It involves the start up of the first two (of four) new aeration tanks and first two (of four) new clarifiers.

The $33.7 million project is well underway and neighbours are reaping some of the benefits.

The aim is primarily to provide increased capacity, improved operational flexibility and further odour control for the plant over the next 30 years.

In 1996 the Bromley plant catered for a population of 320,000 people, plus industry, and was at about 90 per cent of capacity.

When the upgrade is complete in 2006 it will be able to cater for 423,000 people and increased industrial flow as well.

Of the work completed so far the installation of the fine screens and the odour control improvements have shown the greatest benefits.

The new screens take out more rag material than the old screens and have reduced the downstream operating problems as a result.

The screenings are now also washed and compacted, reducing disposal costs. Odour control has been installed on the plant inlet, the screenings and grit removal areas and on the pre-aeration tanks.

These measures have further reduced odour release from the plant which was substantially improved in the mid 1980s, when the trickling filters were covered and the air treated in a biological soil filter. Few complaints of odour are received from local residents now.

Timing and co-ordination of the contracts for the building and commissioning of the new clarifiers and conversion of the secondary tanks is very important as operation of the plant cannot be interrupted during construction.

Although the processes at the plant are 40 years old, enhancement of the existing system and facilities will result in a high quality effluent and provide for city growth for at least the next 30 years, all at a moderate level of capital expenditure.

Flow from the aeration tank passes into the centre of this clarifier, where solids settle at the bottom. Flow goes into the white pipes around the clarifier and out to oxidation ponds.	One of the new aeration tanks, where air is blown in to help break down organic matter and purify the water. Extra solids which form flow into a clarifier.
This picture is taken from the top of one of the big white domes — trickling filters — looking south over aeration tanks and clarifiers. The building, near the crane, houses pumps and blowers and an electrical distribution room.