Wide Interest Expected in Wastewater Resource Consent Renewal Meetings

Residents of Ohakune, Raetihi and National Park are being invited to public meetings to learn about the potential upgrade options required for renewal of their Wastewater Treatment Plants resource consents.

Ruapehu District Council Environmental Manager, Anne-Marie Westcott, said that the resource consent renewal process involves a lot of complex issues with multiple interests and stakeholders affected.

“The resource consent renewal process for these wastewater plants needs to take into account and balance national, regional and district level requirements along with multiple stakeholders.”

“As such we are expecting a lot of interest from ratepayers, residents and others interested in the potential rating impact, cultural concerns, water quality and ecology, and other issues especially around the Makotuku and Mangawhero Rivers and Makaretu Stream,” she said.

“Renewal of the resource consents that expire in November 2015 entails new applications to the Regional Council (Horizons) and has required an in-depth assessment of the environmental, recreational and cultural effects caused by the plants.”

“Iwi are having a key role in the process through the establishment of a special working group, the Wai Group, which includes representatives of both Ngāti Rangi and Ngāti Uenuku, a freshwater scientist, a planner and Council staff.”

“The Wai Group assessed and scored the available options on how well they address recreational, ecological and cultural values which has helped identify potential upgrade options for each site.”

“These were considered against affordability and presented to Council who then recommended what options will be presented at the public meetings.”

Ms Westcott noted that the options engineering designs and cost aspects (including the impact on rates) are an important part of the considerations, as there is little point in designing an option that is completely unaffordable by the community.

“The public meetings are an opportunity for interested parties to learn about the upgrade options for their wastewater treatment plant and provide input into the resource consent renewal process.”

“The meetings are scheduled for June 2nd in National Park (The Park Hotel), June 3rd in Ohakune (Council Chambers) and June 8th in Raetihi (Cosmopolitan Club) starting at 5.30pm.”

“More details on the meetings and resource consent process can be found via Council’s website www.ruapehudc.govt.nz or by calling your local Council office.”

ENDS

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