| 39 Fulton Hogan Central Otago REGIONAL System Integration | Control Systems | PLC and Scada Custom Software Development | Power Distribution and Motor Control www.switchbuild.co.nz p Proud to sup ort Fulton Hogan - Central Otago Innovative approach a winner The containerised treatment plants were constructed off-site at Fulton Hogan’s Alexandra base before being transported to the two locations at Ranfurly and Patearoa. T T Alexia Anderson Fulton Hogan’s Central Otago team has earned industry recognition for its innovative nd practical approach to upgrading water treatment plants serving Ranfurly and Patearoa. The team worked with CODC (Central Otago District Council) on this design-and-build project to ensure that it met the communities’ needs, and offered value for money. The project secured the Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) Innovation Award for the team, acknowledging the practical, cost-effective solution it provided for the two rural communities. It also highlighted the team’s use of modular, containerised treatment plants constructed off-site at Fulton Hogan’s Alexandra base before being transported to the two locations. Fulton Hogan project engineer and site manager, Caitlin Feasey, says the project brought together a diverse range of skills from across the business, including engineering and fabrication, electrical, drainage, civil and utilities crews, alongside specialised subcontractors. Her role involved coordinating materials and crews, ensuring the work ran smoothly and commissioning the water treatment plants (WTPs) when they were ready to go online. “There are always some challenges with working around an existing system, especially with older treatment plants that have had bits and pieces added over the years,” Caitlin says. A key challenge was keeping the existing plants operating until the new systems could start functioning, with the changeover completed in a single day. Extensive testing was carried out beforehand to minimise disruption. The containerised approach also helped condense the programme, allowing off-site construction to take place concurrently with civil and drainage work on-site, while reducing travel requirements for crews based at Alexandra. Caitlin says the judges were particularly impressed by the off-site construction, which provides a solution that can be constructed efficiently and relocated if required. “It allows for both easier construction of the containers, as well as being able to be easily relocated if the situation ever required it.” The design did, however, require careful consideration of the limited space within a shipping container, while ensuring equipment remained accessible for maintenance and was secure enough for transportation. The upgraded systems provide a protozoa barrier through UV treatment, supported by cartridge filtration to ensure the water is clean enough for the UV system to work effectively. The improvements also mean the plants can cope better with high turbidity caused by heavy rain. These upgrades are expected to improve the reliability of drinking water supplies for these communities, where boil water notices can have significant impacts on residents, schools, and businesses. Importantly, the upgrades will also ensure compliance with the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules (DWQAR) set by Taumata Arowai. Caitlin says the project demonstrates what can be achieved through a locally delivered, cost-conscious approach. While she was proud of the entire project, there were some elements that stood out. “I’m personally proud that we had the capability within the Fulton Hogan team locally to deliver a specialised water project like this one, and that we could come up with a practical and affordable solution that didn’t place a large financial burden on the CODC rate payers.” She says the project highlights options available to other smaller communities facing similar water infrastructure challenges.
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