Project Pure handed to council

Ken GousmettWanaka's multimillion-dollar wastewater processing treatment plant Project Pure has been officially handed over to the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

The council entered into a contract with UGL Ltd in July 2007 to design, construct and operate the treatment plant, next to Wanaka Airport.

The handover comes after a two-year operational period was extended because of problems early on with the plant's operation.

"There have been adjustments made along the way to address issues such as odour management," QLDC acting infrastructure general manager Ken Gousmett said.

"I am happy to report the recent operational history has largely been satisfactory particularly around the quality of treated effluent, which is of a high standard."

The handover was attended by QLDC deputy mayor and Wanaka Community Board chairman Lyal Cocks.

"It is great to see the plant operating as it should. It is a significant piece of infrastructure making a major contribution to the clean green reputation of this district," Mr Cocks said.

Project Pure brought an end to the practice of discharging treated waste water into the Clutha River. Instead, the treated water is discharged to airport land in an extensive underground soakage network. A 10-year warranty has been provided by UGL Ltd, which commenced from the official handover date of November 30, 2011.

The ongoing maintenance and operation of the plant is now in the hands of the council's water contractor Veolia Water Ltd (previously known as UWI Ltd).