The scheme will service the 76 existing properties at Crowdy Head, MidCoast Water’s general manager Neil Hanington said.

The $2.3 million scheme has been supported by $357,000 in funding from the State Government’s Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program, announced by the Minister for Water Utilities Nathan Rees.

Following the announcement of the funding, and the endorsement of the review of environmental factors by the MidCoast Water board – work on the design and construction of the scheme is now underway.

MidCoast Water will also carry out an environmental impact statement for a 1.1 kilometre section of the rising main.

It is anticipated the scheme will be operational by mid-next year.

The new scheme will see the collection of sewage from Crowdy Head and its transfer to the Harrington Sewerage Treatment Plant. This will see the end of on-site septic systems at Crowdy Head, which have presented ongoing health and environmental issues.

Construction of gravity reticulation and a pump station at Crowdy Head form part of the scheme, along with a 9.1 kilometre rising main connecting Crowdy Head with the Harrington Sewerage Treatment Plant.

“This rising main will follow Crowdy Head Road, Hogan Street, Scott Street, High Street and an existing Country Energy easement to connect with the Harrington plant,” Mr Hanington explained.

He said despite the laying of the rising main not requiring any clearing, MidCoast Water would be conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIS) for a 1.1 kilometre section of the pipeline, as required by regulators.