Fire System Upgrade

DESCRIPTION 

The Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Fire System Upgrade (FSU) project is a critical infrastructure upgrade undertaken to enhance the safety, compliance, and resilience of one of New Zealand’s largest wastewater treatment facilities. The project involves the modernisation of aging fire detection and protection systems across key operational areas within the plant, ensuring alignment with current regulatory standards and Watercare’s asset management objectives. 

Delivered within a live and operational treatment plant environment, the works require careful coordination to maintain continuous plant operation while upgrading essential life-safety systems. 

SCOPE 

Actemium’s scope of works includes the design, supply, installation, integration, and commissioning of upgraded fire detection and protection systems across the Mangere WWTP. Key elements of the scope include: 

• Replacement and upgrade of existing fire alarm panels and detection devices across multiple plant areas 

• Installation of new fire detection systems, including smoke, heat, and specialist detection for high-risk environments 

• Integration of fire systems with existing SCADA and site-wide monitoring systems 

• Upgrades to fire suppression interfaces, including control and monitoring of associated plant and equipment 

• Cable containment, reticulation, and termination works within a brownfield operational environment 

• Testing, commissioning, and staged changeover to ensure continuous protection during cutovers 

• Development of as-built documentation, O&M manuals, and training for Watercare personnel 

All works are delivered within a live wastewater treatment facility, requiring detailed staging, isolation planning, and close coordination with operations to minimise risk and disruption. 

VALUE TO CLIENT 

Actemium provided significant value to Watercare through the safe and efficient delivery of this complex upgrade within an operational critical infrastructure environment. Key value outcomes include: 

• Enhanced Safety and Compliance: Delivery of modern, code-compliant fire detection systems that improve asset protection and personnel safety across the site 

• Operational Continuity: Careful staging and execution ensured no disruption to critical treatment processes, maintaining continuous service to the Auckland region 

• Risk Mitigation: Early identification and management of interface risks within legacy systems reduced potential rework and programme impacts 

• Future-Proofed Infrastructure: Installation of scalable and maintainable systems aligned with Watercare standards, supporting long-term asset reliability 

• Collaborative Delivery Approach: Close engagement with Watercare stakeholders and operations teams ensured alignment, transparency, and smooth project delivery