Healesville Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade
We’re planning to increase the amount of sewage the plant can treat and upgrade treatment equipment. This will protect the environment and waterways from sewage spills, so we can continue to meet environmental regulations.
About the plant
The plant has treated sewage in Argoon Road since 1987 and can treat around 1.4 million litres a day. We serve thousands of homes and businesses – in Healesville as well as homes, wineries and industry in the surrounding Yarra Valley area.
About the upgrade
The upgraded treatment plant will be able to treat 2.5 million of litres of sewage a day.
The bigger plant will be able to manage heavy rain and floodwater better. We will also upgrade the equipment and treatment processes. This will ensure the treatment plant continues to meet stringent environmental regulations and maintains and protects healthy waterways.
The upgraded plant will have more capacity to support homes and businesses in Healesville and surrounding areas into the future.
Timing of works
We’re in the early stages of designing and planning the upgrade and anticipate starting construction in the next few years.
What’s involved
The upgrade involves constructing new infrastructure and equipment to manage and treat sewage. This includes storage tanks, pumps and pipework, as well as new buildings.
Map of Healesville Sewage Treatment Plant site
Got a question?
If you have any questions about the proposed upgrade, you can contact our project team on [email protected] or on 03 9872 1573.
Have your say
Now is the time for you to have your say about the sewage treatment plant upgrade and anything you think we should be aware of as we progress the project.
Frequently asked questions
Where will the upgraded Healesville Sewage Treatment Plant be located?
The Healesville Sewage Treatment Plant will remain at our existing site at 45 Argoon Road, Healesville.
Why are you upgrading the facility?
We’re upgrading the plant to increase the amount of sewage the plant can treat to protect the environment and waterways from sewage spills and to continue
meeting environmental regulations.
What will it look like?
We’re still designing the site and buildings. We’ll work with our neighbours to consider what the site looks like. This will include the buildings and what we plant in the area.
When will construction start?
We plan to start construction in 2026-2027 and take around 2 years to complete.
Who approves this proposal?
We’ll need approvals before works can start, including a Development Licence issued by Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA Victoria). To be approved for a Development Licence we’ll have to demonstrate that we’re properly managing risks, such as odour and noise. EPA Victoria will advertise our Development Licence
application as part of their public consultation process and you’ll be able to provide feedback to EPA Victoria at this stage too.
The treatment plant upgrade may also need planning approval from Yarra Ranges Council. We’re still working through the requirements for planning approval.
Will it smell?
We’ll design the plant to make sure air quality is always acceptable for the local community.
It’s unlikely you’ll notice odours from the upgraded sewage treatment plant. It’s been operating at its current site since 1987 and will continue to operate under strict EPA Victoria odour control requirements when it’s upgraded.
Our Development Licence application will include information about how we plan to manage potential odours. The community will be able to view this information and respond before EPA Victoria makes a decision on the Licence. Once the application is approved and the Licence is obtained, we must follow all its requirements.
Will it be noisy?
We’ll include noise assessments and modelling as part of the design. This will make sure the facility doesn’t make noise that impacts people in the area.
During construction, we expect typical noise from construction activity and nearby residents may notice increased vehicle traffic to and from the site.
When will the treatment plant operate?
Like all treatment plants, it will operate 24/7. This is to ensure we provide essential sewerage services 24/7 to the community in Healesville and surrounding area.
What impact will it have on traffic?
We don’t expect significant traffic delays or diversions on Maroondah Highway, Heritage Lane or Argoon Road. In the rare event of a big delivery, such as an oversized load, we’ll have permits and traffic management to make the area safe and keep traffic moving.
When the new facility is up and running, the amount of traffic will be the same as we currently get.
Do you use chemicals?
Chemicals are used in all sewage treatment plants and some treatment processes. We follow safety guidelines to manage and store chemicals on site.