Some new homes will need better septic tanks

Some new home builders must now install septic tanks that protect the environment better - but are more expensive.

Environment Bay of Plenty’s new On-Site Effluent Treatment Regional Plan 2006 became operative on Monday 7 August.

It requires higher standards for septic tank systems being installed in sensitive water catchments, such as the Rotorua lakes and some coastal communities. It also applies to system upgrades in these areas.

Strategic policy chairman Ian Noble says the rules will cost people more but will help safeguard the environment. “Many of the current septic tanks in use are very old and very basic. In some areas, they are causing quite serious problems, with bacteria and nutrients leaching into nearby waterways and degrading water quality. We now have more technologically advanced systems that do a much better job, so we should be using them to protect the environment better.”

The new standards apply to un-reticulated properties within 200m of a Rotorua lake edge and properties smaller than two hectares within the catchments of Lakes Rotoiti, Rotoehu, Okaro, Rotorua and Okareka. They also involve the coastal communities of Maketu, Little Waihi, Omokoroa, Ongare Point, Te Puna, and Tanners Point.

Environmental planner Janine Barber says people who are building new houses in these areas need to be aware of the rules. “They are important because they mean you will either have to install an advanced system or apply for resource consent to discharge effluent. If you live in an area that is going to be reticulated, you can get a short-term consent that might give you a bit of leeway until you link up.”

Ms Barber says local district and city councils will refer building permit applicants to Environment Bay of Plenty for more information. “Just give us a call.” In-depth information is posted on www.envbop.govt.nz.

The new types of on-site effluent treatment systems reduce nitrogen, not just bacteria. Nitrogen is one of the major factors in water quality problems, as it feeds algal blooms.

Environment Bay of Plenty is running a trial of advanced systems in Rotorua to test how well they work. Staff will then be able to recommend systems that meet the nutrient discharge limits stated in the plan.

Staff will be working with district and city councils, drain layers and the public to explain the plan and its implications. They will also support district and city councils to implement the new rules under the Building Act.

By 2010 or 2014, all householders with septic tanks in the targeted areas will need to upgrade them to meet the new standards. Please call environmental planner Janine Barber at Environment Bay of Plenty for information for your area.

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