13 June 2001
Media Backgrounder

Rodney District Council Sewage Discharge

Background material in response to media release dated 12 June by Hon Nick Smith titled "Rodney's Sewerage Muddles Whitianga Waterways"

The Minister of Conservation approved a Restricted Coastal Activity on 28 June 200 for the Rodney District Council to discharge treated sewage into the sea.

The application related to a short-term and temporary diversion of treated sewage to allow the upgrading of the treatment plant servicing the Orewa and Whangaparaoa areas.

The consent was a renewal of an existing water right for discharge.

There was a significant reduction in the quantity of treated sewage discharge ie from 12 000 cubic metres to 8 000 cubic metres per day.

The expiry date of the consent is 31 December 2004 , at which time Rodney District Council would have completed the upgrade of their treatment plant. The upgrading is likely to result in significant long-term environmental, health and safety benefits for the community.

Presently, Rodney District Council is liasing with the Auckland Regional Council regarding the future improved 2004 plant. This new plant will require new resource consents and will thereby be subject to having regard to the relevant provisions of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000. The future 2004 proposal will not be affected by the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Amendment Bill presently before the House seeking to introduce a transitional provision.

There were no tangata whenua submissions or concerns expressed at the hearing of the Orewa discharge applications; there were some environmental submissions opposing the application; there were twelve supporting submissions. Opposition was mainly focussed on health, safety and the need for improvement of the existing plant.

ENDS

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