Bellarine Stage 3 – Treatment Plant
Project summary
The Recycled Water on the Bellarine Stage 3 – Treatment Plant project, completed in 2021, was a $15 million initiative aimed at upgrading the Portarlington Water Recycling Plant (WRP). Under the leadership of Senior Project Manager Ali Harsono, the project focused on enhancing water quality and expanding reuse options by installing a Salt Reduction Plant (SRP). This case study delves into the project’s scope, challenges, execution, and innovative solutions.
…what we did on this project
The Recycled Water on the Bellarine Stage 3 – Treatment Plant project was designed to improve the water quality and reuse options at the Portarlington Water Recycling Plant (WRP). Key components of the project included the installation of a Salt Reduction Plant (SRP), which involved several advanced treatment steps: coarse screening to remove large particles, ultrafiltration to remove smaller particles and impurities, reverse osmosis to reduce salinity and other dissolved substances, and chlorination to ensure water safety and quality. The SRP was capable of producing 3.0 ML/day of Class B salt-reduced recycled water, enhancing water quality and meeting specific water quality targets.
Senior Project Manager Ali Harsono played a pivotal role in the project, from the tender submission process through execution. His responsibilities included forming partnerships with companies for process design, fabrication, assembly, and process warranties, optimizing the construction schedule, and developing design and commissioning management plans. Ali also coordinated the bid team, reviewed subcontractor and supplier proposals for compliance, compiled the risk and opportunity register, and led value engineering efforts.
The project faced challenges such as managing algal blooms and seasonal water levels to ensure adequate storage capacity. Ali’s meticulous planning and leadership were crucial in addressing these issues through the development and implementation of the SRP. Securing a strategic partnership with a company known for its comprehensive process design capabilities was instrumental. This partnership, demonstrated through an extensive on-site inspection of their manufacturing facilities in Corio, Victoria, significantly enhanced the project’s strength and alignment with client requirements.
Ensuring the SRP met all operational and environmental standards required thorough planning and risk analysis. Ali’s team integrated these considerations into the project design, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. The installation of the SRP was a major innovation, producing Class B salt-reduced recycled water suitable for various applications, including irrigation for local vineyards and golf courses, meeting the growing demand on the Peninsula. Strategic partnerships and value engineering were critical innovations, ensuring the project’s success and alignment with stakeholder expectations.
The successful completion of the Recycled Water on the Bellarine Stage 3 – Treatment Plant project on time and within budget stands as a significant achievement in enhancing the water infrastructure of the Bellarine Peninsula, underscoring the importance of meticulous planning, coordination, and skilled project management.