The work being carried out presently at the oxidation ponds is a further stage of the over-all upgrade of the Wastewater Treatment Plant that started in 1998. This part of the upgrade will change the flow path of the wastewater through the ponds to improve the quality of the wastewater discharged.

The upgrading of the ponds is expected to be completed in 18 months.The work in the first pond is almost finished and a start will be made shortly on a new pipe connecting the ponds under Dyers Road. Draining of the second pond will follow in a few months time.

The work will deepen and reshape the ponds to maximise the time the flow spends travelling through them and to reduce the likelihood of the flow short-circuiting through the ponds. The water will pass through seven ponds in series, whereas the current system passes through two parallel series of three ponds. The work will also widen the banks where necessary to reduce damage in the event of an earthquake.

Operations and Maintenance Manager Mike Bourke says that it is pleasing to be able to make a major improvement to the water quality and still maintain the pond area as an important natural habitat and wildlife refuge.