Thursday 21 April 2016

Feedback sought on Akaroa wastewater options

Residents are being asked to share their views on how treated wastewater will be released into the environment when the new Akaroa Wastewater Treatment Plant opens in 2020.

Public consultation runs from 26 April to 20 May, with drop-in discussion sessions being held on Wednesday 27 April (12pm–2pm at the Akaroa Sports Centre) and Thursday 5 May (4pm¬¬¬–6pm at the Christchurch City Council Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street).

Christchurch City Council has resource consent to build and operate the new treatment plan on Old Coach Road, build a new pump station in the boat park at Childrens Bay and upgrade existing pipes and water mains. However, applications for consent to discharge recycled water into Akaroa Harbour through an outfall pipe were declined due to opposition from Ngāi Tahu and the need to further consider alternative options.

Head of Three Waters and Waste John Mackie says the Council has worked closely with Ngāi Tahu parties to identify various options for land-based discharge of the recycled water. The Council is now seeking feedback from local residents and interested parties on six possible options.

"Each of the options has its own advantages and disadvantages, and these are set out in the public consultation document. It's important that we hear from the local community and other interested parties so that we can understand their views and make an informed decision on which option to pursue.

"I encourage anyone interested in the proposals to attend one of our public information sessions to hear more about the plans and discuss their views with us," Mr Mackie says.

The Council is specifically seeking feedback on six possible options for discharge of treated wastewater. They are:

• Option 1 Year-round irrigation to trees

• Option 2 Year-round irrigation to pasture

• Option 3 Summer-only irrigation, with wetland or infiltration basin and discharge via a coastal infiltrating gallery at other times

• Option 4 Subsurface flow wetland and discharge via a coastal infiltration gallery

• Option 5 Infiltration basin and discharge via a coastal infiltration gallery

• Option 6 Previously proposed mid-harbour outfall.

The Akaroa Treated Wastewater Disposal – Options consultation document provides more background and detail about the various options. You can pick up a copy from Council libraries and service centres or view it online at www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay when consultation starts onTuesday 26 April.

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