After considering 14 different options and carrying out extensive consultation, Watercare has opted for a $9 million upgrade to the existing treatment plant, which lies just east of Wellsford Golf Club off State Highway 1, employing a new Advanced Wetland Treatment (AWT) system.
AWT technology is new to New Zealand but, Watercare says, has achieved excellent treatment quality results internationally and has the potential to produce environmental benefits for the region, as well as benefitting comparable communities nationally in future.
However, because it is a new system, a five-year pilot programme and transition period is being proposed, during which time the existing wetland will be bypassed via a new 70m pipeline, to improve the quality of the final treated water.
Treated wastewater will continue to be discharged into a tributary of the Hoteo River that runs alongside the treatment plant, and Watercare is planning a riparian planting scheme and stock fencing to enhance and protect this waterway.
Details of the proposal can be viewed at Warkworth Library in Baxter Street, or online at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz – search for publicly notified applications. Submissions can be made online at the Auckland Council website – search for Resource Consent submission form – or emailed to miptsubmissions@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Submissions must be received by Council by 5pm on Monday April 10.
Info: Auckland Council 09 301 0101
