A mineral that has long been used to treat heartburn is now playing an essential role in managing sewage odor and enhancing wastewater infrastructure management across Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Unitywater has awarded a contract to the environmental technology company Calix to supply magnesium hydroxide liquid (MHL) for use at 55 wastewater pump stations throughout Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. Commonly utilized as an antacid, MHL is a safe and sustainable solution that helps neutralize hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), the gas responsible for the infamous “rotten egg” smell.
“MHL prevents the production of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas in the wastewater network, which people commonly refer to as the ‘rotten egg’ gas due to its odour,” stated Rhett Duncan, Executive Manager Customer Delivery at Unitywater. “It helps reduce any odour, helps prevent fats and oils from congealing and creating blockages, and prevents corrosion in our pipes.”
This initiative is expected to lower operating costs and extend the life of assets, with MHL also serving as a temporary solution for customer-reported odor issues. Unitywater and Calix are collaborating to optimize dosing rates using real-time monitoring through Unitywater’s SCADA system.
“Managing it intelligently helps reduce truck deliveries and vehicle movement which, in turn, lowers Unitywater’s carbon footprint,” Mr. Duncan added.
With support from Sunshine Coast Council, Calix has established a new operational site in Caloundra West. “We’re delighted to be delivering more sustainable and cost-effective solutions for wastewater network management,” said Greg Holmes, General Manager, Magnesia at Calix.
Councillor Terry Landsberg welcomed the company’s investment. “Our economic modelling indicates this project will generate a broader economic impact of AUD 7.14 million and support up to 23 direct and indirect jobs,” he noted.
The project exemplifies a model of sustainable infrastructure innovation with regional economic benefits.
Source: Unitywater
