Have you ever wondered what that floating device on Meola Creek near Pasadena Intermediate does and how it works?
Litter Trap on Waitītiko
Thanks to Heidi, the Kea Scout Leader at the Point Chev Air Scouts who asked the question. Healthy Waters at Auckland Council provided the following information.
The Meola litter trap was installed a while ago, It works by funnelling floating debris that is carried downstream by the current into the main compartment. The debris becomes trapped in the main compartment which can then be removed. Litter traps are inspected once a week and debris is removed.
The Meola litter trap also has a vertical grille (the part with a bit of purple graffiti on it in the attached photo) to prevent it being used as a bridge to cross the creek.
Watercare launched the giant TBM (tunnel boring machine) Hiwa-i-te-Rangi on Friday 30 July. The appearance of Matariki star cluster signals the beginning of the Māori New Year, and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is the star associated with granting our wishes, and realising our aspirations for the coming year. It’s an auspicious name for the TBM.
STEPS members were invited to the industry day on Friday 30 July for the TBM launch of Watercare’s Central Interceptor (CI) project. Since Waititiko Meola Creek has been used as the major conduit for sewage and stormwater overflows for more than a century, STEPS has taken an active interest in Watercare’s CI Project and the wider Western Isthmus strategy since our inception in 2005.
Our Patron Roy Clements came along, talking with Watercare and taking many photos. He commented that the last time he visited the area, he hosted Auckland’s Mayor Robbie to a Civic Trust seminar on waste water processing. That was in July 1989 – 32 years ago, and Mayor Robbie was the visionary who set up innovative oxidation ponds at Mangere to replace various harbour outfalls. which caused visible damage to the harbours. STEPS is very fortunate to be able to build on Roy’s work and have his wisdom and experience on hand.
We all enjoyed the sights, and the information and displays provided by Watercare. A cup of coffee and genuine Italian gelato topped off our day. Thank you Watercare, we wish Hiwa-i-te-Rangi well for the 14.2 km journey along Meola Creek and on to Grey Lynn. We were happy to be there for another significant moment in the history of Tamaki Makaurau.
Roy, Liz, Freddie, Trev, CHris, Damien and Mary with a 4.5 m segment ring which will form the tunnel. 32m deep plastic lined shaft.Chris and Roy meet with Brent Evans of Watercare.Roy Clements and Liz enjoy the day.
