South East Water transfers operations to John Holland SUEZ Beca Joint Venture

Celebrated with an on-site ceremony, South East Water transferred operations of the Boneo Water Recycling Plant to the John Holland SUEZ Beca joint venture for works to commence on the project.

The transfer marks an important milestone for the project that will deliver an innovative, safe and sustainable water recycling process for the local community.

With construction of the plant now underway, the John Holland SUEZ Beca joint venture will modernise the plant with the goal of reducing South East Water’s reliance on grid electricity and improving capacity to serve the current and future needs of the community and environment.

By utilising several innovative technologies including, optimised digestion (Digelis simplex), and breakthrough technologies in wastewater treatment processes, Nitrite Shunt (Cleargreen™ mainstream) and anammox sidestream (Cleargreen™ sidestream), the upgrade is expected to take South East Water one step closer to achieving its emissions reductions target of 45 per cent by 2025. The outcomes achieved through this project will also contribute towards achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The joint venture partnership draws on the unique expertise and know-how of each partner and will work together with South East Water to develop innovative and collaborative solutions that will improve lives and make a difference to the local community.

Glenn Crisp, John Holland Regional Construction Manager is thrilled to see the handover of operations with work commencing to upgrade assets and construct new assets.  

“Our team is committed to deliver the upgrade works for South East Water in the most efficient and safest way possible. Many of our people have become locals themselves, enthusiastically moving to the Mornington Peninsula to enjoy the best of both worlds – a sea change while continuing to work at John Holland.”

Mark Lautre, SUEZ General Manager Water Operations (East) is pleased SUEZ can contribute over 160 years of expertise in designing, building, operating and maintaining water and wastewater treatment facilities.

“Our passionate and dedicated team brings extensive and multi-skilled experience in water plant management, operational excellence and local know-how. We look forward to working together with South East Water and our partners as we embark on this journey to deliver sustainable water solutions for the local communities.”

David Papps, Beca Technical Director and Project Lead says the combined skills of the joint venture will ensure a secure and sustainable water recycling facility for the community.

“We’re looking forward to working with South East Water and our partners to design, construct and operate a plant that will serve the community safely and reliably for many years and assist South East Water to meet its sustainability goals.”

Construction of the plant is scheduled for completion by early December 2020.