27 July 2004

Waiheke commits to environment and gets pumping

Waiheke Island property owners are responding well to the call to get their septic tanks pumped every three years.

While many islanders are still to have their tanks pumped, Auckland City says they are on the way to achieving full compliance by May 2007. This is the deadline for voluntary compliance to part 29 of the Auckland City Consolidated Bylaw 1998, which states that all property owners must have their septic tanks pumped at least once every three years.

“Waiheke islanders have really taken the message to heart. I think everyone understands that regular pump outs are needed to ensure our beautiful island stays exactly that way,” says Jeff Mann, local resident and Waiheke Island wastewater management officer.

“Our priority is to keep the momentum going and ensure all property owners play their part and get their tanks pumped to prevent pollution problems,” he says.

Part 29 of the Auckland City Consolidated Bylaw 1998 states that all property owners must have their septic tanks pumped at least once every three years.

As well as having positive effects on the environment and wider community, proper septic tank maintenance will benefit property owners by minimising tank failures and improving the durability and longevity of their wastewater systems.

If a property owner has had their septic tank pumped out within the past three years, and did not send in the inspection form within 14 days of the service, they should: fill out the property owner section of the wastewater management inspection form and submit it, with a receipt or signature from the contractor, to the Waiheke service centre (10 Belgium Street, Ostend).

If the property owner has not had their septic tank pumped out within the past three years, they should: arrange for this to be carried out as soon as possible fill out a wastewater management inspection form and submit it, with a signature from the contractor, to the Waiheke service centre (10 Belgium Street, Ostend) within 14 days of the service being carried out. The property owner can authorise the contractor to do this on their behalf.

The forms are available from the Waiheke service centre or from www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/waihekewastewater

Local contractors who can undertake septic tank pumping are: Waiheke Septic Tank Cleaning Services (Hugh Richards) ph (09) 372 8306 W.C. Cartage Limited (Mike Dennis) ph (09) 372 7614

If septic tanks are not pumped out on a regular basis, settled solids can build up, damaging the wastewater system and causing unpleasant odours or groundwater discharges. During heavy rain, these can be washed into waterways and out to sea, creating potential public health risks.

This initiative is part of Auckland City’s ongoing campaign to work with the Waiheke community towards ensuring high-quality water and effective wastewater management on the island.

For further information on the Waiheke septic tank bylaw implementation or any other Waiheke Island wastewater management issue, please call (09) 379 2020 or visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/waihekewastewater.

ENDS

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