Ford Road Pump Station upgrade

This project involves removing the existing pump station at Ford Road and building a new one approximately 2km upstream. We will also be upgrading the drainage network by widening approximately 1.6km of the existing drains using a “two-stage channel design” and upgrading two existing box culverts and one farm bridge.

This project will be completed in three stages:

Stage 1 – Widening the drain network and upgrading the box culverts and farm bridge.

Stage 2 – Construction of the new pump station and outlet structure.

Stage 3 – Demolition of the existing pump station.

Once completed, the pump station will provide safe, reliable and efficient drainage while improving water quality, ecological health and allow safe fish passage.

Funding for this project was approved in the BOPRC Long Term Plan 2021-2031.

Regional Council has completed the Options Assessment phase for the Ford Road Pump Station replacement project.

We have been granted an Archaeological Authority and have submitted the appropriate consents for consideration.

Construction has started on Stage 1 of this project which involves widening the drains to increase water capacity and ensure that the new pump station works effectively to drain flood waters from the surrounding land. We will also be upgrading two box culverts and one farm bridge to ensure access for ongoing drain maintenance. In addition to this, we will be taking measures to help improve water quality and control weed growth in the drain.

The preliminary design for the pump station replacement is also being worked through. Regional Council is still considering two different types of pumps - referred to as the Axial Pump Option or Archimedes Pump Option. Both options are considered 'fish-friendly'. Investigations into capital cost and operational costs of each pump will be taken into consideration during this phase to determine which one will be used going forward.