Artificial Wetland Treatment at Chemical Plant

Summary

In 2004 CSBP chemicals and fertiliser operations built an innovative nutrient stripping wetland to further reduce the nitrogen discharges to the adjacent Cockburn Sound. The “pilot” wetland was constructed on land leased from BP refinery. The wetland is planted with sedges and incorporates a number of biological processes that will reduce the level of nitrogen in the CSBP’s effluent stream. If the pilot is a success over a two-year trial period three more cells will be constructed. Some of the BP’s effluent is also released into the wetland and it is found to provide additional benefits by supplementing the carbon loading provided by the plant organic matter.

Industry

Industry Sector	Specific Industry
chemical sector	producer of industrial chemicals and fertilisers
petroleum sector	oil refinery

Region

Kwinana Industrial Area, Kwinana, Western Australia

Applied Technologies

• biological water treatment system (nutrient stripping)

Triple Bottom Line Aspects (direct at operational level)

Economic	capital and operational costs to run artificial wetlands facility
Environmental	higher quality of wastewater from chemical plant and oil refinery being discharged into Cockburn Sound (sensitive marine environment)
Social	improved living conditions for local community increased employee satisfaction due to improved environmental performance of the chemical plant

Additional Comments

None.

References

• van Beers, D, Bossilkov, A and van Berkel, R (2005) “Capturing Regional Synergies in the Kwinana Industrial Area – 2005 Status Report”, CSRP Report (for Project 3B1), August 2005

Last Update

31 October 2005