Upgrading of Waste Water Treatment Works at Woodlands, Koukamma Local Municpality
Woodlands Settlement is a rural settlement located in the Koukamma Local Municipality (KKLM) and situated on the R102 route in the Eastern Cape. The existing small-bore gravity sewer reticulation and digester system servicing Woodland’s settlement is in urgent need of upgrade. The system overflows in peak conditions; limited capacity to clean the digesters has often led to unsanitary conditions.
The Woodlands sanitation services consist of digester tanks and a 110mm diameter small bore gravity sewer reticulation system. Effluent from digesters is regularly removed by means of vacuum tankers, transported, and disposed of at the Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) at Woodlands Settlement. The WWTW is located 0.5km south of the southwestern boundary of the Woodlands Settlement. Effluent then undergoes an activated sludge treatment process followed by a clarification process where the solids and liquid are separated before the final effluent is discharged into a surface water course. Sludge settlement is conveyed to a pit close to the treatment works where it is then disposed of. As soon as the hole is 80% full it is then backfilled, and a new hole is formed. The WWTW is capable of handling flows up to 400Kl/d of solids free sewage.
The hydraulic and treatment capacity of the existing treatment plant will be further studied during the concept and design phases.
The proposed activities for the upgrade of bulk sewers, replacing of small-bore sanitation system at Woodlands is as follows:
- Replace Internal Sewer Reticulation of the woodlands area.
- Design new sewer infrastructure for the proposed development.
- Realign and replace the Bulk Sewer Main.
- Refurbish the existing Waste Water Treatment works.