Friday, 06 November 2026
Next stage of Shotover wastewater upgrades underway
Work to decommission the plant’s existing oxidation ponds to make way for a new treated wastewater calamity pond is set to begin soon.
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is taking the next step in upgrading the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant, with work set to begin on decommissioning the plant’s existing oxidation ponds to make way for a new treated wastewater calamity pond.
The new calamity pond will provide temporary storage for treated wastewater if normal operations are disrupted, for example by a power outage, equipment failure, or maintenance issue.
QLDC Property and Infrastructure General Manager Tony Avery said the project would provide additional resilience for a critical piece of infrastructure.
“The Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of the district's most important infrastructure assets. The new calamity pond will provide an additional safeguard and improve our ability to manage unexpected events such as equipment failures or power outages,” Mr Avery said.
Before construction can begin, water will be gradually removed from the existing oxidation ponds, with the remaining sludge left to dry over the warmer months. Any water removed will continue to be treated through the wastewater treatment plant before being discharged.
The sludge has accumulated naturally at the bottom of the ponds over many years as part of the wastewater treatment process. Once dried, it will be consolidated, safely contained on site, and covered with gravel.
Residents and businesses near the treatment plant may occasionally notice some odour during the drying process. QLDC and its contractor will closely monitor odour levels and implement mitigation measures where required to minimise impacts on neighbouring properties, including applying lime if elevated odour levels are detected.
Once the drying process is complete, construction of the new calamity pond will begin. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
The project is part of QLDC's ongoing investment in wastewater infrastructure to support the district's growth and strengthen the resilience of the wider wastewater network.
ENDS|KUA MUTU.
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