New wastewater pipeline begins

A $22.4 million dollar contract to build a new wastewater pipeline from Waikeria Prison to Kihikihi has been awarded by Waipa¯ District Council.

Local company Spartan Construction Limited has won the contract for the major project to build 10km of pipeline from Waikeria Prison to Flat Road, Kihikihi.

The pipeline project also includes building a pump station, associated inlet and screening works, and storage tanks at the prison.

The Waikeria Wastewater Pipeline Project will be jointly funded by the Department of Corrections and Waipa¯ District Council under the council’s existing wastewater asset renewal programme identified in the 2018-28 Long-Term Plan.

The project will deliver significant improvements to the wastewater network in Te Awamutu.

This will accommodate expected increase in flows from the prison while also providing an increased capacity for Te Awamutu’s projected growth.

Construction starts this month and is expected to take 14 months.

Council water services manager Tony Hale said the project would improve the health of the Pu¯ niu River catchment and the Mangatutu Stream.

The current treatment plant at Waikeria Prison, built nearly 60 years ago, can’t treat wastewater to modern environmental standards.

“The new pipeline will transport wastewater from Waikeria Prison to our modern treatment plant in Te Awamutu where it will be treated to higher environmental standards prior to being discharged.

“This is a positive outcome for the environment while delivering better wastewater infrastructure for our growing district.”

The Department of Corrections and Waipa¯ District Council agreed to transfer wastewater treatment to council’s existing wastewater treatment plant in Te Awamutu in December 2016.

Construction of a new facility to accommodate 500 prisoners, and a new mental health and addiction service for a further 100 prisoners has started at Waikeria Prison and is expected to be completed by 2022.