The Seaview WWTP began operations in 1962 with only a preliminary treatment (screening) process. The facility was later upgraded, and the current plant, utilizing a contact stabilization activated sludge treatment process, was commissioned in 2002.

Over the years, the dryer has undergone significant modifications and upgrades to improve its reliability and maintainability. Despite these enhancements, the plant has required two major non-routine maintenance shutdowns in 2016 and 2018. Assessments of the mechanical equipment have revealed varying degrees of deterioration, with estimated remaining lifespans ranging from 0 to 20 years.

Located at 17 Wareham Place, Seaview, Lower Hutt, the WWTP serves the catchment areas of both Hutt City Council (HCC) and Upper Hutt City Council (UHCC), supporting a population of approximately 160,000. According to the most recent "median growth" forecast by Sense Partners Ltd (2021), the catchment population is projected to increase by 40% by 2048 with the sludge dryer expected to reach capacity around 2030. However, this assumption is based on a 6 day per week operation, whereas current reliability issues and maintenance constraints limit operations to 5 days per week.

Given the criticality of the sludge dryer, its capacity limitation and its dependency on natural gas as an energy source, the installation of a new sludge dryer has been determined as necessary.