New phase of airport stormwater resilience works gets underway

Nelson Airport is set to begin the next phase in its multi-year, multi-million dollar programme of stormwater resilience improvements. From June, contractor Fulton Hogan will begin work to build a new, larger stormwater pipe and estuary outlet, improved overland flow paths, a new watermain, plus two new sewer pump stations and pipelines. 

The project will reduce the risk of flooding in areas around the airport’s northern apron, add a second water connection to the terminal to improve water supply resilience, and improve ageing sewerage infrastructure. Nelson Airport Head of Assets and Projects Marius Coetzee says the infrastructure improvement project is critical. 

“Alot of this infrastructure is at the end of its life, and some of it is undersized and in a deteriorating condition. Between now and 2030 we’ll be progressively replacing and upgrading our underground infrastructure to make sure it’s fit for purpose, resilient in the face of a changing climate, and ready to accommodate future airport growth and development.”

The current work follows on from the replacement of an ageing stormwater pipe draining water from the runway to the detention basin beside Trent Drive. Marius said the location of the current works at the northern end of the apron was separated from most commercial flight activity and wasn’t expected to cause disruption to passengers.