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KBR, John Holland and Stantec are partnering with Sydney Water to deliver the North West Treatment Hub Growth Program– a brownfield treatment program that will commence with a AUD$595 million upgrade of Rouse Hill and Riverstone Water Resource Recovery Facilities.

The 10-year program will increase wastewater treatment capacity across three of Sydney Water’s water resource recovery facilities as Sydney’s northwest continues to grow, creating opportunity for an additional 200,000 new house connections.

The first stage of the growth program includes upgrades to Riverstone Water Resource Recovery Facility, with a new biosolids handling plant being built to ensure the ongoing beneficial reuse of product generated from the facility.

KBR’s Senior Director, Water, Energy and Resources, Carey Gent, said, “KBR is extremely proud to support Sydney Water in giving new life to wastewater in Sydney’s northwest. We’re committed to co-creating innovative, sustainable and efficient wastewater solutions that will support the future wastewater needs of Sydney’s growing communities.”

Executive General Manager – Infrastructure, Rob Evans, said John Holland was proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the water industry.

“Delivering the North West Treatment Hub further cements our longstanding partnership with Sydney Water to support the future wastewater needs of growing communities,” Evans said. “Thanks to an innovative solution, we’re not only adding capacity to the wastewater network in Sydney’s northwest, but we’re improving environmental and sustainability outcomes too. We know this is a critical piece of infrastructure that will leave a lasting legacy.”

Sydney Water Project Director, Bernard Clancy said the first stage of the Growth Program will cater for an additional 110,0000 households in the Rouse Hill and Riverstone WRRF catchment areas.

“Increasing the capacity at Rouse Hill Water Resource Recovery Facility is critical to allow for growth and handle the increased wastewater flows generated with the expanding population,” Clancy said. “Treatment upgrades will also be undertaken to improve the reliability of recycled water supply for the Rouse Hill Recycled Water Scheme and to maintain the health of local waterways and the Hawkesbury Nepean River. Sydney Water is focused on getting the best environmental outcomes. This project will make sure the water we put back into local waterways is healthy, safe and protects the environment,” he continued.

Stantec’s Regional Director for Water, John Ciccotelli, said they are delighted to build on their existing strong relationships with Sydney Water, John Holland and KBR to deliver a project that will allow greater Sydney to grow.

“We’re ready to draw from our deep local and global reach to help deliver the innovative solutions for managing and reusing wastewater in one of Australia’s fastest growing communities,” Ciccotelli said.

Supporting Sydney Water’s sustainability objectives and 2030 net zero target, the project is targeting an ISC 2.1 Silver Rating. Design and procurement of critical pieces of equipment is now progressing and construction is expected to start in late 2024.