detected.So far the water quality has been better than expected.

Ongoing monitoring of the wetlands will also be undertaken to ensure there are no adverse effects onthe local environment.

Since Friday the 25th of August 2006 the process became fully operational with 15,000 litres per daybeing applied to the landfill complex as a dust suppressant.

Trucks access the treated water supply from the two holding tanks

Mildura Rural City Council Landfill Site Water Quality Testing:

Final Report

David Grasby, Jess Butler, Mary-Ann Butler, Julie Hawtin, Nicole Thomas and Sunraysia Institute of TAFE Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management students

January 2008

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Table of contents

Executive Summary 4

Introduction 5

Materials and method 6

Sampling period 6

Results 6

Discussion 17

Concluding remarks 17

References 19

Appendices 21

4

Executive summary

Mildura Rural City Council have introduced a water recycling system at the Mildura Landfill site whereby stormwater runoff is treated using Iodine and the resultant water used for dust supressant and for municipal irrigation purposes.

To assist Mildura Rural City Council assess the quality of the treated water, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE carried out water testing at the Mildura Rural City Council Landfill Site from February to December, 2007. Students enrolled in Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management assisted with data collection and analysis and with drafting regular reports.

This report is the final report and incorporates all the data collected in the course of the project.

A brief summary of some of the results is as follows:

Turbidity was generally not excessive although climatic conditions did produce some high readings at various times during the year.

Water Temperature tended to follow seasonal variations with corresponding affects on Dissolved Oxygen levels, Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids.

Generally speaking, the water was found to be of a quality suitable for municipal irrigation purposes and as a dust suppressant.

It was interesting to note that the stormwater drain appears able to support a variety of aquatic organisms.

5

Introduction

The Mildura Rural City Council recycles stormwater to use for various non-potable purposes such as dust suppressant at the Landfill site on Ontario Avenue or for watering council parks and other properties throughout Mildura. Due to current drought conditions, it is important for Mildura Rural City Council to demonstrate responsibility in the use of scarce water resources. Consequently, recycled and treated stormwater is used instead of potable water to conserve this valuable resource.

The stormwater is collected from roadways and parklands adjacent to the Mildura Landfill site where it is stored in an open drain area prior to treatment. When required, the water is transferred by a solar pump to a treatment area where it is filtered and then treated with Iodine. The water is then stored in large tanks until needed by MRCC personnel at the Landfill site.

To ensure that the water is safe for use as a dust suppressant and for watering purposes, tests were conducted on the quality of the water prior to and following treatment with Iodine. To ensure educational outcomes were achieved, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE Conservation and Land Management students were involved in the collection, analysis and reporting on the water quality. During several weeks of testing the opportunity arose for two work-experience students to participate in the water testing at the landfill site, which proved to be a positive learning experience for those involved.

6

Materials and method

Basic physico-chemical water quality parameters were recorded using an Horiba W-23XD multiparameter water quality meter. Over the sampling period, data were collected for the following parameters:

Turbidity

Water Temperature

pH

Electrical Conductivity (EC)

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

To ensure uniformity in data collection, procedures were adopted to ensure that on-site analyses were undertaken at uniform times of the day each week.

The water-testing was carried out in a way that ensured results were repeatable and verifiable.

Water samples were collected from three points within the Landfill site as follows:

Overflow channel (open area) Pre-treatment

Overflow channel (adjacent to outlet pipe) Pre-treatment

Storage point (storage tank) Post-treatment

In the early stages of the project it was noted that the overflow channel contained Typha orientalis (Cumbungi), a species of native aquatic plant, that serves a biofiltration function to partly cleanse the water prior to it entering the main area of the overflow channel (Liston and Maher 1997). Consequently, it was decided to test the water in the overflow channel adjacent to the inlet pipe (prior to it passing through the Cumbungi) as a means of assessing the effectiveness of this aquatic plant for biofiltration purposes.

Appropriate Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) guidelines were adhered to with all personnel involved in the project being required to wear high-visual vests, sun protection and appropriate footwear while at the Landfill site.

Sampling period The water quality testing was undertaken during the period from February to December, 2007.

Results Results are contained in the following tables and graphs.

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Table 1. Field measurements taken at the overflow (open) point

Date 21-Feb 7-Mar 14-Mar 22-Mar 28-Mar 4-Apr 20-Apr 27-Apr 24-May 7-Jun 14-Jun 22-Jun 27-Jun 4-Jul

Temperature ( C) 26.0 22.6 19.3 22.2 20.7 19.4 20.9 19.6 15.9 11.8 11.9 8.1 8.7 n/a

DO (mg/l) 10.50 10.80 8.50 2.70 7.30 9.20 8.20 9.80 3.27 4.32 1.77 5.00 11.71 8.45

Turbidity (NTU) 169 121 107 118 33 21 95 45 19 11 8 141 193 80

EC (µs/cm) 520 500 460 260 280 300 470 70 245 170 219 338 330 6

pH 8.98 7.63 7.85 7.89 7.82 7.88 8.05 6.88 5.58 7.3 7.3 7.39 7.49 7.78

TDS (mg/l) 348.4 335.0 308.2 174.2 187.6 201.0 314.9 46.9 164.2 113.9 146.7 226.5 221.1 4.0

Date 13-Jul 20-Jul 26-Jul 3-Aug 10-Aug 18-Aug 28-Aug 3-Sep 6-Sep 13-Sep 21-Sep 26-Sep 3-Oct 10-Oct

Temperature ( C) 9.5 n/a 10.2 n/a 12.1 n/a 15.7 13.1 14.4 17.7 19.8 16.2 n/a 14.9

DO (mg/l) 5.6 n/a 17.3 n/a 11.4 n/a 7.65 11.25 11.5 8.6 7.75 8.11 n/a 5.5

Turbidity (NTU) 819 n/a 22 n/a 35 n/a 22 30 29 26 35 31 n/a 31

EC (µs/cm) 230 n/a 273 n/a 212 n/a 274 303 321 341 441 440 n/a 621

pH 7.23 n/a 7.9 n/a 6.6 n/a 7.29 6.6 6.77 7.3 7.24 7.23 n/a 7.32

TDS (mg/l) 154.1 n/a 182.9 n/a 142.0 n/a 183.6 203.0 215.0 228.5 295.5 294.8 n/a 416.1

Date 17-Oct 24-Oct 31-Oct 7-Nov 15-Nov

Temperature ( C) 21.4 20.5 17.3 19.7 21.9

DO (mg/l) 5.81 6.24 5.84 6.01 6.53

Turbidity (NTU) 19 39 16 29 32

EC (µs/cm) 401 287 404 248 302

pH 7.43 7.24 7.15 6.96 7.4

TDS (mg/l) 268.7 192.3 270.7 166.2 202.3

* Shaded areas refer to missing data due to equipment malfunction

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Table 2. Field measurements taken at the overflow (pipe) point


Temperature ( C) 24.8 22.9 20 22.8 20.7 18.7 19 18.8 15.7 12.1 11.7 9.3 8.9 n/a

DO (mg/l) 7.1 7.7 5.1 5.5 6.8 7.3 8.5 9.7 .79 1.46 .82 6.6 7.07 7.26

Turbidity (NTU) 176 52 147 73.3 40.9 18.4 240 74.1 33 17 12 82.5 185 215

EC (µs/cm) 460 490 450 250 300 350 450 80 228 190 221 314 320 193

pH 8.9 8.54 8.15 8.04 7.9 8.15 8.23 7.22 5.07 6.8 6.76 7.31 7.27 7.85

TDS (mg/l) 308.2 328.3 301.5 167.5 201.0 234.5 301.5 53.6 152.8 127.3 148.1 210.4 214.4 129.3


Temperature ( C) 10.5 n/a 11 n/a n/a n/a 14.4 13.1 13.3 16.1 17.6 15 n/a 15.2

DO (mg/l) 5.04 n/a 8.35 n/a n/a n/a 5.61 9.1 11.84 8.03 8.1 8.34 n/a 2.55

Turbidity (NTU) 670 n/a 34 n/a n/a n/a 25 35 70 42 60 45 n/a 150

EC (µs/cm) 219 n/a 275 n/a n/a n/a 265 304 316 340 424 400 n/a 401

pH 7.14 n/a 6.9 n/a n/a n/a 7.25 7.4 7.63 7.55 7.25 7.65 n/a 7.7

TDS (mg/l) 146.7 n/a 184.2 n/a n/a n/a 177.5 204.3 211.7 227.8 284.1 268.0 n/a 268.7


Temperature ( C) 17.7 17.3 16.1 16.5 17.6

DO (mg/l) 6.65 5.69 6.6 7.39 6.87


EC (µs/cm) 376 203 385 235 396

pH 7.93 7.64 7.35 7.5 7.23

TDS (mg/l) 251.9 136.0 257.9 157.4 265.3


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Table 3 . Field measurements taken at the storage point (post- treatment)


Temperature ( C) 36.1 33.1 18.2 34.5 22 32.5 25.7 20.1 21.6 13.5 15.5 9.5 11.9 n/a

DO (mg/l) 6 7.5 9.3 6.4 9.3 5.7 7.3 9.9 7.12 6.72 6.56 10.61 10.27 9.26

Turbidity (NTU) 3.12 76.3 86.8 31.7 37.3 65.4 120 271 14 45 135 97.4 60.6 29.4

EC (µs/cm) 510 480 480 490 400 400 490 460 270 323 189 223 210 219

pH .835 .849 .798 8.32 8.08 8.04 7.91 7.37 6.34 6.89 6.94 7.41 7.72 7.6

TDS (mg/l) 341.7 321.6 321.6 328.3 268.0 268.0 328.3 308.2 180.9 216.4 126.6 149.4 140.7 146.7


Temperature ( C) 14.8 n/a 21.8 n/a 14.2 n/a 24.6 13.8 25.5 17.8 21.1 17.9 n/a 16.8

DO (mg/l) 9.92 n/a 9 n/a 8.31 n/a 5.6 9.83 8.96 9.14 6.99 6.88 n/a 4.99

Turbidity (NTU) 172 n/a 15 n/a 25 n/a 18 25 14 25 25 18 n/a 25

EC (µs/cm) 225 n/a 200 n/a 227 n/a 252 271 272 295 316 322 n/a 358

pH 7.39 n/a 7.46 n/a 7.25 n/a 7.4 6.7 7.06 7.11 7.5 7.11 n/a 7.07

TDS (mg/l) 150.7 n/a 134.0 n/a 152.1 n/a 168.8 181.6 182.2 197.6 211.7 215.7 n/a 239.9


Temperature ( C) 32.4 22.1 17.8 26 27.2

DO (mg/l) 4.78 5.17 8.06 6.59 6.05


EC (µs/cm) 352 388 409 389 388

pH 7.12 7.04 6.77 7.1 7.39

TDS (mg/l) 235.8 260.0 274.0 260.6 260.0


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Table 4. Field measurements taken at the filter point (post- treatment)1

Date 21-Feb 7-Mar 14-Mar 22-Mar 28-Mar 4-Apr 20-Apr 27-Apr 24-May 7-Jun 14-Jun 22-Jun 27-Jun 4-Jul 13-Jul

Temperature ( C) 36.1 32.4 20.6 27.6 21.9 n/a 18.4 19.9 19.1 13 13.3 4.9 13.9 n/a 14.8

DO (mg/l) 2.8 4.3 7.3 5.2 8 n/a 9.4 17.3 3.46 4.08 2.96 7.77 5.78 9.26 9.92

Turbidity (NTU) 280 70.3 71.9 532 65.8 n/a 376 20.5 17 264 35 165 71 29.4 172

EC (µs/cm) 460 500 480 350 290 n/a 480 490 177 182 190 257 305 219 225

pH 8.06 8.52 8.07 8.28 8.24 n/a 8.43 7.59 6.45 6.75 6.65 7.27 7.34 7.6 7.39

TDS (mg/l) 308.2 335.0 321.6 234.5 194.3 n/a 321.6 328.3 118.6 121.9 127.3 172.2 204.3 146.7 150.8

1 Due to difficulty in acquiring suitable samples, no measurements were taken at the filter point from 13th July onwards.

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22-M

ar

28-M

ar

4-Apr

20-A

pr

27-A

pr

24-M

ay7-

Jun

14-J

un

22-J

un

27-J

un4-

Jul

13-J

ul

26-J

ul

10-A

ug

28-A

ug

3-Sep

6-Sep

13-S

ep

21-S

ep

26-S

ep

10-O

ct

17-O

ct

24-O

ct

31-O

ct

7-Nov

15-N

ov

Date

Ele

ctri

cal C

on

du

ctiv

ity

(s/

cm)


15

pH

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

10.00

21-F

eb

7-M

ar

14-M

ar

22-M

ar

28-M

ar

4-Apr

20-A

pr

27-A

pr

24-M

ay7-

Jun

14-J

un

22-J

un

27-J

un4-

Jul

13-J

ul

26-J

ul

10-A

ug

28-A

ug

3-Sep

6-Sep

13-S

ep

21-S

ep

26-S

ep

10-O

ct

17-O

ct

24-O

ct

31-O

ct

7-Nov

15-N

ov

Date

pH


16

Total Dissolved Solids

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

300.00

350.00

400.00

450.00

21-F

eb7-

Mar

14-M

ar22

-Mar

28-M

ar4-

Apr20

-Apr

27-A

pr24

-May

7-Ju

n14

-Jun

22-J

un27

-Jun

4-Ju

l13

-Jul

26-J

ul10

-Aug

28-A

ug3-

Sep6-

Sep13

-Sep

21-S

ep26

-Sep

10-O

ct17

-Oct

24-O

ct

Date

TD

S m

g/L


17

Discussion

Water Temperature:

Generally speaking, the data relating to Water Temperature at all sample points follow variations in climatic conditions.

During the testing period a high variation in Water Temperature was recorded between the storage point and overflow data. The highest temperatures recorded were at the storage point, which was probably a result of minimal movement within the tank, the dark colour of the tank and lack of exposure to outside air.

The graphical analysis indicates a strong relationship between the Water Temperature and other parameters such as Electrical Conductivity (EC). The data suggest that Water Temperature influences other parameters, which as the WATERWATCH AUSTRALIA NATIONAL TECHNICAL MANUAL (Australian Government 2006) points out, is to be expected. Statistical analyses examining correlations between variables would provide some clarity to this finding.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO):

The level of Dissolved Oxygen at all data collection points was generally within the upper limits of that recommended by ANZECC (1992) of between 5.4mg/L-8.7mg/L. However, from late May to the end of June readings were relatively low, at times reaching 1.0 mg/L.

It should be noted that the low Dissolved Oxygen could indicate a degradation of water quality due to enrichment by nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus (Environment Protection and Heritage Council and Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, 2005). Nutrient enrichment was certainly possible as excessive algal growth and decay was often evident in the open channel area.

Turbidity:

Initially Turbidity was measured using the Horiba W-23XD however for the purpose of student instruction, it was decided to assess turbidity at the three measuring sites using a Turbidity Tube 2.

It can be asserted that the turbidity of the water sampled is not excessive and falls within the ANZECC (1992) requirements for water used for municipal irrigation purposes.

The tubidity results for the sampling period generally remained below 300 NTU however on occasion it did reach in excess of 500 NTU. In addition, a reading of 819 NTU on the 26th July could possible have been due to equipment malfunction.

2 A Turbidity Tube is a clear pipe of approximately 25mm diameter with a black and white disc in the bottom. The tube has markings on the side corresponding to Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs). Readings are taken by slowly filling the tube with water until the disc is no longer visible. At that point, turbidity is measured according to the level of the water in the tube.

18

Electrical Conductivity (EC):

The results of the measurements relating to Electrical Conductivity revealed consistently low results through the data collection period indicating that the salinity of water at the Landfill site is not currently an issue that needs addressing.

The similarity of the temperature and conductivity charts suggests a correlation between conductivity and water temperature, with EC levels rising and falling in parallel with the temperature of the water.

The results indicate that EC levels exceeded the ANZECC (2000) water quality guidelines for lakes and reservoirs, while they were below the 500µ s/sm for SA Inland Water Guidelines.

PH:

The pH level of the water at all test sites generally fell within levels consistent with ANZECC (1992) guidelines of 6.5 8.0.

Interestingly, a reading close to 9.0 in February 2007, (indicating slightly alkaline water) may have been a result of excessive daytime temperatures (Liston and Maher, 1997) while a low point of just over 5 (indicating slight acidity) on the 24th May, corresponds to cooler temperatures experienced in Mildura at that time.

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS):

Total Dissolved Solids, as Liston and Maher (1997) point out are minerals, salts, metals and other matter dissolved in water. Basically, TDS includes anything other than the pure water (H20) molecule and suspended solids.

TDS and EC are often used as means of measuring the salinity of water and as a result, a correlation between these two variables is to be expected. As with EC, the TDS level was not found to be excessive falling within established guidelines (ANZECC, 1992) for water used for municipal irrigation purposes.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS:

On various occasions during the project a range of native and exotic fauna were sighted in the overflow channel. Introduced species such as Gam busia holbrooki (Mosquito fish) and Cyprinus carpio (European carp) were evident. In addition, Turtles were sighted on a number of occasions and although the correct species would need to be established, it was believed to be Chelodina longicollis (Australian long-necked tortoise), which is found in water-ways in the Mildura region (e.g. King s Billabong). On other occasions, birds were seen nesting in the Cumbungi.

While the water quality in the overflow channel is certainly not pristine, the existence of various species of fauna, despite the presence of exotics, does at least indicate that the water is capable of sustaining a variety of aquatic life.

Concluding remarks The project to carry out water-testing at the MRCC Landfill site was undertaken between February and November 2007. The project proved to be a valuable educational exercise for the students involved. The water

19

testing was able to be incorporated into the Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management and helped ensure the students reached a satisfactory level of competency in water testing, data recording and reporting.

Sunraysia Institute of TAFE is grateful to the Mildura Rural City Council for the opportunity to expose our students to a real-life project such as this and are sure that valuable educational and environmental outcomes were the result.

References:

Australian and New Zealand Environmental Conservation Council (ANZECC) 2000, Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality: Volume 1 The Guidelines 2000, Chapter 3: Aquatic Ecosystems

Australian Government 2006, Waterwatch Australia National Technical Manual Module 7 Estuarine Monitoring, Department of the Environment and Heritage

Bennett, J., Sanders, N., Moulton, D., Phillips, N., Lukacs, G., Walker, K., and Redfern, F. 2002, Guidelines for Protecting Australian Waterways. Land & Water Australia, Canberra.

Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) and Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC) 2005, National Guidelines for Water Recycling Managing Health and Environmental Risks, October 2005

Liston, P. and Maher, W. 1997, Water Quality for Maintenance of Aquatic Ecosystems: Appropriate Indicators and Analysis, Australia: State of the Environment Technical Paper Series (Inland Waters), Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Canberra.

20

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The project could not have been undertaken without the generous donation of funds from Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC).

In addition, the involvement of students enrolled in Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE in 2007 was essential towards meeting the obligations of MRCC.

We are also grateful to Hannah Lancaster, a Year 10 student at St Joseph s College and Maginda Badang a student enrolled in a Certificate II in Adult Education at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE for their assistance at various times during the project.

21

Appendix 1 Photographs of the test site

24

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