The proposal is for the construction and operation (on a temporary basis) of six evaporation ponds (120m × 30m) in the north-eastern corner of the Mungari Industrial Estate in the Shire of Coolgardie.

The effluent to be evaporated at the Mungari site will be sourced from Total Waste Management’s liquid waste treatment facility in Boulder. The effluent has a chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the range 20,000- 25,000 mg/L and a total dissolved solids (TDS) content ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 mg/L (GHD, 2005). The waste stream will comprise treated levels of wastes such as grease trap, oil wastes, paints and resins, organics, and acids remaining in the effluent following treatment.