12 minute read
Pukekohe wastewater treatment plant doubles in size
Pukekohe may be famous for car racing and horticulture, but it also has one of the most sophisticated wastewater treatment plants in New Zealand to protect the environment?
Construction (phase one) of Watercare’s $110 million project began in December 2018 when a new treatment plant was built alongside the existing Parker Lane facility. By September 2021, phase two was underway, with existing batch reactors being converted to activated sludge tanks.
The most significant feature of the entire project, which caters for the booming local population, is an advanced membrane bioreactor process with ultraviolet disinfection. This will see a major improvement to the discharge water quality into Parker Lane stream, which leads to the Waikato River.
Watercare project manager, Sven Harlos said the work under the banner ‘building better not bigger’ would mark a new chapter in the plant’s history.
“Back in the 1960’s and up to as recently as 2009, Pukekohe’s wastewater was treated via oxidation ponds – a basic form of treatment,” Mr Harlos explained.
“Since amalgamation in 2010, Watercare has put considerable effort into investing in wastewater infrastructure in Franklin. The plant upgrades will mean fewer wet-weather overflows and improve the capacity of the wastewater network. It will also result in a significant improvement to the discharge water quality into the local Parker Lane stream and the Waikato River.”
The plant treats wastewater from Pukekohe, Buckland, Tuakau, Pokeno and Patumahoe. On completion in May 2022, the plant will go from treating flows from 30,000 residents to 60,000 residents.
Major improvements to the Buckland trunk sewer system, including a new pump station and pipework have also taken place.
At its peak, 150 construction staff were on site, making it one of Pukekohe’s largest infrastructure projects in recent years. There were still 30-40 construction workers on site in September 2021 to efficiently convert the existing sequencing batch reactors into activated sludge reactors.
At that time, the project had reached the final round of Engineering New Zealand’s 2021 ENVI awards and the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) awards. The winners of the IPWEA competition were to be announced early 2022.
One of the most significant achievements took place however many years before when Watercare successfully collaborated with Iwi to achieve a 35-year, uncontested resource consent.
Nine marae came together as a single entity, Te Taniwha o Waikato, to take part in negotiations. A Cultural Impact Assessment was made and as a result, the plant design was modified so that water clarity as well as the level of pathogens and background bacteria in discharged water was better than the river quality itself.
There are on-going korero about ways to ensure the health of the river, with twice-yearly workshops, as well as regular monitoring.
Watercare Poutiaki Tikanga Maori (Principal Advisor) Richie Waiwai says the organisation is striving for better infrastructure through authentic engagement:
“For Maori, an awa (water body) is regarded as an ancestor. The river represents the mana and mauri (life force) of the people, and is central to tribal identity, and their spiritual and physical wellbeing.”
It’s hoped the public will have a chance to view the Pukekohe Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2022 (depending on Covid alert level restrictions).
Water in their blood
Water may be everywhere at this time of year but that’s precisely why it pays to Think Water.
“You can never depend on the weather!,” says Luke Parker, sales and design engineer at Think Water Pukekohe, “On the other hand, as our family business has been providing a wide range of water-related services to the people of Franklin for more than 50 years, you can certainly rely on us!”
From pumping, irrigation, water treatment and filtration systems, to tanks, and swimming and spa pool products, if water runs through, over or around it, Think Water has it covered.
“Water is the lifeblood of farm business and businesses can grind to a halt, resulting in costly downtime, should a single pump (for example) fail,” Luke says. “At Think Water Pukekohe, our job is to keep that lifeblood pumping by providing top-end products and expert installation backed by comprehensive servicing.”
Established as RF Parker & Sons by Luke’s grandfather, Roy, the company’s managing director is Luke’s father, John. Despite joining the expansive Think Water group in 2011, Luke confirms the company remains focused on Franklin.
“By working with the wider group, we’re able to pass savings on to our customers while also drawing on a vast network of more than 50 independently-owned, like-minded companies,” he says.
“Since my grandfather established the business, we’ve been focused on serving customers in our community with effective water management solutions – that’s just as true today as then.”
While established values are important, Luke adds that technology has come a long way in the industry.
“The principles of ensuring water is efficiently distributed to where it needs to be remain the same, but, these days, the products involved are much more sophisticated. Our Grundfos and Davey Pumps are a great example of this; they provide faster, more reliable flow, while minimising energy usage in the process.
“That’s where we really come into our element; we’re experts on water solutions so our customers don’t have to be!”
Because even the best products can wear down, Luke advises a pint of prevention is worth a gallon of cure. “Preventative maintenance is essential in saving time, money and grief. Our engineers can assess any system of any scale and provide all necessary servicing or repairs where required. All customers need do is give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss their needs, from sales to servicing.”
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“Sliding and folding doors allow us to better utilise outdoor areas but it’s important to ensure we choose doors – and windows, for that matter – which won’t leak heat during the evening and (especially) over winter,” the company’s owner/manager, Robert Brown, says.
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With more than 35 years in the window industry, Robert has seen design trends come and go but thermal efficiency never
At Franklin Aluminium we pride ourselves on our top-notch service and comprehensive product offering. We also have one of the most modern and extensive showrooms in Pukekohe. Our customers have the choice of a range of mainstream residential windows and doors, as well as our other ranges like our Metro Series and the APL Architectural Series. • Decades of experience • Modern showroom • ThermalHEART product available • Residential & Metro displays • We are always keen to talk, and provide a quote Windows & Doors for all seasons Design and Build Franklin — 2021-2022 — 63
At Franklin Aluminium we pride ourselves on our top-notch service and comprehensive product offering. We also At Franklin Aluminium we pride ourselves on our have one of the most modern and extensive showrooms in Pukekohe. top-notch service and comprehensive product offering. We also have one of the most modern and extensive showrooms in Pukekohe. Our customers have the choice of a range of mainstream Our customers have the choice of a range of residential windows and doors, as well as our other ranges mainstream residential windows and doors, as like our Metro Series and the APL Architectural Series. well as our other ranges like our Metro Series • and the APL Architectural Series.Decades of experience • • Decades of experienceModern showroom • • Modern showroom ThermalHEART product available • • ThermalHEART product availableResidential & Metro displays • • Residential & Metro displays We are always keen to talk, and provide a quote • We are always keen to talk, and provide a quote PH 09 238 8828 franklinfirst.co.nz PH 09 238 8828 franklinfirst.co.nz Windows & Doors for all seasons
goes out of style. However, keeping in step with the changing nature of the way we live is important too.
“It’s a reality of modern living that, for most of us, having a big backyard is no longer as practical as it once was. We lead busy lives, often in areas where space is at a premium, so it pays to make the most of the space we have,” he says.
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Franklin Aluminium (and the First brand), present many options to achieve this from large floor-to-ceiling windows, to a wide selection of sliding and bi-fold doors.
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At Franklin Aluminium we pride ourselves on our top-notch “For example, the Metro Series and service and comprehensive product offering. We also Architectural Series are ideal for bold, large At Franklin Aluminium we pride ourselves on our top-notch service and comprehensive product offering. We also At Franklin Aluminium we pride ourselves on our top-notch service and comprehensive product have one of the most modern and extensive showrooms in Pukekohe. format applications, while First Residential is perfectly designed for the mainstream use. Exactly which products to use depends as have one of the most modern and extensive showrooms in Pukekohe. Our customers have the choice of a range of mainstream residential windows and doors, as well as our other ranges like our Metro Series and the APL Architectural Series. offering. We also have one of the most modern and extensive showrooms in Pukekohe. Our customers have the choice of a range of mainstream residential windows and doors, as well as our other ranges like our Metro Series and the APL Architectural Series. Our customers have the choice of a range of mainstream residential windows and doors, as well as our other ranges like our Metro Series and the APL Architectural Series. • Decades of experience • Decades of experience • Decades of experienceModern showroom
much on each customer’s tastes as it does their intended use.”
Through a combination of experience, a comprehensive product range, customerfocused, individual service and state of the art machinery, Franklin Aluminium continues to provide a wide range of solutions.
“With so many options from which to choose, the best way to find out how we can help you is to pay us a visit at our showroom at 4 Alpito Place, Pukekohe,” Robert adds. “We also have further information – including a variety of brochures – to spark inspiration on our website, franklinfirst.co.nz.”
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