Wellington - New Zealand Wastewater treatment

In 2004, United Water, a Veolia Water subsidiary, took over the operation of the three Clearwater Wellington plant facilities, located at Moa Point, Carey's Gully and Karori West.

The contract involves the operation, maintenance and asset management of facilities including:

• the Moa wastewater treatment plant (including inlet pump station), which is located to the south-east of the Central Business District
• a 1.8 km ocean outfall pipe, which stretches south into Cook Straight
• 9 km twin sludge pipelines from Moa Point to Carey's Gully
• the Carey's Gully sludge dewatering plant
• the Western wastewater treatment plant.

• Transfer the existing work force of 15 managers and operators and strengthen operations and resources by relocating an experienced United Water manager to oversee operations.
• Optimize the operation of assets, minimize environmental impacts and improve service to customers.
• Introduce United Water business systems to the Wellington operation, including Maxo maintenance management system, occupational health and safety policies and procedures, comprehensive training programs, extensive risk assessment strategies, asset management plans and environmental policies and procedures.

Improved performance and services

• Introduced more efficient business systems, including a computerized work management system, asset management planning and improved quality assurance.
• Achieved 99% compliance across all contractual key performance indicators, with no tariff reductions. This included 100% compliance in BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), suspended solids and microbiological quality targets.
• Developed an excellent record of health and safety, with no lost-day injuries in 2005.
• Strengthened on-the-ground expertise in Wellington and introduced company support functions including Process Technical Advisory Group (PTAG), Information Technology, Research and Development, Engineering and Procurement.

Service certification

• Achieved international quality certification to ISO 9001:2000 standard for all core aspects of operations and was the first private company in New Zealand to achieve certifications to ISO 9001 and 14001 for wastewater treatment.