The decommissioning of Newcrest Mining's Cadia Valley Operations' original and former dewatering facility in Blayney will help free up valuable water for the town.
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The former dewatering facility on Maria Street, Blayney ran from 1998 until 2016, when a new dewatering facility was constructed as part of the Cadia East Project to meet Cadia's increased production requirements.
Since 1998, the treated effluent water from the Blayney Sewerage Treatment Plant was pumped to the former dewatering facility but will now be discharged through the Blayney Shire Council wetlands system.
This option provides several benefits including reduced power consumption, opportunities for future projects to further treat the effluent and additional water security for Blayney by utilising effluent water rather than raw water for parks and gardens.
The former dewatering facility building and associated infrastructure will be demolished and the site remediated in readiness for the end of the lease.
The first stage of the project commences in mid-December, full demolition of the site will occur in early 2020, with remediation taking place by the middle of the year.
We don't take their support for granted.
- Cadia General Manager Peter Sharpe on their relationship with Blayney Shire Council.
Cadia General Manager Peter Sharpe said the construction and operation of both dewatering facilities would not have been possible without the contribution, understanding and support of the community and local stakeholders.
"As we close the chapter on our former dewatering facility, the support of the Blayney community remains fundamental to our ongoing success," Mr Sharpe said.
"We don't take their support for granted and are committed to building on the strong relationships that already exist."
Blayney council general manager Rebecca Ryan said this new arrangement will allow council to further treat the effluent and enable the water to be utilised for various activities.
"Recycling of this water may include watering of parks and gardens, water for road construction activities as well as other opportunities that present themselves," Mrs Ryan said.
"Council have been working on rejuvenating the wetlands after 20 years of inactivity to accommodate the additional effluent flows and ensured that the project was completed in time for the closure of the Dewatering Facility."
