Improving Wastewater Management at Umawera School
Service Area: Environmental Engineering
Industry: Community / Cultural
Service: Onsite Wastewater Design (TP58), Geotechnical Investigation/Reporting, Building Consent Application
Location: Umawera, Far North, Northland
Deliverables: TP58 Report, Site Plan, Specifications, Building Consent Application​
The Bottom Line
VISION's comprehensive investigation, design, and building consent application for a new onsite wastewater system provided Umawera School with a compliant and effective solution to address a failing existing system, supporting environmental protection and the school's operational continuity.
Task
VISION Consulting Engineers Ltd. was engaged to design a new onsite wastewater disposal system for Umawera School to replace a failed existing system and facilitate its building consent application process.
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Problem
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The existing wastewater system at Umawera School had failed, posing environmental and health risks.
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The school required a new, compliant wastewater solution designed to support safe and effective waste disposal.
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The project necessitated a thorough understanding of site-specific ground conditions and environmental factors for appropriate design.
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Navigating the building consent process with the Far North District Council, including potential delays, was a critical aspect of project delivery.
Solution
To support Umawera School with a sustainable and compliant wastewater solution, VISION conducted a comprehensive desktop study and on-site investigation.
This included assessing ground conditions and performing percolation testing to inform the wastewater system design.
Based on these findings, a detailed On-Site Wastewater Management Report was developed in accordance with TP58 guidelines, outlining the proposed design for a new aerated wastewater treatment system and disposal field. Clear system specifications and a homeowner’s manual for the TechTreat SS10/CP2 Aerated Wastewater System were prepared to ensure ease of maintenance and long-term functionality.
VISION also managed the preparation and submission of the Building Consent application to the Far North District Council, helping facilitate a smooth approval process.​​​​​​​​​
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Benefits
The project delivered Umawera School a robust, environmentally sound, and fully compliant wastewater treatment system. It resolved the critical issue of the school’s failed existing system, allowing continued operation without disruption. By overseeing the building consent application process, VISION simplified regulatory approvals for the school and provided a practical, sustainable wastewater management solution that supports both public health and environmental protection.
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Umawera School Testimonial
Christine Gilmore
- Principal, Umawera School
Our previous wastewater system was very old, small and unreliable. We were constantly having to get it emptied and cleaned at an ever-increasing cost.
Vision Consulting Engineers came to our rescue and completed the design and consent process quickly and effectively. The key benefits of working with VISION Consulting Engineers on this project were their positive and very supportive attitude when working with us.
We would happily recommend VISION Consulting Engineers for similar projects in the future.