Work is due to start this year on a new sewage system aimed at cleaning up effluent from the City of Hamilton and prevent greaseballs appearing on beaches.

First outlined in 2021, the system will involve the installation of two fine-mesh screening machines at the Front Street wastewater treatment plant, which would remove about 40 per cent of suspended solid waste.

It is expected that it will also lead to a substantial reduction in the amount of macro and microplastics entering the ocean.

Writing in the City’s annual report, the mayor, Charles Gosling, said the organisation had been loan-free for four successive years, but would go into debt to help fund the project.

“We recognise that we serve at the pleasure of the people, and it is our duty as elected officials to prioritise their needs and concerns.

“I am pleased to announce that for the fourth consecutive year, our City has maintained a loan-free status,” said Mr Gosling.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to fiscal prudence and transparent governance.

“The corporation remains steadfast in its obligation to be accountable to our ratepayers, ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of our community.”

The mayor added: “It is important to note that in 2024-25, we will be incurring debt to fund our microscreening project.

“This decision is strategic, as the project promises to significantly enhance our sewage system by removing the majority of solid particulate and pathogens from the outfall.”

The City has not revealed the cost of the project, saying only that it “constitutes a substantial portion of its capital project budget”.

According to a City spokeswoman all the necessary design work for the project has been completed, “although the process did experience brief interruptions due to design complexities and regulatory requirements”.

She added: “The project is awaiting requisite approvals to proceed. We are targeting 2024 to begin the next phases, but it is important to note that there are still many moving parts involved.

“As part of the process, we will first go out to tender for the project and subsequently proceed with the purchase of the specialised equipment needed.”

The spokeswoman said: “Once completed, it will prevent approximately 1,210 litres of solids per day from entering the ocean.

“This improvement will significantly reduce the incidence of greaseballs forming along South Shore.”

Depending on weather conditions, greaseballs have occasionally washed up on South Shore beaches.

As well as preventing solids entering the ocean, the new system will also lead to “a substantial reduction in the amount of macro and microplastics entering the sea at the South Shore outfall”, said the spokeswoman.

She added: “Furthermore, the City plans to commence a peracetic acid disinfection process on the wastewater prior to it being expelled through the Seabright outfall.

“This will significantly reduce bacteria levels in the effluent, thus further safeguarding the quality of our bathing water, which is already within regulatory standards.

“PAA is a safe, environmentally friendly disinfectant that poses no harm to coral reefs or aquatic life.”

In the report, Dwayne Caines, the chief executive officer of the City of Hamilton, said: “The release of our first official annual report marks a significant step in our sustained commitment to transparency and accountability.

“This report not only outlines the successes we’ve achieved but also reflects our dedication to continuous improvement in all areas of city management.

“Our focus remains on delivering high-quality services and projects that address the needs of our community, ensuring that Hamilton remains a dynamic and welcoming city for all.

“We look forward to building on this foundation and continuing to serve our residents with integrity and innovation.”

• To read the annual report, see Related Media

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