Zeally Sands wetland improvements to begin in Torquay

THE Surf Coast Shire has started significant improvements to the sediment ponds and drains in Torquay’s Zeally Sands constructed wetland.

This wetland is a critical component of the north Torquay stormwater network, filtering stormwater before it enters The Sands Amenity Lake system.

Shire mayor Liz Pattison said the project was important for both the local environment and the wider region.

“This wetland is part of the north Torquay stormwater network which feeds into the adjoining culturally and environmentally significant Karaaf wetlands, and this project is part of our wider ongoing work addressing the quality and volume of stormwater impacting the Karaaf.”

A recent review of the network identified the need for clearing the sediment ponds and drains at Zeally Sands to enhance their effectiveness.

 

 

The project, which began on Monday this week, will involve excavation to remove sediment, dense vegetation, and rocks from Amenity Lake and Wetland 3 sediment basins, as well as from central and southern open swale drains.

The work, expected to be completed by the end of July, will include strict sediment management controls to prevent disturbed sediment from running off before removal.

Contractors will be supervised by qualified ecologists, who will relocate fauna such as fish and eels within the wetlands prior to the start of excavation.

Cr Pattison thanked local residents for their understanding during the project.

“We thank residents living near the wetland for their understanding as we complete this important environmental work,” she said.

Sediment removed from the ponds will be temporarily stored to dry in Timara Park, while vegetation will be dried near Grass Tree Park before being mulched.

Traffic management will be in place around the work areas to ensure safety.