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Healthy Waters wants to replace two large holding tanks at the Whangateau Domain with a high-tech on-site wastewater treatment plant and land disposal field.
The proposal is to connect all the facilities that are located on the Domain Recreational Reserve to a new wastewater treatment plant. This will include public toilets, the Rams Clubhouse, Whangateau Hall and the Whangateau campground.
Healthy Waters general manager Craig Mcilroy says once an options assessment is finalised, the best location for the land disposal field will be identified.
He says the idea of replacing the holding tanks dates back to 2013, when the first design and options assessment was carried out.
“The rationale for building a small treatment facility on the site is that the current holding tanks are at the end of their life and keeping them or replacing them with something similar is not sustainable in the long term, due to high operating costs,” he says.
“In addition, the current system does not have any treatment, risking potential damage to the environment should the tanks be damaged. That is why we believe upgrading the site to a treatment facility is the best option.”
Currently, the holding tanks are emptied several times a week during quieter periods, and several times a day during the peak of the summer holiday period.
The site produces about 45m3 per day during the summer peak.
Mcilroy says the cost of the new treatment plant and disposal field will be determined once the final design is developed and reviewed with relevant stakeholders. It will be funded out of the Healthy Waters capital works budget.
He says that although extending the system to cater for nearby homes was considered, it was not feasible because the land required for the disposal of the additional wastewater was not available on site or nearby.
Mcilroy says Healthy Waters will consult with people and groups who will be impacted by the proposal. The anticipated timeline for delivery of the new system is two to three years depending on the options assessment and which area is selected for land disposal of the treated effluent.
Healthy Waters is Auckland Council’s stormwater management division.
