Latest News
August 2009
Work is well underway on Franklin’s largest Council-led individual project. Spanning across two financial years, the $18.8m upgrade to the Pukekohe Wastewater Treatment Plant began early in 2009.
The upgraded plant, located in Buckland, will have increased capacity, efficiency and performance, future-proofing the District’s wastewater needs.
Franklin District Council’s Mayor Mark Ball says the Council is undertaking an extensive upgrade of the plant to future proof wastewater treatment for Pukekohe, Tuakau, Buckland, Pokeno and Patumahoe.
“This is the most significant project Franklin District Council is undertaking over the next two years, so we’re excited that work has begun. It’s providing Franklin with a state-of-the-art treatment plant that caters for business and residential growth and reduces environmental impact.”
The plant is located on Parker Lane, which Council upgraded last year to cater for increased traffic flows during the upgrade process.
Work will be completed on the project by May 2010. 
Construction Timetable
Earthworks commence Feb 2009
Tanks construction April 2009
Mechanical and electrical fit out July 2009
Testing Nov 2009
Commissioning Feb 2010
Completion May 2010
The Site
The new PWWTP is located on land immediately to the north of the existing site. This was necessary due to the limited land available on the existing site and for geotechnical reasons. The existing designation has been extended to incorporate this land which is situated between the existing ponds and the Parker Lane Closed Landfill (see map to the right).
Improving Wastewater Treatment in Franklin
The upgraded PWWTP uses a high-rate treatment process which will improve the quality of discharge to the surrounding environment.
The new PWWTP should also minimise odours arising from the treatment process and will enable the wetlands to be decommissioned. Noise from the plant will be attenuated by acoustic enclosures and landscaping at the site. The main access way to the plant both during and after construction is via Parker Lane, and as a result Council has undertaken road improvements along Parker Lane.
Roading Upgrade
The roadworks were funded as part of the Pukekohe Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade project - they were not part of Council’s land transport priorities as upgrades to Parker Lane were not budgeted for in the land transport section of Council’s Long Term Community Plan 2006-2016.
What Road Improvements Were Made:
- The road was widened at one corner to enhance safety at the corner.
- The road was widened to the west of the bridge for approx. 400m and east for 100m to provide more room for waiting vehicles.
- The ‘Give Way’ sign at the bridge has been painted and signposted.
- Kerb and Channel was added in some areas to defi ne the edge of the road.
- The entrance way into the PWWTP was sealed.
May 2008
A drop in morning was held for local residents on 10 May to update them on the project. If you are interested in knowing more you can download the key posters from the drop in day: