Dunedin 14 April 2004

Protect Our Oceans Inc
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society Inc

POO Cleanup

Protect Our Ocean and Forest and Bird are delighted that the Dunedin City Council has voted to withdraw its appeal on the Tahuna sewage appeals. The Councillor's vote means they have agreed to upgrade the Tahuna wastewater treatment plant by 2012 to secondary and UV treatment.

"We will no longer be pumping raw sewage out to sea and polluting our coastal waters," said Sally Dicey, spokesperson for both groups. "This is fantastic news for the people of Dunedin - once the upgrade is complete, they will be able swim and surf in a cleaner sea. I'm sure marine life will also breath a huge sigh of relief!" she said.

"The successful resolution of this matter is due in large part because of the Resource Management Act, as it enables the public to get involved in environmental and social issues, and to be taken seriously," Sally Dicey said.

"A lot of people have put in lots of time and effort to ensure that our sewage will get cleaned up, and our success is due to their support and the processes that exist under the Resource Management Act," she said

"The submission and hearing process before the Otago Regional Council allowed valuable scientific information to be considered, such as information about possible transmission of human diseases to marine mammals," Sally Dicey said.

"This process also enabled the DCC and the hearings panel to hear the full extent of public concern about cleaning up our sewage." she said.

"While it would have been great to have this outcome earlier, we are glad that we have a council that is prepared to listen to its community. The Council is to be congratulated for exercising common sense," said Sally Dicey, "I'm sure we are all happy that this matter could be resolved outside of the Environment Court."

ENDS

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