Deepwater ocean outfalls: A sustainable solution for sewage discharge for mega-coastal cities (Sydney, Australia): A synthesis

Abstract

In 1990–91 three deepwater ocean outfalls replaced three cliff-face outfalls discharging approximately 940 ML/day, or 80% of sewage generated by the City of Sydney (Australia) (population 3.3 million). Operation of these outfalls was assessed for the first two years and performed well, mitigating most of the environmental problems previously experienced from shoreline discharge. However, a concern remained for the unknown long-term effects on the marine environment. The current series of articles examine over 20 years of monitoring, for possible accumulative effects. Oceanographic modelling provided an understanding of particle settling, dispersion and distribution of discharged wastewater and monitoring assessed potential impact of offshore discharges on beach bathing water quality, sediment chemistry and benthic infauna. These four articles demonstrate that properly designed ocean outfalls are a viable, sustainable solution to sewage disposal for mega-coastal cities, however, continued monitoring is required to assess possible long-term environmental degradation.