By rosebell
As a part of the Central Interceptor project in Auckland, New Zealand, operations at the southern half of the 16.2km tunnel has been commenced by New Zealand-based water utility Watercare Services, whereas this tunnel links Blockhouse Bay to the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The advantage of this wastewater infrastructure project is due to be improving the water quality in central Auckland’s waterways and beaches, as Watercare Services said.
Recently, a new pump station in Māngere has been inaugurated by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, while the pumps are designed to send wastewater flows from the Central Interceptor tunnel to the nearby treatment plant at a rate of 1,200 litres per second.
According to Mayor Brown: “It’s a significant milestone for Aucklanders and a huge engineering feat for the team who have been working for the past six years. I look forward to the Central Interceptor project being completed next year to fully realise the benefit, including an 80% reduction in wet weather overflows and improved water quality. This is an important piece in fixing Auckland’s infrastructure. The Central Interceptor will take pressure off other parts of the network and will allow other long-awaited wastewater projects to progress.”
Considering that 600 people from Watercare and Ghella Abergeldie JV Central Interceptor project are working on the construction since 2019, the current landmark underscores their efforts.
Involving decreasing wastewater overflows and improving water quality, environmental benefits are going to be realised upon completion of the remaining tunnel section from Mount Roskill to Herne Bay.
In addition, new infrastructure such as the Herne Bay Collector, will support the outcomes.
The Mount Albert, Grey Lynn, as well as Herne Bay, which are northern central city suburbs, continue to experience significant wet weather overflows and the overflows affect areas including Oakley Creek, Meola Stream, Point Chevalier, and Point Erin beaches.
With the aim of delivering new water and wastewater infrastructure over the next ten years, the Central Interceptor is part of its $13.2bn project, as said the water utility.
“The switch-on of the southern tunnel does however mean improved resilience for Watercare’s wastewater network. Ageing infrastructure such as ‘Pump Station 23, Hillsborough was often overwhelmed by stormwater in big storms. Now the new Central Interceptor tunnel will capture these flows. The Western Interceptor will also no longer carry flows under the Manukau Harbour, which is another win,” said Watercare chief program delivery officer Shayne Cunis.
