Over 200 property owners in Empire Bay, Bensville and Kincumber South are breathing a sigh of relief as they say goodbye to their on-site sewage management systems, thanks to Central Coast Council’s Cockle Bay Towns Sewerage Project.

This $11 million project has been in the pipeline since the 1990’s, when unsewered areas in the Cockle Bay catchment were deemed high priority for improved sewerage services, due to the sensitivity of local waterways and ecology, and potential public health risks posed by unsustainable on-site sewage systems.

Council’s Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said Cockle Bay residents have finally achieved their pipe dream.

“Connection to the sewer has been sought by residents in the area for a while now, and we’re pleased to say it has arrived,” Mr Dowling said.

“The delivery of this sewerage scheme has been well received by the community. Not only will over 200 properties connect over the next few months, but an additional 80 properties have had infrastructure installed on their property – so that if connection is required at a later date, it can be arranged easily and economically.

“Connection to the sewer will free up land currently used for on-site sewage management. For many residents, this will mean the end to soggy front and backyards, overflows, pump outs and maintenance.”

The majority of properties in the service area are being serviced by a pressure sewer system (PSS), whilst a small number of properties are being serviced by a gravity sewer system. A sewage pumping station has been installed on the corner of Wards Hill Road and Empire Bay Drive, Empire Bay.

PSS are extremely popular internationally, and have been used throughout Europe and the USA for approximately 30 years. The trend to use pressure sewer technology in Australia is rising, with water authorities, councils, developers and individuals from across the country getting on board.

“Pressure sewer is an innovative piece of technology, offering a range of benefits,” Mr Dowling continued.

“Not only is it cost-effective and reliable, odour issues are lessened and it’s also great for our local environment.

“Traditional gravity sewer systems can involve a wide construction footprint in flatter areas. PSS however, have much lower impacts during construction, particularly because trenchless techniques can be utilised – this means we have been able to minimise disruption to both the sensitive surrounding environment and the community.

“For Cockle Bay Towns’ PSS, council has elected to include remote monitoring of the status of each unit. If anything goes wrong, council will be able to resolve the issue in the most cost-effective timeframe having historical and current data at hand.

“We would like to thank all residents in the Cockle Bay Towns Sewerage Project service area for their patience as this essential work was undertaken – and invite you to reap the rewards.”