Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Gets Going As Recovery Continues
by Tiaki Wai · SCOOPThe Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has restarted today, after months of complex recovery work by Tiaki Wai and its partners, following the 4 February flooding event.
The restart marks the beginning of a gradual recommissioning process, with wastewater from central and southern Wellington progressively returning to treatment at the plant.
The plant will initially operate under its normal capacity while biological treatment becomes re-established. Treatment capacity will increase over the coming weeks as the system stabilises and Tikai Wai watches the plant’s performance closely. This phased approach reflects the time needed for the biological treatment process to rebuild.
As treatment capacity increases and additional processes are progressively brought back online, Tiaki Wai expects water quality along Wellington's south coast to improve. Daily water quality monitoring will continue throughout the recommissioning period, and anyone planning to swim should check the latest water quality information on the LAWA website first.
Mike Brewster, Chief Executive of Tiaki Wai, said the restart was an important step in restoring wastewater treatment services at Moa Point.
"We know the failure of the plant has had significant impacts for residents, businesses, mana whenua and recreational users of Wellington's south coast. We also recognise the environmental impact and welcome this next step in the recovery of both the plant and the surrounding environment."
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"Today's restart is an important step, but it is not the end of the recovery. Re-establishing biological treatment takes time, and we'll continue to take a careful and phased approach as treatment capacity is gradually restored over the weeks ahead."
"Our focus remains on restoring the plant safely and responsibly, while keeping communities informed about our progress."
As part of the recommissioning process, residents living near the treatment plant may notice occasional odours as biological treatment becomes established. Tiaki Wai is contacting potentially affected households and will continue to provide updates to the community as recommissioning progresses.
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