Matamata WwTP upgrade - Utilising existing assets with innovative treatment technologies
Annual Conference
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The concept and objectives for the upgrade was to future-proof the WwTP and to optimise and utilise existing Council assets. The plant was to meet future increased flows and loads whilst achieving a greatly improved effluent quality. With the treated effluent discharging into the Mangawhero Stream this would provide a positive outcome for the local community and would have significant social benefits.
In June 2004 the resource consent for the discharge of effluent from the WwTP was due to expire. Consultation with Waikato Regional Council (WRC), tangata whenua, neighbours, the general public and other affected parties resulted in MPDC undertaking an iterative and innovative technical options assessment during the resource consent renewal process. The conclusion was that the most appropriate and cost effective solution for the site was to employ two relatively new treatment technologies to supplement the existing oxidation ponds, Aquamats® and ultrafiltration.
In July 2009, Opus were appointed by Matamata Piako District Council (MPDC) to project manage the full scale upgrade of the WwTP. The revised commissioning date of the new plant fully operational was 1 st November 2010. The result was the construction of the largest Aquamat® installation and Membrane Filtration Plant of its kind in New Zealand.