MEDIA RELEASE - Solutions for the Walpole dump point
October 2015
Following the overflow of the newly installed dump point in Pioneer Park in Walpole, Shire of Manjimup officers have remedied the situation and determined a multiple-option solution for any incidents of this nature that may occur in the future.
The dump point was installed in its current location in mid-2015, aimed at servicing self-contained recreational vehicles that visit or travel through the town. Shire President Wade DeCampo noted that the location of the dump point was intentional, as it has enabled the connection of the public toilet block to the reticulated sewerage system, preventing considerable onsite wastewater discharge to the environment.
"Whilst there are some vehicle access issues with the location, these will be resolved over time. The important thing is that this dump point is welcoming the travelling public; our challenge now is to entice those visitors to stay in town and return in the future, rather than utilising this service and then moving on," said Cr DeCampo.
On Friday afternoon an alarm began sounding to indicate that the dump point tank was almost full. The Shire instructed a contractor to assess the situation and redirect the waste to prevent overflow, but unfortunately these instructions were not followed. "It is unacceptable that the overflow occurred, however when Shire officers attended the site, the risk to public health was deemed minimal as the breach was contained to a small area," explained Cr DeCampo. "The area was treated with lime, cordoned off and has since been cleaned up."
Further investigations have revealed that two pumps within the tank were originally installed too low, causing a number of different issues that all contributed to the overflow, along with high usage of the dump point during school holidays. "All of the resulting issues have already been rectified and we are just waiting on a new pump to replace one that was burnt out; as soon as that is installed the system will be working again," explained Cr DeCampo.
"Officers have already determined a new process for dealing with any future occurences. Multiple options have been identified to allow ample time to rectify a situation, before an overflow occurs. We'll also install signage that provides a number to call if the alarm is activated and there will be adequate redundant space at the top of the dump point tank, to allow for a time lag between the activation of the alarm and potential overflow," said Cr DeCampo.
The Shire anticipates that the dump point system will be functioning again in the week commencing 26 October 2015.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup
