Horowhenua District council engaged Lutra to help develop a masterplan for the upgrading of the Levin WWTP.
The project involved asset assessment, replacement strategy and concept designs related to a complete renewal of the treatment plant.
The plant upgrades will include:
A New Headworks including-
- Two‑stage screening
- A grit removal system
- A new influent lift pump station
- Connection to the new influent rising main currently being installed.
Trickling Filter replacement-
The current trickling filters are to be replaced with a new activated sludge treatment system, which will feature-
- A new modern Activated Sludge secondary treatment process
- Improved nutrient removal
- Greater resilience and control for operators
Upgrading the Digesters and Biogas System
The current digesters are between 30 and 70 years old and in need of replacement, plans to upgrade include-
- Building a new third digester within the next 1–2 years
- Taking the oldest digester offline for refurbishment
- Retaining one digester as operational redundancy
- Upgrading the biogas handling system and boiler to optimise renewable energy use
Progress-
The masterplan is complete with different work packages planned to be implemented in stages over the next 5 -10 years, these upgrades are planned to exceed the upcoming Wastewater Standards as well as allowing for future growth.
The Headworks project will go to market in 2026 with work on them planned for 2027, after this Lutra will be further involved in most stages of the programme whether with planning, process design, tender support or commissioning.