Project Overview: Wagga Wagga WTP Sludge Tank Mixer Upgrade
| Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
| 9:20 AM - 9:40 AM |
| McBerns Papers Room - Newcastle Racecourse |
Overview
Riverina Water County Council - Renier van Zyl, Operations Engineer & Lachlan Bagget, Cadet Engineer
Details
Explore how Riverina Water upgraded sludge mixing at its 55ML/day Wagga Wagga Water Treatment Plant to improve sludge consistency and reduce hazardous cleaning. Inadequate mixing within a repurposed holding tank had caused sediment buildup, inconsistent centrifuge feed concentrations and the need for annual cleaning using mobile plant. This labour-intensive work also introduced confined space, working-at-heights and crane operation risks. This project overview covers the design, construction, installation and commissioning of new top-mounted agitators capable of effectively fluidising thickened sludge and explores the challenges associated with repurposing assets. It shares practical lessons on repurposing assets and on the value of retained internal capability.
Speaker
Renier van Zyl
Operations Engineer
Riverina Water County Council
Project Overview: Wagga Wagga WTP Sludge Tank Mixer Upgrade
9:20 AM - 9:40 AMBiography
Renier van Zyl is the Operations Engineer at Riverina Water County Council, where he has worked since 2022, overseeing water treatment and distribution operations as well as the electrical and mechanical functions. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and a Master of Professional Engineering Leadership. He has been in the water industry for over 10 years, including previous project delivery roles with NSW Public Works and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. He is a member of the WIOA NSW State Advisory Committee.
