Work starts on wastewater treatment plant upgrade

Mayor Bernie Wanden turning a sod today marked the beginning of a $111m project to upgrade the Levin wastewater treatment plant on Mako Mako Road. 

‘This is a hugely significant project for our district,’ said Mayor Bernie. 

‘The wastewater treatment plant is now more than 70 years old and is sorely in need of repair. The main inlet pipe is badly cracked and frankly couldn’t be trusted to hold in a big earthquake. 

‘We know that if this pipe were to fail, the consequences would be severe. A major sewage spill if not contained would be devastating for our environment, our waterways and our community. That is why this project has been identified as Levin’s highest wastewater renewal priority. 

‘Council has put together a master plan that ensures we do the right thing by the environment; while striking the balance between affordability and ensuring we get this right first time. 

‘This is more than just a sod-turning. It represents a commitment to protecting the health of our community, safeguarding our environment and preparing our town for the future.’ 

Today’s ceremony also included Chief Executive Monique Davidson signing a contract with Lower Hutt company Construction Contracts Ltd, which will be carrying out the pipe replacement.  

Construction Contracts Ltd is a specialised contractor which has significant experience in this sort of work and was chosen as the preferred contractor against a large field of competition for its proven ability to deliver the work at the most affordable cost to ratepayers.  

‘The first thing we’re doing is replacing the pipe with a bigger high density polyethylene one and then moving on to the headworks – a kind of giant filter which will keep damaging grit and detritus out of the new pumps and other systems we’ll be installing. 

‘Later work will include constructing a new digester for the plant. Digesters are the large tanks where organic matter in wastewater sludge is broken down. 

‘It’s carefully staged and fascinating work,’ said Monique Davidson. 

The first stage of work will run from the wastewater treatment plant to the corner of Adkin Avenue and Collingwood Street and is expected to be finished by the end of the year. 

‘Unfortunately the pipe runs underneath one of the playing fields at the southern end of Donnelly Park, which will need to be closed to the public while the pipe is replaced,’ said Monique Davidson. 

‘We apologise for the inconvenience, which is unavoidable.’ 

Council’s 2024-44 Long Term Plan sets aside $65.7m for the project over the next 20 years, and the total cost by 2053 is an estimated $111 million. The investment is largely funded by development contributions and debt funding.  

‘Building high-quality infrastructure which will serve our community into the future doesn’t come cheap.  

‘This project is a once in a generation investment in a core piece of infrastructure that prepares us to continue to deliver a reliable wastewater service for our current residents, whilst also catering for growth,’ said Monique Davidson.