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QMRA Kingseat Development WWTP discharge
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) of Kingseat WWTP discharge
Karaka Lakeview Ltd (KLL) is planning to install and run a private membrane bioreactor (MBR) wastewater treatment plant on the proposed Kingseat housing development. The capacity of the MBR will be sufficient to treat wastewater from the development, and, potentially from additional existing housing in the vicinity of the development. The MBR plant will treat wastewater only (no stormwater) and will discharge to surface water streams on the property, leading to an indirect discharge to the marine receiving environment. As part of the application process for the proposed discharge consent, Streamlined Environmental Ltd (SEL) on behalf of KLL engaged QMRA Data Experts (QDE) to undertake a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA). The QMRA assesses the viral enteric illness risks related to contact recreation and consumption of harvested shellfish, as well as the acute febrile illness (respiratory) risks associated with potential inhalation of spray droplets following discharge from the outfall. The QMRA is a fundamental part of the discharge application, not only because it provides an assessment of the human health risks associated with the outfall discharge, but also because it provides an indication of the WWTP pathogen treatment/disinfection requirements.