Matata wastewater consent granted

For immediate release: 23 June 2014

A resource consent has been granted for the construction and ongoing operation of a reticulated sewerage system for Matata, subject to a number of conditions.

A two-day hearing was held earlier this month before an independent commissioner.

The application was made by Whakatane District Council for five consents related to discharges to the air, discharges to land in circumstances where contaminants may enter water, vegetation removal, earthworks, and associated sediment contaminated stormwater discharge.

These consents will provide for a reticulated wastewater network to the township of Matata, servicing the existing population including 243 residential dwellings, two primary schools, three marae and the Department of Conservation campground, and catering for projected growth to 2056.

The consent allows the wastewater to be conveyed to a treatment plant to be located 300m to the east of the Matata township. Following treatment the treated wastewater will be applied to a land application field via a sub surface irrigation system within the Thornton Road Dunes near Bennett Road and east of the Tarawera River.

Twelve submissions on the proposal were received, seven in opposition and five supportive of the proposal.

Consent conditions include stringent monitoring of receiving waterways (including 12 months of baseline monitoring) and odour control requirements.

A full copy of the consent decision and conditions can be found on the Regional Council website www.boprc.govt.nz

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