CE Group, a leading electrical water infrastructure contractor, was engaged by Unitywater to assess and mitigate Arc Flash risks at five major sewage treatment plants (STPs). These sites included the Cooroy, Kawana, Maleny, Nambour, and Noosa Heads STPs. The project aimed to identify and reduce potential risks to personnel through detailed Arc Flash assessments and the implementation of mitigation strategies.

The assessment process involved a comprehensive evaluation of the switchboards at each STP to determine the extent of any Arc Flash hazards. Once the risks were identified, CE Group proposed a range of solutions tailored to each site’s unique conditions. These solutions included the installation of new switchboards designed to meet current AS61439 standards, the integration of Air Circuit Breakers (ACB) with remote switching, and the implementation of remote switching for main breakers. These measures were designed to minimize the risk of Arc Flash incidents and ensure the safety of all personnel working at the sites.

At some locations, a new switchboard was required to bring the facility up to modern safety standards. In other cases, an interposing ACB was installed on the incoming side of the switchboard, with remote switching capabilities to reduce the available throughput energy. This solution not only enhanced safety but also improved operational efficiency.

Key milestones of the project included the completion of the design phase across all sites, where CE Group collaborated with Unitywater to finalize a solution path that aligned with the desired safety outcomes. The implementation phase followed, during which the team carried out site works, ensuring all systems were installed, tested, and fully operational. The project was completed with all supporting documentation provided to Unitywater for compliance and future reference.

In order to meet the operational requirements of Unitywater, CE Group conducted night shifts and staged works to minimize network downtime and prevent any sewage discharge. These efforts ensured that the upgrades were completed without any unforeseen downtime or incidents.

The successful execution of this project showcases CE Group’s expertise as an electrical water infrastructure contractor, particularly in handling complex, time-sensitive works with a focus on safety and minimal disruption to essential services. Through these upgrades, Unitywater’s STPs now operate with enhanced safety measures, providing a secure working environment for personnel and ensuring reliable wastewater treatment for the surrounding communities.