Three breaches of Omakau’s wastewater treatment plant since 2017 has resulted in the Central Otago District Council (CODC) putting forward a business case for a new site.

The CODC agreed on Wednesday to move forward with two new infrastructure projects designed to provide safe, reliable and resilient wastewater services in Omakau, as well as Alexandra and Clyde.

Mayor Tim Cadogan said Omakau in particular was a high risk site and the council has been investigating options since 2021 to improve the treatment and disposal of wastewater services, and deliver better long-term environmental outcomes.

The council will now seek funding in order to progress to the next stage of investigation and preliminary design.

Capital projects programme manager Patrick Keenan said that was a critical step to gather accurate information, which would significantly inform and improve investment and construction decision-making for each project.

“These projects would represent a significant investment for council and accurate planning is crucial to ensure ratepayers' money is well spent on creating durable, resilient wastewater infrastructure. Our aim is to meet our growing communities’ needs today, whilst future-proofing for future generations and honouring our environmental commitments."

Once the investigation and preliminary design are undertaken, council will be provided with updated business cases with refined costs and a delivery strategy for approval.

Funding for the investigation and preliminary design work will be included in the Draft 2024 Long Term Plan (LTP).

The Omakau wastewater indicative business case recommends constructing a new wastewater treatment site at Omakau in a more resilient location, near the Omakau Golf Course.

This includes moving the discharge of the treated wastewater away from the Manuherikia River to discharge to land.

The Alexandra wastewater indicative business case recommends constructing a new wastewater treatment site on council land near the Alexandra Airport. 

This includes moving the discharge of the treated wastewater away from the Clutha Mata-au River to discharge to land.  

Council requested further investigation also be undertaken to determine if the existing Alexandra treatment site at Graveyard Gully has the capability to be expanded to meet long term requirements.