The Methven Wastewater Treatment Plant will have six ageing aerators replaced, and a new inlet screen before winter this year.

Group Manager of Infrastructure Neil McCann said that the aerators are scheduled to be replaced as they reach the end of their operational life.

“The current units will be swapped out for two modern aerdisc directional aerators, to improve the plant’s efficiency and reliability into the future.”

The contract for the aerator replacement has been awarded to Aeris Global Limited, the same company that installed seven directional aerators at Ashburton’s Wilkins Road wastewater treatment plant in 2024.

The inlet screen contract has been awarded to a partnership between ARC Projects and Brown Brothers.

“The new inlet screen will remove large, non-biodegradable solids and debris from incoming sewage.

“It will protect our pumps and substantially reduce our solid waste handling and maintenance costs.

“The equipment reduces water content, which brings our tonnage to landfill down considerably.”

The total cost of all the wastewater treatment plant works was budgeted for $460,000 in the 2024-34 Long Term Plan.