Community
28 May, 2024
New UV water system
THE disinfection system at the Port Douglas wastewater treatment plant is being replaced following a fire at the site last month.
A Douglas Shire Council spokesman said the electrical fire caused irreparable damage to the ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system between April 20 and 21.
“Wastewater continues to be treated at the plant, apart from the final disinfection process,” he said.
“While the overall treatment process provides 99 per cent removal of bacteria, the UV disinfection system is a key treatment step required to reduce bacteria levels by 99.99 per cent prior to discharge.
“As a precaution, council is advising the community not to swim or fish in the waters of Packers Creek and Dickson Inlet (downstream of the effluent discharge point) until a new disinfection system is installed.
“Water monitoring is continuing while information signs have been installed. The process to procure a new disinfection system is underway.”
In the meantime a new flow meter has been installed on the interconnection bypass along Mossman Daintree Rd, at the turn-off to Scomazzon Rd, to increase water security and monitor water movement.
