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A NEW OUTFALL AT PUNAAUIA: A PROJECT TO PROTECT THE LAGOON

4 December 2025 Case studies

Geocean is currently leading the construction of the new marine outfall for the wastewater treatment plant in Punaauia, on the island of Tahiti. This major project is part of a broader initiative to modernize wastewater infrastructure and protect the Polynesian coastline in a sustainable way.

Designed to replace an aging system, the new outfall will discharge treated water farther from shore and at greater depth, significantly reducing its impact on the fragile marine ecosystems of the lagoon.

A Durable, Controlled Technical Solution

Measuring 1,400 meters in length and 560 mm in diameter, the new outfall is made entirely of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This technical choice meets the project’s environmental standards while ensuring long-term reliability.

First Step of the Project: Pipe Prefabrication

Works began with the prefabrication of the pipes at the Papeari site. This key phase mobilizes Geocean’s technical expertise and includes:

  • Extruding the pipes according to project specifications,
  • Assembling the segments by butt fusion welding to ensure watertight joints,
  • Performing rigorous quality checks using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.

This preparation phase lays the groundwork for the upcoming offshore operations, fully aligned with the project’s environmental commitments.

🎥 Discover the first images of the project in our video capsule: “An Outfall for the Lagoon”

This project reflects our ambition to deliver innovative coastal engineering solutions that serve island territories while preserving the richness of their natural ecosystems.