What is an Annual Environmental Review (AER)?
TasWater owns and operates 110 sewage treatment plants (STPs). 33 Level 1 STPs are regulated by local councils and 77 Level 2 STPs are regulated by the EPA.
Annual performance and environmental management reporting in the form of an Annual Environmental Review (AER) is required under Permit and Environment Protection Notices (EPNs) for each Level 2 Sewage Treatment Plant. An AER allows TasWater to demonstrate they are monitoring the performance of the STPs, reviewing compliance, and exploring opportunities to improve environmental outcomes.
TasWater has made these documents available to the public to ensure disclosure of STP performance and management information is clear and accurate. AERs are submitted annually to EPA Tasmania.
Environmental Improvements in 2022-23 reporting period
TasWater has continued to invest in sewerage infrastructure to improve environmental outcomes around the state. Key projects progressed in this years reported period include:
• STP upgrades:
• Longford STP upgrade and commissioning completed.
• Ulverstone Clarifier Upgrade commenced.
• Westbury Interim lagoon repairs and upgrade STP projects.
• Outfall projects: Completion of the Turriff Lodge STP outfall relocation and Dover STP outfall renewal and extension; commenced construction of new Cygnet outfall and pipeline; installation of upgraded outfall pipeline at Bicheno STP.
• Biosolid handling upgrades completed at Cameron Bay STP.
• Biogas flares installed at Cameron Bay and Turriff Lodge STPs
• Desludging of Currie, Perth, Smithton (Pelican Point) and Westbury lagoons and Queenstown aeration basin
• Design and approvals progression for Selfs Point upgrade/Macquarie Point rationalisation, Launceston Sewerage Improvement Project
• Strategic master planning progressed for Meander Valley region, Pardoe Sewerage Improvement and Bridport/Scottsdale region