THE USE OF VETIVER GRASS FOR SEWERAGE TREATMENT

The Esk Shire Council has recently installed a Vetiver Grass System to treat sewerage effluent at Toogoolawah in South East Queensland. The aim of this scheme was to improve water quality before the effluent discharges to the natural wetlands. The biggest problem with the quality of the effluent is its high nutrient loading. With the recent changes to license conditions imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the existing treatment plant no longer complies with the license and an upgrade of the plant was required. Instead of traditional upgrades, a new and innovative phyto-remedial technology recently developed in Queensland by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, is being implemented at Toogoolawah. Under the Vetiver System, the effluent is being treated in two stages: