Ellesmere to Pines Pipeline Project
Selwyn District Council has a major upcoming project to install a pressurised wastewater pipeline connecting the Ellesmere wastewater scheme to the Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant (Pines WWTP). The project also allows for connection of Upper Selwyn Huts sewer scheme to this pipeline.
The pipeline was confirmed in the Long-Term Plan 2021-2031 and agreed in the Annual Plan 2023-2024 for construction this year. The reason for upgrade is to cater for the anticipated growth in the area, to keep up with the operational requirements, meet the environmental standards and future proof our network.
Upcoming works
We are starting with the physical works for Ellesmere to Pines WWTP pipeline.
In the coming weeks, the public can expect traffic management along Swamp Road, Bethels Road and Selwyn Lake Road.
The traffic management shall be a mix of road closure, lane closures, traffic lights and Stop/Go and detours will be in place, where applicable. The residents with immediate impact will be notified separately and provided with further details.
Works will also be happening in the Chamberlains Ford area, after the campground closure on 29 April 2024.
Where is the pipeline going to be built?
The pipeline will run through the townships of Leeston, Doyleston and Irwell and connects into the existing wastewater system just south of Rolleston at Edwards Road.
The pipeline route is along Beethams Road, Leeston Road, Bethels Road and Swamp Road. The pipeline will also connect the Upper Selwyn Huts community to Pines WWTP through a pressurised pipeline laid along Selwyn Lake Road, connecting to the main pipeline at Leeston Road. It is proposed that in the future, Coes and Chamberlains Ford also connect via pressurised mains onto this pipeline and will be a matter for consideration in the coming years, however the provision for design of the facilities for these connections have been allowed in the design.
When will it be built and how will I be affected?
The design for pipeline is in the final stages with early work over August / September 2023 and to prepare the route, check the soil conditions and ground suitability and confirm the best alignment location for the pipeline.
Full construction is expected to begin in late April 2024, aiming to be completed before December 2025.
Work will start at the Pines end on Swamp Road and will move towards Ellesmere.
There will be no impact to wastewater services while the pipeline is being constructed.
The pipeline will be constructed in the berm as much as possible along the route and we will be in touch closer to the construction date to confirm traffic management required including any closures of lanes or sections of road.
This web page will be kept updated with ongoing works and traffic impacts and they will also be updated through community channels including our Facebook page and Council Call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you building this pipeline?
The Ellesmere Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) needs to be upgraded to cater for future growth and to meet its consent conditions. Following an assessment of options, Selwyn District Council (SDC) has elected to convey the treated wastewater to Pines WWTP which has capacity for the additional flow. A new pressure main from Ellesmere WWTP will also provide an opportunity to transfer wastewater from Selwyn Huts to the Pines WWTP by injecting it into the main pipeline, which would not be economic to do otherwise. Pines WWTP has the available capacity to take on the additional flows from these catchments.
The existing Ellesmere Wastewater Treatment Plant is not big enough to cater for the expected growth in population in the Ellesmere area. Connecting to the Pines Wastewater Treatment Plan means we are connecting to the main plant that services all of Selwyn, which is cheaper in the long term for all residents, will last for longer before needing upgrades and better meets the required environmental standards.
When are you building this pipeline?
Construction will begin late April 2024. The aim is to be completed by December 2025, at the latest.
How will I be affected?
While we are building, it is expected that there will be traffic disruptions along the pipeline route. We are building as much as possible in the berm and off the road and minimizing the impacts as much as we can, however to comply with the Traffic management regulation and to ensure the safety of the public and site staff, there will be stages where there will be lanes closed or sometimes a section of road that needs to be closed. We will make sure people are kept informed before that happens.
Will my wastewater be affected during construction?
There will be no disruption to your wastewater services while the pipeline is being built.
If you experience any issues to your service, please contact us on 0800 SELWYN (735 996)
What will happen to the Ellesmere Wastewater Treatment Plant?
It will continue to be used for treatment, storage, and capacity.
How does this affect the wastewater consent issues for Selwyn Huts
Selwyn Huts will be connected to the Ellesmere Pipeline. This is to connect the huts to the Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant to replace the existing wastewater treatment system at the huts. The Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant already has all the necessary resource consents to process sewage, so the pipeline that will run from the Upper Selwyn Huts to Rolleston will not need a separate discharge consent.
Can Irwell residents connect onto the pipeline?
As a part of this project there are no plans at this stage to connect individual properties to the trunk main. However, a strategic location for future connection of the community will be considered. The connection of community onto the pipeline will be subject to the future conversation between the Council and Community.