A major milestone has been reached in plans for a new Southern Wastewater Treatment Plant, with key decisions now confirmed on its location, treatment standards and consenting pathway.
The project, led by IAWAI – Flowing Waters, is designed to support rapid population growth across Hamilton, Waikato and Waipā while improving the resilience of the region’s wastewater network and protecting the long-term health of the Waikato River.
At a meeting on June 18, the IAWAI board selected 131 and 139 Raynes Road in Rukuhia as the preferred location for the new treatment plant and confirmed the project will proceed through the Government’s fast-track consenting process.
The board also endorsed the Waikato River as the preferred re-entry environment for highly treated water from the plant, while identifying three potential discharge locations for further investigation in partnership with the project’s Kaitiaki Roopuu.
In another significant decision, IAWAI confirmed new minimum wastewater treatment standards that will apply not only to the Southern Wastewater Treatment Plant but also to future wastewater facilities across the network.
IAWAI Chief Executive Peter Winder says the project is critical to preparing the region for future growth while delivering stronger environmental outcomes.
He says the current wastewater network is under increasing pressure and requires investment to ensure communities can continue to grow without compromising environmental health.
Winder says the new facility reflects a best-for-river approach to wastewater management and aligns with the objectives of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, the legislation guiding restoration and protection of the Waikato River.
The plant will use advanced treatment technology to clean wastewater to a significantly higher standard than existing systems, building on improvements already delivered at the upgraded Cambridge and Raglan treatment plants.
IAWAI General Manager Growth and Delivery Andrew Parsons says the project has been shaped through ongoing partnership with mana whenua and iwi through a dedicated Kaitiaki Roopuu.
He says mana whenua have been involved throughout the process, helping identify the preferred site and contributing to decisions around environmental outcomes and future management.
The next stage of the project will involve sharing draft designs with the community and consulting on how treated water will be returned to the environment.
IAWAI also plans to seek public input on the future use of the large buffer zone surrounding the treatment plant. Potential options include native planting programmes, wetland restoration projects and community amenities such as walking and cycling tracks.
The Southern Wastewater Treatment Plant is a cornerstone project within IAWAI’s $3 billion, 10-year capital works programme and reflects a new regional approach to wastewater management that crosses traditional council boundaries.
Supporters say the project represents a significant opportunity to improve environmental performance while ensuring future generations can continue to benefit from a healthy Waikato River and resilient infrastructure network.
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