Edited Press release supplied by Hauraki District Council
Hauraki District Council’s biggest infrastructure investment so far was revealed to councillors and media recently. The group had a tour of the amazing new upgrade to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, a very impressive site and presentation. The current plant has served the town for many years, but it is reaching its limits and there is pressure on the wastewater network. This upgrade replaces the older pond-based treatment system with a modern mechanical treatment plant
A new system was needed that can better cope with population and business growth, heavy rains, and today’s environmental expectations.
This achievement will enable Council to meet its consent requirements, treat wastewater to a higher standard, and provide a more dependable service for Paeroa. “It is a big investment, and it is being made in one of the core services our community depends on every day.” The overall project is a big price investment – about $45 million, with Spartan Construction Ltd leading the main construction work.
The raised site levels and an elevated control room to improve flood resilience were pointed out to the tour group – the control room and important electrical equipment are lifted well above a one-in-100-year flood level.
One of the key parts of the new plant is its membrane technology. These membranes work like very fine filters, helping treat the water to a much higher standard before it is discharged. Some treated water will also be reused on site for wash water, which helps reduce demand on treated drinking water.
Any reference to a “nice -to- have” would have to be dismissed in the face of providing necessary high-quality drinking water that meets the required standards as well as a wastewater infrastructure that meets the growing needs of Paeroa and surrounds. “This plant has been designed for today’s Paeroa, with room to expand for the Paeroa of tomorrow.”
Solids collected during treatment are dewatered, which means excess water is removed before the material is taken away. Odour from the process is also treated through a bark bed filter before air is released. This new technology treats wastewater to a higher standard than the current pond-based system. The treatment ponds are being kept however, though they will no longer process the everyday treatment. They will remain as a reserve for storm overflow situations.
The construction to this point is almost complete and expected to be running by the end of October with enhancement tasks of planting and landscaping before the big opening. “At its heart, this is about leaving stronger infrastructure for the next
generation.”
Those that attended the overview were: Campbell Moore – Manager Infrastructure and Operations, Hauraki District Council (HDC), Adrian de Laborde – Group Manager Service Delivery (HDC), David Spiers – Chief Executive, (HDC), Nicolas Mounsey – Project Manager, (HDC contractor), Mayor Toby Adams, (HDC), Chris McGillivray – Spartan Construction.
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