As part of our commitment to improved environmental outcomes, we will soon be commencing work on the Geeveston Outfall Relocation project.

Why this work is important

The outfall from the Geeveston Sewage Treatment Plant currently discharges to the Kermandie River, which often experiences periods of low flow and poses risks to the nearby environment.

The outfall will be relocated to deep waters in the Huon River, where improved dilution and dispersion will provide better environmental outcomes.

What’s happening

From early November 2025, our crews will begin setting up a temporary work site at Shipwrights Point to build the new outfall pipeline.

A Horizontal Directional Drill rig will be used to install the new pipeline 260 metres offshore, south of Shipwrights Point, at a depth of around 13 metres on the riverbed.

Where we’ll be working

The work site will be located on an existing flat area bordered by large rocks, between the public toilets and the Yacht Club slipway.

This location was chosen to avoid the main public areas of the Regatta Ground.

The fenced work area (around 50 metres by 50 metres) will include:

• A drilling rig and small site offices
• Safety fencing around the perimeter
• Construction vehicles accessing the site via the road past the Huon Aquaculture facility

Managing impacts

We understand that construction work can cause some short-term disruption, and we are doing everything possible to minimise it.

Before starting, we collaborated with acoustic engineers to record background noise and plan mitigation measures, including the installation of noise curtains around the site. We’ll continue to monitor noise levels during construction to make sure we meet required limits.

Work will occur Monday to Friday between 7 am and 6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays between 8 am and 6 pm. No work will occur during the Christmas Break 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026.

Access to the Regatta Ground and Yacht Club slipway will remain open throughout construction.

Subject to weather and ground conditions, our main activities at Shipwrights Point are expected to finish by late January 2026.

Caring for the environment

This drilling method has been chosen because it minimises disturbance to the environment. The project has been thoroughly assessed by the Environment Protection Authority to ensure environmental and cultural heritage impacts are carefully managed.

All materials removed during drilling will be safely contained and disposed of off-site.

To establish the site, a small section of grass and one medium-sized tree will be removed. This has been assessed and approved by Council, with no impact on local habitats. Once construction is complete, we’ll restore and reinstate the area by reseeding the grass and replacing rocks.

What’s next

Once the new outfall is installed, we’ll begin the next stage of the project — constructing a 4.3-kilometre pipeline along the Huon Highway between the Geeveston Sewage Treatment Plant and Shipwrights Point.

This work is planned to begin towards the end of the first quarter of 2026.

We’ll also be installing a new 79-kilolitre emergency storage tank at the treatment plant.

We understand this project has been of strong community interest, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we deliver this essential upgrade to improve environmental outcomes.

For more information, please contact our Capital Engagement team on 13 6992 or email capitalprojects@taswater.com.au