The Western Australian Government has announced it has granted approval of the Water Corporation’s Septic Tank Effluent Disposal (STED) scheme.

State Water Minister, Bill Marmion, said that the State Department of Environment had granted approval for the start of preliminary works for the scheme that will pump treated wastewater from existing septic tanks through a publine system to an effluent disposal pond located outside the town of Hyden.

“The Water Corporation has been working closely with the Shire of Kondinin to implement the innovative Septic Tank Effluent Disposal (STED) scheme,” Mr Marmion said.

“If successful the trial has the potential to pave the way for effective wastewater disposal, at significantly reduced costs for small rural towns across the State.

“This trial is part of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to determine how to provide practical and affordable wastewater systems in small country towns.”

Hyden will be the first rural town in the state to trial the STED scheme.