Hibiscus Coast motorists using State Highway 1 will see traffic management near Wellsford as Watercare’s $38.3m wastewater plant upgrade pushes ahead, lifting treatment standards and preparing for growth.

Foundational works are wrapped and wetland planting is underway at the Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant, which began its upgrade in November last year.

The project introduces Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor and Membrane Bioreactor technologies to improve the quality of treated wastewater discharged into the Hōteo River.

Watercare wastewater production manager Kenny Williamson says these processes treat wastewater to a much higher standard.

“These treatment processes are highly effective at removing organic matter and nutrients, largely thanks to the microorganisms, or ‘bugs’, that do the heavy lifting. We simply create the right conditions for them to thrive.”

He says membranes remove pathogens, and any that pass through are treated with ultraviolet disinfection so the final discharge meets stringent environmental standards.

The upgrade supports future growth in Wellsford and Te Hana.

Capacity lifts to about 3200 people, with design allowances for later expansion.

“Wellsford is expected to be home to around 5000 people by 2052,” Williamson says.

Construction is moving quickly, with most interconnecting pipework, valves and instrumentation well underway.

Watercare chief programme delivery officer Suzanne Lucas says a seven-metre-diameter timber tank is installed to store water for firefighting, which is important given the plant’s relatively remote location.

Work is advancing on the inlet section and the two-storey process building.

A 1.3-hectare wetland around the site is being restored with native plants that help filter water naturally, stabilise soil and prevent erosion.

“So far, we’ve replanted about 70 per cent of the wetland,” Lucas says.

By month’s end, 15,718 plants are expected to be in the ground.

Desludging of the oxidation pond is due in the coming months.

Cold commissioning is planned for early next year, with the upgraded plant targeted to be in service by the middle of next year.

Traffic management remains in place approximately 300 metres on either side of the site entrance on State Highway 1, around 2.5km outside Wellsford, to manage high truck movements.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to increase the plant’s capacity and ensure its long-term sustainability,” Lucas says.

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