The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has released plans to build a new underground pipeline to connect to the Sydney Water Sewerage network at Barden Ridge.
The plans will replace the existing pipeline that connects at Engadine that was built in the 1950s and is above ground in many places.
ANSTO’s general manager of engineering and capital programs Con Lyras said the new pipeline will be placed underground its entire length to improve its visual amenity and protect it from fire, flood and vandalism.
The three-kilometre pipeline will have a diameter of approximately 150mm and will carry wastewater and sewage from ANSTO, which has some 1000 staff onsite, to connect with the Cronulla sewage treatment plant as it currently does.
The waste is made up of approximately 65 per cent greywater and 35 per cent sewage.
It will be tested before it leaves the site to make sure that radioactive levels are at or beneath drinking water standards.
The design of the of the pipeline will be subject to approval by Sutherland Shire Council.
Construction is planned to start in late 2016 and completed in early 2017.
Local residents can find out more about the project at community information sessions at Lucas Heights Community School; on Wednesday, July 27 from 3.30pm to 5pm and at the ANSTO Discovery Centre on Thursday, July 28, 5.30pm to 8pm.