Cambridge could lead way in treating wastewater

8 March 2012

A partnership between Waipa District Council and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) could see Cambridge lead the rest of New Zealand in treating wastewater.

If successful, the project has the potential to reduce the cost of upgrading the current treatment facility. Waipa District Council has entered into a joint-project with NIWA to build an enhanced pond system which will be operated and monitored at the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant. Work to facilitate the pond system is due to start in the near future.

A $24 million staged upgrade of the plant has been included in the council's 10-Year Plan. The council also plans to seek a 35 year discharge consent for the new plant which would achieve full compliance and meet the future needs of the Waipa District.

In a report to the council, Water Services Manger Lorraine Kendrick said the proposed project aligned with the council's commitment to investigate all avenues for providing best value for wastewater treatment and disposal, while ensuring regulatory compliance and accommodating growth.

NIWA has agreed to be responsible for the costs of the design, location and construction of the demonstration pond, with some support from the council, she said.

NIWA General Manager Bryce Cooper said that the partnership with Council provided an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how its research, led by Principal Scientist Rupert Craggs, could provide a cost-effective solution to the wastewater needs of local authorities.

Mayor Alan Livingston said the proposal was very timely in respect of the consent renewal and the opportunities it could provide.

If the enhanced pond system does succeed and it can be incorporated into the upgrade of the plant there could be a significant reduction in capital and operating costs and we could be providing direction for the rest of New Zealand, he said.