Towards the Development of a Social, Environmental, and Technologically Sound and Sustainable Future for the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant and its Surrounding Environment: Towards the Development of a Social, Environmental, and Technologically Sound and Sustainable Future for the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant and its Surrounding Environment Board of Management Meeting No. 1 May 2, 2006


Projects: Projects Nitrogen in Cockburn Sound Re-design of Jervoise Bay Nitrate Removal from Groundwater Odour Management Water Re-use Options Land Use Planning Arsenic Contamination


Nitrogen in Cockburn Sound: An Investigation of the Current Budget and Future Loadings: Nitrogen in Cockburn Sound: An Investigation of the Current Budget and Future Loadings Problem: There is concern that Nitrogen concentrations in Cockburn Sound are too high to ensure a healthy, productive and socially valued ecosysytem. Aim: To investigate the acceptable/desirable range of annual Nitrogen loads that Cockburn Sound needs to support a healthy, productive and socially valued marine ecosystem.


Quantification of Nitrogen Sources and Sinks: Quantification of Nitrogen Sources and Sinks Historical Review Applied Ocean Science One proposes to conduct a historical review of past sources and sinks of Nitrogen loads in Cockburn Sound. An ‘Ideal’ Level Due to difficulties in defining a relationship between Nitrogen loads and Chlorophyll a concentrations in Cockburn Sound, AOS 1 proposes to investigate effects of the Nitrogen loads rather than define an specific ‘ideal’ Nitrogen budget.


Box Modelling of Nitrogen Levels: Box Modelling of Nitrogen Levels It is proposed to conduct box modelling to investigate current and hypothetical future nitrogen loadings to Cockburn Sound. We will experiment with the removal of all existing ocean outfalls to Cockburn Sound, as predicted by CSMC. We will also trial the reduction of Nitrogen loads from the contaminated groundwater entering JBNH. Ideally results from the modelling will allow us to make recommendations pertaining to the future management of Nitrogen loads in Cockburn Sound.


Deliverables: Deliverables Component 1 – Data and Literature Review Historical Review Quantification of all Sources and Sinks Component 2 – Box Modelling Results Component 3 – Impact Investigation Analysis of Relationships Light Requirements of Seagrass Effects of Nitrogen in Cockburn Sound


The Re-design of Jervoise Bay: The Re-design of Jervoise Bay Problem: The current harbour configuration has resulted in water quality issues along with reduced functionality and visual and recreational amenity Aim: To investigate a number of possible design options and provide a sustainable and functional solution for the re-design of Jervoise Bay. Study Area: Jervoise Bay Northern and Southern Harbours 1985 (Southern Groyne) 1997 (Northern Groyne) 2002 (Southern Breakwater) 1981/1982 (Small Groyne and skirted breakwater)


Objectives: Objectives Minimize environmental impacts within the Northern and Southern Harbours, with an emphasis on improving water quality. To meet the needs of stakeholders and the general public in terms of functional requirements and aesthetic issues. Deliver a solution which integrates the environmental, social and economic aspects of the project.


Design Approach: Design Approach Stakeholder Consultation Determine the environmental impacts of the main stakeholders’ activities within the bay. Analysis of Oceanographic Processes Interaction of waves with breakwaters (refraction, diffraction, reflection, shoaling). Possible seiche set-up in the harbour. Numerical Modeling HAMSOM (Hamburg Shelf Ocean Model). Output surface velocities within the harbour.  calculate flushing times.


Current Project Status: Current Project Status Literature review nearing completion. Stakeholder Consultation Initial emails sent and phone calls made. Feedback has been limited to only 2 stakeholders to date. Numerical Modeling The 2 ‘Modelers’ of the group have familiarized themselves with HAMSOM and successfully gained surface current outputs using the current harbour configuration. The model will now be used to investigate any changes to this configuration. Current Design Options Placement of a cut in the northern or southern groynes to allow further flushing of the northern harbour. Alteration to the current breakwater configuration to allow further water circulation, while retaining sufficient wave protection. Only alter the breakwaters of the northern harbour since there are no water quality problems within the southern harbour.


Deliverables: Deliverables A broad literature review detailing oceanographic processes within the area, harbour design criteria and significant results of previous studies in the area. An outline of the functional problems within the harbours. A summary of the views and suggestions from key stakeholders within the study area. Details for at least three plans that re-design the area. An integration of all design solutions resulting in one recommended option. A summary of the groups major actions over the duration of the project.


Removing Nitrate from Groundwater Entering JBNH: Removing Nitrate from Groundwater Entering JBNH Problem: Groundwater entering the harbour is contaminated with high levels of nitrate, which causes algal blooms Aim: To fully investigate the feasibility of a variety of options for reducing nitrate levels in groundwater Investigation Boundaries: From the source to the harbour foreshore


Groundwater Contamination and Flow: Groundwater Contamination and Flow Contamination Sources of nitrate are sludge drying beds, starch factory, market gardens Focus: Sludge drying beds Groundwater Flow Fluxes and discharge volumes Geology and hydrogeology (Tamala limestone and preferential flow paths) Groundwater Modeling Monitor seasonal patterns, nutrient fluxes, remediation influences


Options for Reducing Nitrate Levels: Options for Reducing Nitrate Levels Groundwater Removal Scheme (GRS) Current strategy, harvest wells extract contaminated water Efficient but expensive and energy intensive Could increase, shift or cease current GRS Bioremediation In situ denitrification process Organic carbon trench (GBT) Injection of a carbon source Increasing sink processes Uptake by plants (phytoremediation) Installation of a funnel-and-gate system Near the source to funnel groundwater for more efficient removal Remediate background sources


Deliverables: Deliverables Literature review of hydrogeology of area Groundwater modeling results from MODFLOW Details of nitrate sources in study area, identification of plumes Review of water quality guidelines Assessment of nitrate remediation techniques Feasibility of each option assessed Best option(s) chosen and included in a management plan


Odour Management: Odour Management Problem: Changing Urban Dynamics WPWWTP Lake Coogee Surrounding Industry Aim: To characterize zones of influence for odour sources, and; To assess the validity of physical dispersion models to predict malodour plume propagation.


Sniffing out a Solution:Data Collection: Sniffing out a Solution: Data Collection Sourced Data Metreological Source Odorant Conc. Odour Complaint Log (for characterization, time of year, spatial distribution) The Data Sets used for existing modelling Relevant Regulations To Collect Bio-Chemical odour signature of Lake Bed & Algal matter Odour Intensities & character from Lake Coogee Pinpoint Major Industrial sources affecting study area Input from Other Groups Land Use Groups Industrial Distribution maps Consult with Arsenic Group regarding community consultations


Sniffing out a Solution:Modelling: Sniffing out a Solution: Modelling 3 different atmospheric dispersion models Each has its advantages and disadvantages


Sniffing out a Solution:Analysis: Sniffing out a Solution: Analysis Model Comparison Including statistical comparison Intensity Vs Conc. Calibration Web-Fechner Law to produce linear relationship between Odour Intensity and Log[C] I = a*Log[C] + b Test correlation using linear regression Spatial Referencing Produce Zone of Odour Influence Maps for WPWWTP, LC & Industrial Site Overlap with Odour Complaint distribution


Deliverables: Deliverables Recommend a platform from which the Water Corporation can approach all stakeholders (residents, industry etc.) in attempting to resolve the community odour issue. Investigate the physical characteristics of the current/proposed buffer zone, and recommend any options for enhancement of buffering capacity (within the limited space available). Assess the validity and limitations of odour models used for Woodman Point WWTP and Lake Coogee. Identify, characterize, and where appropriate recommend mitigation strategies for industrial and commercial sources of odour surrounding the study area. Produce a comprehensive odour management strategy for Lake Coogee, including the waters and surrounding riparian zone.


Assessing Options for Water Reclamation and Reuse: Assessing Options for Water Reclamation and Reuse Aim: to investigate and assess the feasibility of water reuse options in the Cockburn Sound catchment. 20% of treated effluent from Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant is re-utilised in some form. The remaining 80% is discharged into the ocean. The focus of the Water Reclamation/Reuse Group will be the utilisation of this surplus.


Water Reuse Options: Water Reuse Options Three options for reclaiming wastewater will be considered: Kwinana Wastewater Reclamation Plant treatment Increasing the present capacity of KWRP Secondary Treated Wastewater Reuse for Irrigation Aquifer Storage and Recharge Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) of secondary treated wastewater.


Assessment Process: Assessment Process Water Demand Characterise current and future trends of water usage in the Cockburn Sound area. Define Study Area The physical boundaries of the study area and its hydro-geological properties. Design Formulate a list of reuse options. These will be fleshed out through in-depth research. Assessment of Proposals Feasibility of short-listed options will be judged using a framework that incorporates economic, social and environmental contexts.


Limitation: Limitation The study will set its focus on reuse through (i) managed aquifer recharge (MAR) ; (ii) industry reuse; and (iii) direct irrigation Other avenues of reclamation may be mentioned in as part of a literature review but will not be considered as options.


Deliverables: Deliverables The following will be delivered on each investigated reuse option: Feasibility of each option If feasible, what standard of water the option will require from WPWWTP The quantity of water that can be reused by the option The cost of the implementation Society and environment issues associated with implementing the option And after comparisons of all the proposals, Nominate the most sustainable and beneficial option(s)


Land Use - present and future trends: Land Use - present and future trends Competing land uses Several problems exist (E.g. Odour problems, nutrient issues, etc) For these reasons, undertake, a detailed study into the past, present, and future land uses


Area of study: Area of study Defined area of interest in the City of Cockburn Region (Cockburn 2006, City of Cockburn: Council Homepage [Online], Available: http://www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/ [15th March])


Aims of study: Aims of study To investigate the general history of the area of interest To identify and expand upon the major historical events and developments associated with each land use To characterize each land use as it is today Develop a land use management plan and a set of recommendations


Methods of study: Methods of study Defining the project area Land use categories Land use assessment Identifying stakeholders Feasibility assessments Resources Applying sustainability principles Conflict resolution


Limitations: Limitations The range of land uses and their proximity within the project area Industrial, residential, public open-spaces, agricultural, public services (WPWWTP) The social and political situation Conflicting stakeholder views and biased opinions Uncertainty in future land use plans for the area Possible land and infrastructure developments


Deliverables: Deliverables Results of investigations into current land use situation and future plans from: Responses from stakeholder interviews Independent research Consultation with other class groups Plans and recommendations for the resolution of identified conflict issues Presentation of a number of future land use options where a clear decision could not be reached Future land use plan for the area derived from current acceptable land use, future predictions and implementation of conflict resolution measures


Contaminated Land Site: Contaminated Land Site Problem: Soils to the North-East of the WWTP are known to contain Arsenic (As) and other contaminants. Aim: To fully investigate the extent, level and risk of the contamination.


Background: Background Contamination The source of the contamination comes from imported soil from the Fremantle Gas and Coke Company being used as the base for a motorcycle track in the 1970’s. This has been identified as being the visible purple soils found on the site Previous Work There has been several previous studies which detail some of the contaminants and their respective levels. Some soil has since been removed from the Coogee Primary School Land however a large area of Water Corporation Land has not been fully addressed. The full extent of contamination, the movement of the contaminants and the risk they pose have not been the subject of a study. Main Driver Arsenic is known to pose a high risk to both the environment and to human health.


Project Outline: Project Outline Complimentary Testing Ensure testing already completed is in accordance with the DOE guidelines Analysis of Arsenic complexation to find in what state the Arsenic exists Groundwater testing to find groundwater movement and if contaminants have leached into the groundwater Additional soil sampling Risk Assessment Completion of full assessment considering results from testing Site Management Recommendations for the management of the site


Considerations: Considerations Sensitivity This issue is sensitive to all stakeholders namely the Water Corporation and the local community. Project Refinement We are currently liaising with the Water Corporation to refine the details of the project, as such, they may change slightly however our final deliverables will not.


Deliverables: Deliverables Risk Assessment Management Recommendations