Watercare has successfully completed the cementing of the foundations and plinths for the Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, marking a key milestone in the plant’s $38.3 million overhaul.

The reinforced concrete plinths, installed atop 99,000 litres of concrete poured the previous week, will support critical tanks designed to improve the facility’s capacity and efficiency.

The upgrades are set to meet stricter resource consent requirements and help the plant better manage peak flows during wet weather.

Six of the nine plinths will hold Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) tanks, two aerobic tanks, and two anoxic tanks, while the remaining three plinths will allow for future growth with the potential for additional tanks.

Jonathan Piggot, Head of Wastewater at Watercare, highlights the importance of the new MABR and Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technologies, which will enable the plant to discharge cleaner water into the Hōteo River and its surrounding environment.

“The MBR and MABR technology are very efficient in removing organic matter and nutrients. Microorganisms work to break down pollutants, and any pathogens that pass through the membranes are treated with ultraviolet disinfection,” he said.

Capital Delivery General Manager Suzanne Lucas explained that the modular design of the upgraded plant not only saves on time and costs but also allows for future flexibility as the area grows.

“We can incorporate existing infrastructure into the new build, ensuring we have the ability to scale up and update technology as needed,” she said.

In the coming months, crews will install the MABR tanks and other components, including a new inlet pump station, dosing area, control building, and outfall pipeline.

Coasties should note, traffic management will remain in place along State Highway 1, around 2.5 kilometres outside of Wellsford, to accommodate construction vehicles.

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