Kaipara District Council Awards $NZ53 Million Wastewater Scheme in Mangawhai
Kaipara District Council is pleased to announce that it has finalised a Design Build Finance and Operate contract for the delivery of wastewater services to Mangawhai.
Earth Tech Engineering Pty Ltd (Earth Tech) will be responsible for the design, construction, commissioning and construction and operation of the scheme for up to 15 years. ABN Amro New Zealand will be responsible for the financing during the construction phase and for the Council funding of the scheme.
Construction of the Mangawhai EcoCare Wastewater Scheme will commence on 14 January 2008 with a scheduled completion date in July 2009.
“Construction will begin with a karakia and official ground-breaking celebration to recognise the significance of this major community infrastructure project. The EcoCare Scheme will protect our estuary and harbour for future generations so that residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy our beautiful environment and activities like swimming and gathering shellfish in the estuary”, Kaipara District’s Mayor Neil Tiller said.
“Finalising the deal was the culmination of many years of planning and consultation with the community to align objectives for the project. This is an exciting example of a Council, community and the private sector working together to solve public health and environmental issues in a small community. One of the most exciting aspects is the use of reclaimed water to irrigate pasture. The quality of the reclaimed water is so high it meets standards that will enable dairy cows to graze the pasture.”
Peter Everist, Earth Tech Group General Manager, explained that the project involved a two-year period of intensive planning and community consultation to obtain Resource Consents required under the New Zealand Resource Management Act. ”The EcoCare Scheme plays a vital role in maintaining and sustaining the longterm environmental and economic health of Mangawhai.” Peter said.
Beca Carter Hollings and Ferner Ltd is the technical adviser to Kaipara District Council for the project. Commercial and transaction advice has been provided by specialist advisers EPS Consultants (International) Pty Ltd.
The major elements of the Mangawhai EcoCare Wastewater Scheme include:
- 21 kilometres of sewers
- An 11 kilometre reclaimed water transfer pipeline
- 15 pumping stations
- A reclaimed water storage dam
- 6 kilometres of rising main
- A small footprint wastewater treatment plant
- An irrigation system