Wastewater upgrade start due this month
WANAKA
A SIG
NIFICANT upgrade to Wanaka’s wastewater infrastructure is expected to cost $13 million and reduce the chances of sewage flowing into the lake.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council said the project, due to start this month, would provide emergency storage, additional capacity and ensure infrastructure accommodated sustained growth in the area.
Council property and infrastructure general manager Peter Hansby acknowledged the location of a new pumping station on Beacon Point Rd could make some residents uncomfortable.
‘‘We’re now engaging closely with those living nearby, to manage any disruptions while the project is under way and work through any concerns.’’
The location was chosen for a number of reasons.
‘‘The Beacon Point Rd location means we can divert wastewater away from Lake Wanaka, reducing the risk of unexpected spills [into the lake] should the system fail.’’
Its altitude also made it a suitable location, maximising the use of gravity for drainage.
The new pumping station would carry wastewater to the Albert Town pumping station.
At the moment, wastewater from North Wanaka flows to a pumping station on Lakeside Rd.
The council had identified that pumping station had limited capacity and emergency storage and could only be shut down for maintenance for short periods of time.
Other aspects of the wastewater project included. —
Additional emergency storage.
A new rising main and gravity main from Beacon Point Rd to Albert Town pumping station via Lismore St and SH84.
A new gravity main and an extension of the Waimana Pl pressure main.
A construction programme was being finalised and expected disruptions would be communicated ahead of time.
The project was expected to be completed by June next year and estimated to cost $13 million.