The innovative Biosolids Drying Facility is an environmentally sustainable and efficient solution to biosolids management in Christchurch for the next 20 years.

Traditionally, Christchurch City Council disposed of wastewater treatment plant biosolids by spreading them on forestry land and rehabilitating a closed landfill. A new strategy for biosolids management was required – and a thermal belt drying plant was the answer.

It’s the first large-scale belt drying plant to be built in Australasia. It has some serious eco-credentials too – it incorporates an energy centre that burns 100% renewable fuels to produce hot water for drying. The fuel blend is tailored specifically to the Christchurch environment and was developed entirely by New Zealand-based teams.

Usually biosolids are a difficult waste material, but the Biosolids Drying Facility is an innovative solution for processing and reusing it. It’s now a valuable source of nutrients and humus for land rehabilitation.

Construction required three major contractors – not only did we provide civil design services, but we coordinated the contractors, helping to create a smooth process.

As it was a busy site operating 24/7, the works needed to be done in a safe yet efficient manner. CH2M Beca achieved this through a rigorous yet flexible health and safety programme. Plus, all of the project’s energy targets were reached and exceeded thanks to our technical advice.

Awards

  • 2014 The New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards, Resource Efficient Design Award
  • 2012 ACENZ Innovate NZ Awards, Silver Award of Excellence
  • 2010 Water NZ, Hynds Paper of the Year, Silver Award
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Our Team Says

By calling on our in-house expertise and working with CH2MHill, we were able to bring the unique mix of skills and experience needed to make the project a success – one that meets the community’s aspirations for environmental sustainability.

Greg Offer

Project Director

Our Client Says

The plant’s overall performance to date has demonstrated the Council made the correct choice in selecting the solution. The innovative use of ‘green energy’ to fuel the plant has provided Christchurch City with a cost-effective and environmentally sound solution to what was previously considered a waste problem.

Mark Christison

Unit Manager, Christchurch City Water and Waste

What We've Done

Kapuni Water Treatment Plant

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Launceston Sewer Model

Modelling the solution to a local river’s pollution problems

An oldie but a goodie

Mangere Biological Nutrient Removal facility

Meeting the water needs of Auckland’s growing population

Show me how

New Plymouth Water Treatment Plant

Innovatively adapting an existing water treatment plant

Adaptation and innovation

Pukete Wastewater Treatment Plant BIM Implementation

Supporting water treatment for a growing city

Take me to the water

Services We Provide

Our People

Greg Offer

Project Director

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Letitia Drury

Regional Manager - Southern, New Zealand

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