The volume of sewage being transferred via a rising main from Pacific Palms to the Forster Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) had increased and was at risk of overflowing during a wet weather event. This could pose a significant environmental threat to the waterways that adjoin The Lakes Way, given the rising main travels along this route.

Two emergency storage ponds were constructed at Charlotte Bay to store excess sewage during periods of peak flow or wet weather events. This allows sewage to be transferred to the Forster STP at a controlled rate and reduce the risk of an overflow occurring.

The environmental threat associated with transferring sewage from Pacific Palms to the Forster STP during a wet weather event has been significantly reduced.

The emergency storage ponds also provide greater operational flexibility, as excess sewage can be stored during times of peak flow and then transferred at a controlled rate once the flow reduces.