Churchill East Pump Station

NZ
Waikato Regional Council
2023 - 2024

Abergeldie was engaged by Waikato Regional Council to refurbish the Churchill East pump station in New Zealand. Originally built in 1965, the pump station provides drainage and flood protection to approximately 1,480 hectares of productive farmland. The project involved extending the existing structure to accommodate two new enclosed Archimedes screw pumps, ensuring compliance with requirements for safe fish passage.

Scope of works 

The scope of work included: 

  • Installation of a temporary cofferdam at the upstream extend of the worksite and dewatering the work area.
  • Removal of four existing pumps. 
  • Partial demolition of existing intake and outlet pump station structures. 
  • Excavation within the footprint to deepen the new pump station floor.
  • Construction of new concrete floor and extension of the walls and wing walls.
  • Construction of a new concrete vehicle access precast slab.
  • Refurbishment of the new pump supports and outlet pump slabs.
  • Supply and installation of new weed screens.
  • Supply and install FRP platform, handrails, and security fence.
  • Installation of the 2 Archimedes pumps (33t each) in the new structure.

Innovation for flood protection and fish conservation

Abergeldie utilised innovative Archimedes screw pumps with slow rotation and high efficiency to safeguard fish and provide flood protection. As part of temporary works, the team designed and constructed a cofferdam on the inlet side using earth (imported ROP material), which was placed and removed from the water using a 33t digger, proving to be both cost and time effective. Approximately 2000t of excavated material was efficiently repurposed for backfilling, while other imported material was stored onsite.


Efficient project delivery

With a tight 65-day deadline, precise coordination, effective communication, and proactive planning were vital for project success. During construction, the client installed a bypassing pump system to manage drainage. This necessitated close collaboration between Abergeldie and the pump installer to maintain continuous pumping operations. To construct the new slab and walls, the banks were excavated to 5m below flood level and battered back to a 1H:1V slope. 


Safe fish passage

The upgrades have enhanced flood protection for productive farmland while ensuring safe passage for native fish, particularly tuna (eels).