38 | Matamata Piako District Council: Wastewater Treatment Plant Wastewater treatment upgrade underway Construction of Matamata’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is scheduled to be completed by December 2027. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Matamata-Piako Mayor Adrienne Wilcock says much-needed upgrades to Matamata’s wastewater treatment plant has been noted in Council’s Long Term Plan since 2018. Her Council is responsible for the provision and maintenance of wastewater treatment across the district, spanning four key facilities at Matamata, Morrinsville, Te Aroha and Tahuna. “When several of our wastewater treatment plants needed new consents around the same time, and with national environmental standards expected to be introduced, it signalled the beginning of upgrade projects across all four sites. Matamata is first, with a major upgrade already underway. The other three plants are planned to receive smaller upgrades over the next five years,” Mayor Adrienne explains. “We knew our consents wouldn’t be renewed under the existing conditions for our current plant, and that any new discharge conditions would likely be stricter. We also knew that demand for compliant wastewater treatment would keep growing, especially in Matamata, due to population growth. So we decided to bundle all our consent applications into one process and start with Matamata, which is our highest priority right now.” Wastewater treatment technologies have changed markedly over the years since existing infrastructure was built; an issue facing many local bodies at this time, as new legislation governing water treatment and discharge comes into effect. “We knew what we had at our Matamata site was no longer fit for purpose in its current form. It had been running at full capacity for some time, even with membrane upgrades that were installed about 15 years ago. “Gone are the days of large oxidation ponds being the only way to treat wastewater. New mechanical treatment systems, sometimes used alongside smaller ponds, are now becoming the standard. The major works now underway will future-proof our wastewater needs. It’s absolutely essential work we’re getting on and doing,” the Mayor says. Preparations began in 2022, including reclaiming part of an existing pond to make room for new facilities, along with building a stormwater pond and biosolids holding area. More sludge for removal was discovered, and the design was strengthened to make it more robust, increasing the overall cost of the project to $67.05 million. � Sue Russell “Initial site works went well and have now been completed, with Spartan Construction from Hamilton engaged to undertake phase 2, the building of the new plant.” Key components, such as membranes and inlet works, were procured in May this year, allowing Spartan Construction to start work soon after. One of many positive elements to the project is that not all the existing site will be required for the new infrastructure to be built on, freeing up some land for repurposing. One proposal is to add value by replanting this area, though no final decision has been made. Throughout the planning phases, expert wastewater consultants have supported Council to determine the best technologies to build on the site at 253 Tauranga Road. “We’re very happy this vital work is now underway and progressing well. “Our district has several large residential/ commercial developments in planning phase and we need to ensure we have the infrastructure in place to support this happening. “That’s why this current upgrade and the following work at other water treatment sites is so important now.” Mayor Adrienne says iwi have been actively consulted in the planning phase of the Matamata site. “They wanted us to stay within the footprint of the existing site and this is what has been achieved.” Construction of Matamata’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is scheduled to be completed by December 2027. “We know this major capital work is vital to the future health and prosperity of our district,” Mayor Adrienne says. “It will support our continued growth and development for many years to come.” - - -
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