AN important but unpleasant job is being undertaken by some divers in Epsom.<\/p>\n
Eighteen of the 24 big aerators in the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant\u2019s wastewater tanks, which receive the city\u2019s toilet, sink and grey water, are being replaced after 10 years of use.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you can imagine a series of large, motorised mixing blades submerged in tanks, these are the aerators,\u201d said Bendigo WRP acting program director Cameron Patrick.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir job is to churn and mix the wastewater shortly after its arrival at the plant. The aerators promote aerobic digestion.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs they churn up the water, they introduce oxygen to the tanks, which helps the biological treatment process.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe replaced six aerators in August last year, so we\u2019re now focused on the remainder so they can continue to serve the plant into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
A crane is lowering a scaffold into the wastewater tanks so the divers can take the weight and pressure off the aerators, and access them.<\/p>\n
Then they remove the bolts so the aerators can be taken out and replaced with new ones.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe amazing thing is, the replacement work is done completely by feel,\u201d Mr Patrick said. \u201cThe water is not clear, so these divers are under the water without visibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a strict safety management process that we\u2019ll be adhering to during these works.\u201d<\/p>\n
Work on the aerators began on 8 November and is expected to be finished by the end of the weekend.<\/p>\n
The Bendigo WRP treats all the wastewater from homes and businesses across the city.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AN important but unpleasant job is being undertaken by some divers in Epsom. Eighteen of the 24 big aerators in the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant\u2019s wastewater tanks, which receive the city\u2019s toilet, sink and grey water, are being replaced after 10 years of use. \u201cIf you can imagine a series of large, motorised mixing blades […]<\/p>\n