Marton to Bulls Wastewater Centralisation Project
A long-term programme to create a more reliable, environmentally responsible and culturally respectful wastewater system for Marton and Bulls.
Status: Option assessment underway
Budget: $25 million (subject to review as the project evolves)
Timeline: Community consultation is planned once Council has considered the recommended wastewater solution.
Project Background
Providing safe and reliable wastewater services is one of Council's most important responsibilities. Like many communities across New Zealand, Marton and Bulls rely on ageing infrastructure that needs to adapt to changing environmental standards, population growth and evolving regulatory requirements.
The aim of this project is to improve the entire wastewater system, from collection and treatment through to final disposal. Our goal is to deliver a network that is reliable, efficient and sustainable while protecting the environment and recognising the cultural values associated with water.
When the project was first developed, the preferred approach focused on transferring treated wastewater from Marton to Bulls before discharging it to land. As planning progressed, changes to environmental regulations and consenting requirements highlighted the need to review the project and reassess all potential options.
In 2023, Council reset the project and established a new project team that includes Council staff, mana whenua and specialist consultants in wastewater engineering, environmental science, planning and consenting.
Rather than rushing to a solution, the project team is carefully investigating a range of possible options. This work considers environmental, engineering, financial and cultural factors to identify the Best Practical Option for the district.
Working alongside mana whenua throughout the project ensures cultural values are embedded in decision-making from the outset. By taking the time to thoroughly assess every option, we're working towards a wastewater solution that will serve our communities well for decades to come.
New pipeline route between Marton and Bulls
Project lifecycle
This image shows the standard lifecycle of our key capital projects.
What we've achieved
Our project team shortlisted the five strongest wastewater management options for Marton and Bulls. Detailed technical, environmental and cultural assessments are now underway to determine the "Best Practical Option".
Council established a new project team comprising Council staff, mana whenua, Good Earth Matters and WSP NZ to reassess the project and ensure it meets current environmental and consenting requirements.
Following changes to regulatory requirements, Council reviewed the project's direction and agreed to investigate a wider range of wastewater solutions before progressing to detailed design.
The original project scope included a transfer pipeline between Marton and Bulls, treatment plant upgrades, land acquisition for treated wastewater disposal and the resource consenting process.