Ranfurly gully wastewater upgrade | Hamilton City Council

Project summary

What we're doing

The current wastewater system in Ranfurly Gully was installed in the 1940s and is nearing the end of its lifespan, so it's time to upgrade them. The proposed works will reverse the system - instead of wastewater from the surrounding houses draining into the pipelines in the gully, they will drain up to the pipelines under the street.

We have a drop in session for this project scheduled at Te Whare o te Ata Fairfield Community Hall on Saturday 10 August from 3pm-6pm. We'll have tea and coffee, and plenty of info for you to come and have a look at!

Why we're doing it

The wastewater pipes running through the Ranfurly Gully are flat with a few dips – not great for water drainage! This means there have been a lot of blockages from fat build-ups and "flushable" wipes/rags in the wastewater pipes from the area. Because of these blockages, the pipes overflow into the surrounding environment and stream. Getting to these pipes in the predominately privately-owned gully is also tricky.

These works will help to minimise the risk of wastewater spills into our natural areas - besides doing what we can to create a healthy, thriving environment that helps us to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, we are also legally required to protect and enhance nature and provide for people’s wellbeing, under the:

Resource Management Act 1991
Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Act 2010
Local Government Act 2002.

The works will also make it much safer and easier for our teams to maintain our system, and minimise damage to the pipes which occurs due to a combination of wetlands and soft soil in the gully that shifts around easily.

This project will

Minimise potential wastewater spills by creating pipelines that operate more efficiently
Minimise pipeline damage because of shifting wetlands and soft soil in the gully
Make pipeline maintenance easier and more accessible

Project features

Ecological benefit
By taking the wastewater system out of the gully, we're working to create a healthy, thriving environment that helps us to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
Better management
Upgrading these pipes will allow our wastewater to be pumped more efficiently and will make it easier and more cost-effective to maintain our system.
Future proofing
While the current wastewater system in Ranfurly Gully was installed in the 1940s and is due for an upgrade, the new wastewater system is expected to last for about 100 years.

Where we're at with progress

Stage 1 - Planning

Mid 2023
We're carrying out land-surveying, water level monitoring, new system layout design and so on in preparation for this project.
Stage 2 - Underway

August 2024
Construction kicks off in the north-east of the area, finishing at Ranfurly Park to tie the new system into the existing pump station in Ranfurly Park.
Stage 3 - Completed

Early-mid 2026
Works are completed.

Keep in touch

Frequently asked questions

What does the project involve?

While wastewater from residents in the Ranfurly Gully area currently flows into pipes in the gully, this project will create a new network using existing and new pipes that will allow waste to flow away from the gully, upwards and to pipelines that are under the roads. This will involve rerouting pipelines that are in some properties, installing grinder pumps in selected properties, and reversing and reconnecting some houses to the new system. If your house is directly affected, we will be in touch with you directly.

Why are these works taking place?

The existing pipelines in Ranfurly Gully were built in the 1940s and are due an upgrade. With the soft, shifting ground in the gully, repairs to these pipes have been more regular than expected. Pipes being at the bottom of the privately-owned gully in hard-to-reach areas also makes maintenance difficult. These works will make maintenance safer and easier, provide a wastewater system that lasts about 100 years, and help protect the environment and properties from wastewater overflows. This is a priority for Council, and we also have legal obligations to take steps to manage any potential wastewater spills.

When will construction work be starting? 

Construction work is proposed to start in July 2024.

How long are works expected to take?

We are planning for two years of construction work, but this timeline is dependent on resource consents, availability of materials, and weather.

Who will be carrying out these works?

This is a Hamilton City Council project, with GHD designing the new pipelines and CB Civil carrying out the construction.

What impact will the works have on my property? 

Any point of your property that contains either the existing pipeline or proposed pipeline will have construction impacts as we install the new wastewater system. If your property has been identified as a site access point, or as needing a reversal, reconnection, or the installation of an individual lot pump station, we will be in contact with you directly to talk you through changes to your property. There may be occasions when we need to get a truck with materials as close to the entrance of the gully as possible, and in these situations, we will work closely with you to make sure no damage to your land occurs. 

What hours will construction be happening? 

Usual hours of work are 7am -7pm Monday - Friday, and reduced hours of 8am-4pm on Saturday. If we need to work outside of these hours, we'll let you know beforehand.

How is this project being funded? 

This work is being funded through Council’s Long-Term Plan.

Will my wastewater be shut off while works are happening? 

Your wastewater will continue to enter the network throughout the duration of the project, however there may be short duration shutdowns required. We will communicate this to all affected residents in advance. 

Can I get in and out of my driveway during construction?

Yes! We will maintain access at all times when we are not on site. At times during the work, we may need to restrict access for safety as machinery moves about. We will try to keep this short and restore access as soon as possible.

What other options for the wastewater system did you consider?

Consultants identified four options for the pipe upgrade design. Those four options were narrowed to two:

1. Upgrading the pipes and placing them at a steeper gradient
2. A complete installation of the wastewater network outside the gully

Option two was identified as the least disruptive and the most cost effective.

What will the disruption be like at my property?

The level of disruption will vary depending on what needs to be done. If there is direct impact on your property, within your property, we will be in touch with you directly. If there will be impact on the roads outside your house, it will be similar to disruption caused by rebuilding a road.

What about noise?

We’ll be doing what we can to minimise impacts from construction on residents. As with any construction work, there will be some noise, particularly for those properties nearest the works. We will be working within site management guidelines throughout the project and monitoring noise and vibration levels.

Why are you doing these works now?

We have prioritised these areas for works in the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years. These works will help future-proof our wastewater system and minimise the potential of any wastewater spills in the gully. The timing means we get the best value for ratepayers from contracting all four sites in stages.

What will the impact on my property be longer-term?

While there will be some short-term disruption during works, the long-term outcome will be a reliable wastewater system that is kinder to the environment, more long-lasting, and easier to maintain. The pipes will be underground, the same as most of our wastewater network, and when works are complete it won’t look much different to what it does now.