The multi-million dollar wastewater processing treatment plant, Project Pure, adjacent to Wanaka Airport has been officially handed over to the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Council entered into a contract with UGL Ltd in July 2007 to design, construct and operate the treatment plant.

The milestone has now been reached after a two year operational period was extended due to challenges at the commencement of the plant operation.

“There have been adjustments made along the way to address issues such as odour management. I am happy to report the recent operational history has largely been satisfactory particularly around the quality of treated effluent, which is of a high standard,” QLDC acting infrastructure general manager Ken Gousmett said. 

The informal handover was attended by the Deputy Mayor and Wanaka Community Board chairman Lyal Cocks.

“It is great to see the plant operating as it should. It is a significant piece of infrastructure making a major contribution to the clean green reputation of this district,” Mr Cocks said.

Project Pure brought an end to the practice of discharging treated waste water to the Clutha River; instead the treated water is discharged to airport land in an extensive underground soakage network. 

Meanwhile a 10-year warranty has been provided by UGL Ltd, which commenced from the official handover date of 30 November, 2011.

The ongoing maintenance and operation of the plant is now contracted to Council’s three waters contractor Veolia Water Ltd (previously known as UWI Ltd).

ENDS
For further information please contact Ken Gousmett 03 441 0499.

By: Andrea Bunting