The upgrades included the laying of 8 km of new pipeline, as well as the construction of a 4 km recycled water pipeline.
The upgrade is the Queensland utility’s largest project in Somerset to date and includes the laying of 8 km of new pipes and the construction of two new wastewater pump stations.
The new plant will be capable of treating 1.5 megaliths of wastewater every day from neighbouring Lowood and Fernvale.
Urban Utilities resource recovery general manager Peter Donaghy said the upgrade would ensure the region is prepared for the forecast growth in the coming years.
“As more people choose to call beautiful Somerset home, it’s important we lay down the foundations for the future,” said Donaghy.
“The treatment plant has doubled the capacity of the local wastewater network, ensuring the region has the infrastructure it needs for many years to come. Equipped with the latest membrane technology wastewater treatment, the plant will also deliver environmental benefits for local waterways.”
The Somerset regional council mayor Graeme Lehmann also welcomed the completion of the Somerset upgrades.
“Somerset is one of the fastest growing regional council areas in Queensland and this significant investment by Urban Utilities will make sure we’re well prepared for growth,” said Lehmann.
As an additional benefit, the new wastewater treatment plant will also provide high quality recycled water as a source of sustainable irrigation for Fernvale Sports Park.
“Council has constructed a 4 km pipeline to transport the recycled water to the park and we want to sincerely thank them for this significant contribution,” Donaghy said.
The Drought Solutions Pipeline was funded under the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Program Part 1.