Media Release

IWI SEEK URGENT FIX OF TREATMENT PLANT

Thousands of extra litres of treated sewage will be poured into the sea as Hawera’s treatment plant struggles to cope with wintery conditions.

After months of significant rainfall the South Taranaki District Council-run plant is currently at maximum holding capacity across all ponds.

And this week they will increase the discharge pumping rate through the marine outfall over their consented 12,000 m3/d to 16,800 m3/d in an effort to regain control.

Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui chairman Haimona Maruera Jnr said they were deeply concerned by both the vulnerability of the plant during bouts of heavy rain, and the lack of a timely warning system.

The council and Fonterra use the marine outfall located near the dairy giant’s Whareroa facility.

Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui Trust kaiarataki Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said while we acknowledge the combined marine outflow consent limit will not be exceeded because Fonterra is in lower production mode, it highlights a significant flaw in the system.

“As we move into winter, heavy rain and wind is only going to increase and we need a guarantee from this council that the public will not be put at risk again.

“And equally, we need timely communication on issues like this - not 4pm on a Friday.”

Ngarewa-Packer said the Council needed to demonstrate how they plan to deal with future events “As Climate Change takes hold, these events are likely to be more frequent and perhaps represent the new normal rather than a one off event.

“Urgent planning and upgrades needs council’s focus right now, and the community as a whole need details on how they propose to make the plant compliant.”

We also understand extra monitoring/sampling is currently being undertaking in the area, and we need assurances that beaches and food gathering practices remain safe.

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