Published 25/05/2021
Media Release: next steps in future-proofing wastewater network
Residents have the chance to have their say on plans to upgrade and operate the Porirua Wastewater Treatment Plant over the next 20 years, as set out in the Porirua City Council application for resource consent for the plant.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says this is an important step in the council’s continuing commitment to improve the health of our harbour and coastal waterways by upgrading the wastewater system.
“Porirua City Council and Wellington Water are working on a city-wide programme to look after our assets, support future growth, reduce water consumption, improve water quality, and reduce the impacts of climate change.
“The consent application outlines how we propose to increase the capacity of the plant to treat wastewater from 1,000 litres to 1,500 litres of wastewater per second and make other technical improvements, so that the plant is fit for purpose for a growing population,” says Mayor Baker.
Wellington Water Chief Wastewater Advisor Steve Hutchison explains that the network of pipes carries wastewater, or sewage, from homes and businesses throughout Porirua and North Wellington to the treatment plant.
“There, we treat and clean it so that it can be returned to the sea safely.
“We have to make sure the treatment plant can handle all the wastewater delivered to it, and we also have to fix leaks and blockages throughout the network, so that wastewater gets to the plant.”
The application proposes regular monitoring and measurement of the impact, including a new ecological survey and a full review of operations and future technology after 10 years.
These plans build on upgrades over the last 10 years, which have seen the quality of the discharge improve considerably.
Porirua City Council, Wellington Water and Ngāti Toa are working together to ensure mana whenua are at the table in future decision making on the plant.
The resource consent application is available on the GWRC website
Wellington Water is holding a public information meeting in Titahi Bay on Wednesday 9 June, at 7 pm at Titahi Bay School.
Background information is available here.