Wastewater treatment plant options discussed

Published on 27 July 2015

27 July 2015

Mayor Annette Main says making decisions about affordability and sludge management at its meeting on Wednesday, July 29 will bring the Wanganui District Council a step closer to building a replacement wastewater treatment plant.

“The estimated costs the Council was given for sludge disposal have increased since the plant design was signed off in June 2014. This created a risk around affordability to our community and industries.

“The community has been very supportive as we consider all feasible options available to make the right design to adequately manage the variable flows and loads from multiple sources which are unique to our district.”

At Wednesday’s meeting the Council will discuss a recommendation for a thermal sludge drying facility to be incorporated into the existing Cardno design, which will reduce the quantity of sludge as well as sludge disposal costs. It will also discuss having the amended design peer reviewed and asking Massey University to complete the work it has done on the affordability of the plant.

Mayor Main says it is important that the Council decides on a preferred option for the plant as soon as possible so it can be built within the three-year period applied to from Horizons Regional Council for discharging screened effluent to sea.

“The three-year consent application was notified by Horizons last week, which means the community has the chance to have their say on how we manage our environment while we move toward a decision about building the plant.”

The Council delayed the construction of the replacement wastewater treatment plant in December 2014 as increased operating costs and uncertainty around sludge disposal meant it was potentially unaffordable for the community.

The meeting will be open to the public.