Clarks Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade and outfall pipe

Project overview

While we progress our Southwest Wastewater Scheme, we will ensure we can serve population growth in the short to medium term by upgrading the Clarks Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant and constructing an outfall pipe.

Currently, the plant treats wastewater from about 2,500 people in Clarks Beach and Glenbrook. Our upgrade will allow it to treat wastewater from up to 6,000 people, which is expected to cover growth through to 2030.

The upgrade involves us installing membrane aerated bioreactor technology (MABR) which will significantly improve the quality of the treated wastewater leaving the plant.

At the same time as the plant upgrade, we will construct a new outfall pipe to carry treated wastewater from the plant to about 100 metres off the coast in the Waiuku Channel. The outfall pipe will have the capacity to take the treated wastewater of up to 30,000 people, ensuring its fit-for-purpose over the long term.

The outfall and discharge were granted consent in 2018. The treatment plant upgrade and outfall will ensure we meet the conditions of this consent.

About construction

• Construction work is expected to start later this year and take up to 18 months to complete.

• Most of the work will take place between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

• We have been in close contact with the Clarks Beach Golf Club around the scope and duration of the construction works. The outfall pipe will be off the 12th green at the golf course.