Martinborough Wastewater Treatment Plant
At the Martinborough Wastewater Treatment plant, sewage flows through an aerated facultative pond, a series of maturation ponds and ultraviolet treatment. Discharge of the treated effluent is managed to either an adjacent block of land by irrigation or to the Ruamahanga River depending on the season, river levels and conditions of the Resource Consents.
The plant was granted new consents on 11 February 2016. These consents will continue for 35 years (expire 11 February 2051).
In general, the consents allow SWDC:
- to discharge treated wastewater to land via an irrigation system at a flow rate of 795m3/day (Stage 1B) and 4300m3/d (Stages 2A and 2B)
- to discharge treated wastewater to the Ruamahanga River at an annual average daily flow of up to 650 cubic meters per day and at a maximum daily rate of up to 4,300 cubic meters per day
- to discharge treated wastewater to land via seepage from the oxidation ponds
- to discharge odours from the oxidation ponds within the boundary
- to discharge odours and other contaminants from irrigation of treated wastewater to land within the boundary.
Resource Consents
Plant Perfomance
Current Status: Non-compliant
Period: July 2025
Commentary:
As capital delivery is with SWDC, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) has lifted the Abatement Notice it issued to WWL
in June.
Capital delivery is with SWDC, major investment is required.
Items of significance:
With effect 01 July 2025, SWDC took back ownership of the Capital Delivery Programme and associated projects .
Current plant design is insufficient to avoid non-compliance.
WWL submitted a draft growth and capacity study to SWDC in December 2024; SWDC have taken ownership and need to consider the next steps.
Read the July 2025 Martinborough wastewater treatment plant performance monthly report