AGENDA
REDLAND
WATER AND WASTE
COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday 20 July 2004
commencing at 2.00pm
Council Chambers
1st floor Administration Building
Bloomfield Street Cleveland. Qld 4163
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM SUBJECT PAGE NO
Declaration Of Opening........................................................................................ 1
Record Of Attendance And Leave Of Absence...................................... 1
Public Participation At Meeting....................................................................... 1
Declaration of Interest...................................................................................... 1
Motion To Alter The Order Of Business..................................................... 1
1 Redland Water and Waste...................................................................... 2
1.1 REDLAND WATER & WASTE BUSINESS UNIT REPORT - JUNE 2004 2
1.2 LAND TERM LEASE FOR NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND EFFLUENT MANAGEMENT FACILITY FOR POINT LOOKOUT..... 4
1.3 GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY BLUE-GREEN ALGAE RESEARCH PROJECT 7
1.4 WATER DISINFECTION BY ELECTRO-CHLORINATION.............. 10
1.5 ISSUING OF FLUORIDE TABLETS FROM COUNCIL'S CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES................................................................................................. 12
2 Closed Session............................................................................................. 15
2.1 USE OF COUNCIL LAND AROUND LESLIE HARRISON DAM.... 15
Tender For Consideration................................................................................ 16
General Business................................................................................................... 16
Meeting Closure...................................................................................................... 16
Quorum:
4 councillors, including Chairperson.
On establishing there is a quorum, within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, the Chairperson will declare the meeting open.
Record Of Attendance And Leave Of Absence
Committee Membership:
Cr H J Murray Chairperson and Councillor Division 10
Cr D H Seccombe Mayor
Cr A G Barker Councillor Division 1
Cr C B Ogilvie Councillor Division 2
Cr D A Henry Councillor Division 3
Cr P J Dowling Councillor Division 4
Cr J L Burns Councillor Division 5
Cr T Bowler Councillor Division 6
Cr M A Elliott Councillor Division 7
Cr A R Beard Deputy Mayor and Councillor Division 8
Cr K M Williams Councillor Division 9
Committee Manager:
Mr J Graham General Manager Redland Water & Waste
Minutes:
Corporate Meetings & Registers Team
Public Participation At Meeting
The meeting may be adjourned for a fifteen (15) minute segment to allow members of the public to address Committee on matters of public interest related to local government.
1. Pursuant to section 244 of the Local Government Act 1993, a councillor who has a material personal interest in an issue to be considered at a meeting of the local government, or any of its committees –
(a) must disclose the interest to the meeting; and
(b) must not be present at or take part in the meeting while the issue is being considered or voted on.
2. A councillor who is barred from a meeting under subsection (1) must not be in the chamber where the meeting is being conducted, including any area set apart for the public.
Motion To Alter The Order Of Business
The order of business may be altered for a particular meeting where the councillors at that meeting pass a motion to that effect. Any motion to alter the order of business may be moved without notice.
File No: 1273
File Name: EDA REDLAND WATER WASTE BUSINESS UN IT REPORT JUNE 2004.doc Approved By ShelleyThis line will not be printed do not delete
Attachments: Business Unit Report 
[PDF
326KB]
Responsible Officer Name:
John Graham
General Manager
Author Name:
Maryann Bowles
Acting Principal Administration Officer
Executive Summary
The Redland Water & Waste Council Business Unit Report is presented to Council for noting. The report provides the business unit’s performance for the month of June 2004. It covers financial and non-financial indicators for water, wastewater and waste.
It is expected that most of the time the report findings will be “business as usual”. Where exceptions occur, these will be highlighted.
The report provides a regular opportunity for Council to consider the performance of Redland Water & Waste and to respond to any exceptional reporting.
Council is provided with the option to accept the report or accept it and request additional information or a review of performance.
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Purpose
To report on the ongoing performance of the business unit against Key Performance Indicators.
Background
Redland Water & Waste’s Performance Plan identifies key performance indicators for which performance targets have been agreed with Council. Reporting is done each month through the Redland Water & Waste Committee.
Issues
The report is provided to Council as a means of monitoring the performance of Redland Water & Waste for the activities of water, wastewater and waste.
This first part of the report comprises a “snapshot” of the business unit’s financial position and achievement in meeting key performance indicators (year to date).
The main body of the report focuses on customer service contact numbers and actual levels of achievement against the key performance indicators for the month. Where exceptions have occurred and the targets not met, an explanation is given as well as action taken to improve performance.
The report then provides specific financial information in relation to capital works, Profit and Loss, and revenue and expense actuals against budget.
The report closes with a summary of the major issues for each group during the month.
Relationship to Corporate Plan
The recommendation primarily supports Council's strategic priority to provide and maintain water, wastewater and waste services, to sustain our community. Providing this report also supports the Organisational Leadership goal of good governance by providing accountability of Redland Water & Waste’s performance in a way that is open to the public.
Financial Implications
There are no direct financial implications resulting from this report. Financial implications may result where Council requests a performance review or requests an increase in performance standards.
Consultation
Consultation has occurred with the Group Managers of Customer Service & Business Performance, Treatment Operations and Technical Support as well as the General Manager Redland Water & Waste.
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Options
Preferred
That Council resolve to accept the Redland Water & Waste Council Business Unit Report as presented in the attachment.
Alternative
That Council accepts the report and requests additional information or a review of performance.
Officer’s Recommendation
That Council resolve to accept the Redland Water & Waste Council Business Unit Report for June 2004, as presented in the attachment.
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File No: 63021
File Name: EBA LAND TERM LEASE FOR NEW WWTP AND EFFLUENT MANAGEMENT FACILITY FOR POINT LOOKOUT.doc Approved By ShelleyThis line will not be printed do not delete
Responsible Officer Name:
Troy Kasper
Manager Technical Support
Author Name:
Pakee Bala
Senior Engineer Project Management
Executive Summary
Council has previously resolved to apply for land tenure from the Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Energy (DNRM&E) to build the new wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and effluent management facility.
The Department has provided a letter of offer for term lease – 30 years ‘in principle’ – subject to Council providing evidence that it has acquired the native title interest over the areas to be contained within the proposed lease area and other standard conditions. The offer expires on 2 August 2004.
It is considered that the most advantageous approach for Council is to accept the 30-year term lease offer submitted and make a payment of $65,000.00 (excluding GST) per annum for the 98.7ha area of land to DNRM&E.
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Purpose
This report presents and evaluates the offer received for the 30-year term lease for the land at Point Lookout to build the new WWTP and effluent management facility.
Background
The Point Lookout WWTP and effluent reuse/disposal system are to be upgraded during the 04/05 and 05/06 financial years. The planning and design work has already commenced.
There is an existing WWTP located at the end of Tramican Street which was a second-hand package plant relocated to Point Lookout in the early 1980s. The treatment plant is reaching the end of its life and is struggling to meet peak holiday loads.
The aim of the project is to find and develop a suitable solution to complete the reticulated sewerage and to find an economically and environmentally sustainable solution for effluent management.
Redland Shire Council (RSC) has applied for land tenure term lease over a 98.7ha area comprising Lot 47 on Deposited Plans DP164078; Lot 131 on DP164078; Lot 48, 132-133 on DP164081; and Lot 134 on DP164082 Parish of Stradbroke from DNRM&E to build the new WWTP and effluent management facility.
Issues
New Wastewater Treatment Plant
The proposed site for the construction of new plant is the Quarry Reserve R1671 in George Nothling Drive, Point Lookout, together with an irrigation area, approximately 13ha in size. This area is not sufficient in size to deal with all the effluent, therefore the strategy is to upgrade and continue to use the existing infiltration pond until such time as further irrigation areas are made available in the Yarraman Mine Lease area. The last stages of the Yarraman Mine are scheduled to cease operations around 2012.
Eco-tourism condition
NRME has placed a condition on the proposed lease, that RSC enter into discussions and acceptance, that an alternative eco-tourism area will be identified and included within the planning scheme to replace the area previously identified for this purpose which is now part of the sewerage lease area.
A study will be undertaken in conjunction with Environmental Management and Land Use Planning in determining a new eco-tourism site, and the outcome will be included in the planning scheme at a later date.
Relationship to Corporate Plan
The recommendation primarily supports Council’s strategic priority to provide and maintain wastewater services to protect the environment and sustain the community of Point Lookout.
Financial Implications
Acceptance of the leases will involve annual payments of $65,000.00 (excluding GST) for a term of 30 years.
This annual cost proposal for term lease is based on 5% of the unimproved capital value of the land parcels which have been estimated at $1,300,000.00. This valuation is done by DNRM&E for term lease purpose not for freehold land purchase. Council’s Property Services Manager has reviewed the term lease offer and valuation of unimproved capital value.
Consultation
Consultation has taken place with Council’s Property Services Manager.
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Options
Preferred
That Council resolve:
1. To accept the offer and enter into an agreement with DNRM&E for a 30-year term lease for the 98.7ha area of land for the proposed price of $65,000.00 (excluding GST) per annum;
2. That Redland Shire Council enter into discussions and acceptance that an alternative eco-tourism area will be identified and included within the planning scheme to replace the area previously identified which is now part of the sewerage lease area; and
3. To delegate to the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer authority to sign the agreement documents under seal with Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Energy.
Alternative
1. That Council not accept the offer received for a 30-year term lease and seek to negotiate a more favourable lease agreement; and
2. That Council look for an alternative site.
Officer’s Recommendation
That Council resolve:
1. To accept the offer and enter into an agreement with Department Natural Resources, Mines & Energy for a 30-year term lease for the 98.7ha area of land for proposed price of $65,000.00 (excluding GST) per annum;
2. That Redland Shire Council enter into discussions and acceptance that an alternative eco-tourism area will be identified and included within the planning scheme to replace the area previously identified which is now part of the sewerage lease area; and
3. To delegate to the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer authority to sign the agreement documents under seal with Department Natural Resources, Mines & Energy.
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File No: S1205
File Name: ECAGRIFFITHUNIVERSITYBLUE GREEN ALGAE RESEARCH PROJECT.doc Approved By Shelley This line will not be printed do not delete
Responsible Officer Name:
Carmel Krogh
Manager Treatment Operations
Author Name:
Carmel Krogh
Manager Treatment Operations
Executive Summary
Council has experienced blue-green algae problems in the Leslie Harrison Dam for 2 consecutive years. There is insufficient scientific information on the source of the blooms to make informed decisions on the best proactive control measures. It is considered that by working with GriffithUniversity and other local water authorities to compare and contrast data, Council will gain a better understanding of these events and be in a better position to manage its water supply.
Earlier this year, Redlands participated in a short project carried, out by Griffith University, which compared water quality data from the Leslie Harrison Dam, Little Nerang Dam, Hinze Dam, North Pine Dam, Somerset Dam and Wivenhoe Dam. The project recommended further sampling to provide better comparisons of the factors effecting blue-green algae blooms.
A proposal to extend and broaden this research has been received from GriffithUniversity. The further study would include 7 dams under control of Gold Coast Water, SEQWater, Brisbane Water and Redland Water & Waste.
It is recommended that the proposal from GriffithUniversity for cooperative research into blue-green algae be approved.
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Purpose
The purpose of this report is to advise Council of research work into blue-green algae.
Background
Council is aware of the current blue-green algae bloom affecting water quality in the Leslie Harrison Dam. Council has been monitoring these blooms for a number of years. The graph below shows the blue-green algae cell count since 1997. The graph shows the significant increase in the count both last year and this year. Last year’s event was short lived and did not produce any toxin levels in the water. This year’s event has been ongoing since April and the raw water supply has shown toxin levels for the first time. It should be noted that no toxins have been detected in the treated water supply provided to customers. The ongoing testing program has confirmed that the additional treatment via the Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) is 100% effective in removing toxins.
The raw water when affected by blue-green algae undergoes additional treatment through a Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) plant. The current PAC plant limits the output capacity of the Capalaba Water Treatment Plant to 39-45ML/day.
Earlier this year, Redlands participated in a short project carried, out by Griffith University, which compared water quality data from the Leslie Harrison Dam, Little Nerang Dam, Hinze Dam, North Pine Dam, Somerset Dam and Wivenhoe Dam. The project recommended further sampling to provide better comparisons of the factors effecting blue-green algae blooms.
A proposal to extend and broaden this research has been received from GriffithUniversity. The further study would include 7 dams under control of Gold Coast Water, SEQWater, Brisbane Water and Redland Water & Waste.
Issues
The proposed study would involve a sampling program, with 4 sampling occasions spanning several months, where all 7 reservoirs are sampled on each occasion within a one week period. The parameters measured would be: total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, total algal counts, taste & odour compounds (geosmin, MIB), and physical parameters using a logger (temperature, conductivity, pH, fluorescence, oxygen, turbidity). Data from the sampling would be analysed for trends between reservoirs, and comparisons with reservoir and catchment characteristics.
Relationship to Corporate Plan
The recommendation primarily supports Council's strategic priority to provide and maintain water services and supports the provision of waterways infrastructure to sustain our community.
Financial Implications
The industry partners would contribute to the project by providing most of the sample analysis costs, boats and staff for sampling, and sampling equipment. For Redlands, this contribution would be $5,000 cash and approximately $1,600 in-kind.
Council’s contribution can be funded from its operational water quality monitoring budget for 2004-05.
Consultation
Consultation has taken place within Redland Water & Waste.
The Manager Treatment Operations also attended a recent meeting with representatives of GriffithUniversity, SEQWater, Brisbane Water and Gold Coast Water to discuss the proposal.
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Options
Preferred
That Council resolve that the proposal from Griffith University for cooperative research into blue-green algae be approved.
Alternative
That Council seek other proposals to carry out individual research on the Leslie Harrison Dam.
Officer’s Recommendation
That Council resolve to approve the proposal from GriffithUniversityfor cooperative research into blue-green algae.
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File Name: ECA WATER DISINFECTION BY ELECTROCHLORINATION.doc Approved By ShelleyThis line will not be printed do not delete
Responsible Officer Name:
Carmel Krogh
Manager Treatment Operations
Author Name:
Carmel Krogh
Manager Treatment Operations
Executive Summary
Late last year Councillor Dowling, the General Manager Redland Water & Waste, Manager Technical Support and Manager Treatment Operations, undertook a site inspection of an electro-chlorination system at Sanctuary Cove. Electro-chlorination produces low strength liquid chlorine (hypochlorite) from either the natural salinity of seawater or from added salt.
Currently, Council disinfects its water supplies using chlorine gas. Chlorine gas installations are situated at NorthStradbrokeIsland, Capalaba Water Treatment Plant and Heinemann Rd Reservoir. Since the Sanctuary Cove installation appeared to be a simple and cost effective unit, its possible applications in the Redlandswere investigated.
This report provides a description of an alternative water chlorination system that may be viable for use in Council’s reticulation system if additional chlorination is required.
It is recommended that the technology of electro-chlorination for disinfection of water supplies be considered if enhancement or replacement of Council’s chlorine facilities is required.
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Purpose
This report provides an overview of an alternative chlorination system and its possible applications in the Redland Water & Waste (RWW) supply system as requested by Councillor Dowling.
Background
Late last year Councillor Dowling, the General Manager Redland Water & Waste, Manager Technical Support and Manager Treatment Operations, undertook a site inspection of an electro-chlorination system at Sanctuary Cove. Electro-chlorination produces low strength liquid chlorine (hypochlorite) from either the natural salinity of seawater or from added salt.
Currently, Council disinfects its water supplies using chlorine gas. Chlorine gas installations are situated at NorthStradbrokeIsland, Capalaba Water Treatment Plant and Heinemann Rd Reservoir. Since the Sanctuary Cove installation appeared to be a simple and cost effective unit, its possible applications in the Redlandswere investigated.
Issues
Chlorine is mainly used in water supply systems in order to initially disinfect and to maintain a residual level in the pipe system. Residual chlorine levels are monitored at representative points throughout the reticulation system. In many reticulation systems with long retention times, rechlorination is required within the pipe network to maintain this residual.
The RWW supply system is different from many other systems as it does not have large storage volumes in reservoirs, and therefore does not have long retention times after leaving the water treatment plants.
The effectiveness of chlorine disinfection is also affected by alkalinity levels in the water. Both Capalaba and NorthStradbrokeIsland water have relatively low alkalinity levels and capital works are programmed this year for Capalaba to increase alkalinity levels. This work will increase the effectiveness of the existing chlorine dosing system.
The system viewed at Sanctuary Cove (Water Engineers Australia) generated sodium hypochlorite on-site for disinfection of the swimming pool. The system was simple and was cost effective for a small installation. The Water Engineers Australia MM series electro-chlorinators can disinfect up to 12ML per day. Their application in the Redlandswould therefore be limited to rechlorination of zoned areas in the reticulation system or to village systems. At this stage there is not considered to be an appropriate location in the reticulation system for a trial to be set up. However, this system could be considered as a viable alternative should existing systems require replacement or the system requires additional rechlorination facilities.
The electro-chlorination system is not widely used in Australian water supply treatment systems. A trial was set up within the Melbournereticulation system. Melbournedid not proceed with implementation of a full electro-chlorination system because of concerns about longer term quality assurance issues.
Relationship to Corporate Plan
The recommendation primarily supports Council's strategic priority to provide and maintain water services and support the provision of infrastructure to sustain our community.
Financial Implications
The current works program does not include any capital items for replacement or addition of chlorination equipment.
Consultation
Consultation has occurred with General Manager Redland Water & Waste, Manager Technical Support and Melbourne Water contacts.
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Options
That the technology of electro-chlorination for disinfection of water supplies be considered if enhancement or replacement of Council’s chlorine facilities is required.
Officer’s Recommendation
That Council resolve that the technology of electro-chlorination for disinfection of water supplies be considered if enhancement or replacement of Council’s chlorine facilities is required.
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File Name: EDA ISSUING OF FLUORIDE TABLETS FROM COUNCIL S CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE S.doc Approved By Shelley This line will not be printed do not delete
Responsible Officer Name:
John Graham
General Manager, Redland Water & Waste
Author Name:
Shelley Thompson
Personal Assistant to General Manager,
Redland Water & Waste
Executive Summary
During the recent 04/05 budget process, Council’s long-term commitment of issuing fluoride tablets was raised with the General Manager, Redland Water & Waste.
Council currently issues fluoride tablet supplements free to Redland Shire residents for any children aged 4-12 years. Advice is that dental practitioners within the Shire randomly refer patients to Council for this service.
We have not been able to establish a Council minute relating to the decision, but long-serving Council employees, past and present, have been able to narrow the timing to around 1970 when the Leslie Harrison Dam was commissioned and reticulated water was not fluoridated.
Due to the now ready availability of fluoride supplements at retail outlets and in toothpaste, it is considered unnecessary for Council to continue issuing these supplements from its Customer Service Centres.
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Purpose
To review Council’s current practice of issuing fluoride tablets on request.
Background
Recent research by Council officers shows that fluoride tablets have been issued free to Redland Shire residents since the water supply from the Leslie Harrison Dam first became available as an alternative to fluoridation of the reticulated water supply.
As the Leslie Harrison Dam was commissioned in 1968, and allowing time for the dam to fill and for reticulation pipes to be laid, we estimate that the issuing of fluoride tablets would have commenced in approximately 1970.
The former Director of the Health Department has advised that it was then deemed the tablets would be paid for from funds generated by the water supply, i.e. people had to pay to get their water connected and some money was kept aside for the fluoride tablets.
Until July 1998 tablets were distributed through, firstly, Council’s Health Department and then Council’s Engineering Department. Since July 1998, Redland Water has provided the budget for payment of the tablets. When the Customer Service Centres opened in early 1996, issuing of fluoride tablets was handed over to them, with payment by Redland Water.
The current Operating Guideline states that fluoride tablets will be issued free to all children under 12 years of age as a community health service in lieu of fluoridation of the reticulated water supply. As a control mechanism, a tally sheet is completed.
Issues
At the time of the decision being made to issue fluoride tablets, no other products were readily available to the public. Fluoride supplements, including tablets and drops, can now be purchased at pharmacies and many toothpastes have fluoride added.
Approximately 700-800 bottles are currently issued through the Cleveland and Capalaba Customer Service Centres.
If Council supports the recommendation to discontinue the current practice, the decision will need to be communicated to the community and particularly local dentists. Also, the current stock of tablets (approximately 800) could be provided free-of-charge to dentists in preference to them being wasted. The supplier has been contacted and there is a possibility that a portion of our stocks may be able to be returned for a refund dependent upon their age and expiry dates.
Relationship to Corporate Plan
The recommendation primarily supports Council's strategic priority to provide and maintain water services & support the provision of infrastructure to sustain our community.
Financial Implications
The current cost of approximately $11,000 per annum has been provided for in Redland Water & Waste’s 04/05 budget.
Consultation
Consultation as to when Council commenced issuing of fluoride tablets took place with a number of current long-serving employees, including Bruce Fischer – Service Manager Water Treatment, Greg Jensen – Manager Customer & Community Services, Phil Hennessey– General Manager Planning & Policy; and
Research on the same topic was also conducted by Tracey Pollard, Corporate Librarian who consulted the former Director, Health Department, Redland Shire Council.
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Options
Preferred
That Council resolve to:
1. Discontinue issuing fluoride tablets from Council’s Customer Service Centres effective immediately;
2. Advise all local dental practitioners within Redland Shire of Council’s decision;
3. Return unused tablets to the supplier wherever possible; and
4. Distribute any remaining stocks equitably to Redlands’ dental practitioners.
Alternative
To continue issuing fluoride tablets from Council’s Customer Service Centres.
Officer’s Recommendation
That Council resolve to:
1. Discontinue issuing fluoride tablets from Council’s Customer Service Centres effective immediately;
2. Advise all local dental practitioners within Redland Shire of Council’s decision;
3. Return unused tablets to the supplier wherever possible; and
4. Distribute any remaining stocks equitably to Redlands’ dental practitioners.
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File No: P125630
File Name: SECA USE OF COUNCIL LAND AROUND LESLIE HARRISON DAM.doc Approved By JTThis line will not be printed do not delete
Responsible Officer Name:
CarmelKrogh
Manager Treatment Operations
Author Name:
CarmelKrogh
Manager Treatment Operations
Executive Summary
Council or Committee has a broad power under Section 463 (1) of the Local Government Act 1993 to close a meeting to the public where there are genuine reasons why the discussion on a matter should be kept confidential.
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OFFICER'S RECOMMENDATION
That the meeting be closed to the public to discuss this matter pursuant to Section 463 (1) of the Local Government Act 1993.
The reason that is applicable in this instance is as follows:
"(f) starting or defending legal proceedings involving it."
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The following tender is presented for consideration:
· Tender No RWW0007 – Capalaba Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Scada Implementation – Job 62011.
Following consideration at this Committee, this matter will be presented to Council for consideration of the Committee Recommendation at its General Meeting scheduled for 28 July 2004.
In accordance with Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Meetings), Council or Committee may, by resolution, set aside a period of time at any meeting for a 'general business' segment.