The Western Treatment Plant Five West Nutrient Removal Plant project included a $330 million upgrade to Melbourne Water’s Werribee facility, delivered by BMD. The project involved construction of a new nutrient-removal Plant capable of processing an additional 150 million litres of wastewater per day, replacing an ageing activated sludge Plant. The scope of works included five combined bioreactor-clarifier tanks, interconnecting pipework, pump stations, and mechanical and electrical works, completing the final stage of Melbourne Water’s three-stage expansion at the site.
The Judging Panel commended BMD for overcoming complex operational challenges throughout the project’s delivery, including delivery in a low temperature operating environment. The Panel also recognised construction innovations targeting sustainability, including the use of circular bioreactors and clarifiers that reduced concrete use by approximately 50 per cent, as well as the integration of precast panels with recycled content.