40 | T T Bernadette Cooney World-class wastewater services Kāpiti Coast District Council (KCDC) is leading the way in demonstrating how local authorities can independently deliver world-class wastewater services, through its series of significant upgrades to the Paraparaumu Wastewater Treatment Plant. Designed to protect environmental health while keeping compliant with tightening national water standards, gains made by the upgrades enable Council to opt out of central government’s current Water Done Well reforms, which encourage councils to merge resources. Council has resource consent applications in process with Greater Wellington to secure the future of the wastewater plant for the next 15 years and is permitted to carry out planned improvements in the interim. Serving around 45,000 residents across Paraparaumu, Raumati and Waikanae, the wastewater plant located at Fytfield Place, Paraparaumu treats between 10 and 12 million litres of wastewater every day. First commissioned in 1981 and upgraded in 2002, the plant uses advanced biological nutrient removal to treat wastewater and is one of the most effective wastewater treatment systems in New Zealand. Using a five-stage design, the plant harnesses naturally occurring bacterial activity to strip nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater says Ramesh Pillai, Activity Manager for Water and Wastewater at Kāpiti Coast District Council. “The plant is fully bio-organic in its treatment, and the biosolids produced are among the best in the region,” says Ramesh. “Other councils and institutions visit us to learn from what we’re doing.” Gains made by the upgrades enable Council to opt out of central government’s current Water Done Well reforms. INFRASTRUCTURE Kāpiti Coast District Council Over the past two years, Council has completed a series of scheduled renewals/ upgrades at the plant which includes a new aeration blower system delivering oxygen to boy-reactor ponds, to bolster biological efficiencies. Max Tarr Infrastructure Engineers were the main contractor on this project and Stantec were the consultants. In addition, refurbishment of clarifiers and renewal of bridge assemblies within the plant’s oxidation ponds were completed to improve lifespan and bio-solid removal. Upgrades to the treatment plant’s overflow pond has increased its storage capacity from 25,000 to 40,000 cubic metres. Pritchard Civil Ltd were the main contractor on this project and Pattle Delamore Partners were the consultants. The overflow pond was also lined with polyethylene to eliminate leakage into groundwater and the pH dosing system improved to ensure it consistently meets required standards. “Environmental requirements are getting tighter all the time, so we want to stay ahead of stricter standards and always be optimising our plant,” says Ramesh. Future improvements are in the planning, including a new inlet structure, renewal of the UV disinfection system, and decommissioning of outdated sludge pits. To date, $7.9million has been invested in the upgrades and Council forecast a further $20million over the next 10 years. Each project is designed to meet or exceed regulatory expectations and protect both community and environment health in downstream eco-systems. “These projects all make a real difference,” says Ramesh. “The overflow pond upgrade alone prevents leakage, supports future capacity, and protects groundwater.” Kāpiti Coast District Council’s proactive approach and strong track record in water and wastewater management means it doesn’t need to pool resources or share services with other councils to achieve efficiencies, as is encouraged in the latest water reforms from central government. Ensuring essential services remain locally led and locally accountable while also garnering national recognition.
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