Latest News Council’s Evidence for Wastewater Upgrade Made Public Masterton District Council’s proposal to develop a longterm sustainable solution for the treatment of its wastewater will be discussed at Hearings set down for 11 days from February 24.  The Council’s Evidence for its consent applications was made public on Monday (Feb 16) and all information relating to the upgrade is now on the Council’s website http://www.mstn.govt.nz/projects/sewerageupgrade/index.php  A summary of the process so far and the next steps has been prepared and will be mailed to residents later this week.  This newsletter summarises the key points of the material being considered during the Hearing.  Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell said the upgrade would cost $21 million “and place a significant burden on the urban Masterton ratepayer, BUT we believe the environmental benefits of this upgrade justify the expense”.  “The Ruamahanga River and its users will reap the benefits.  These are the first steps to cleaning up the river and as we’re leading by example with this proposal we hope other contributors to the pollutants in the river will follow suit,” Mr Daniell said.  The Council received 34 submissions on its applications for Resource Consent and Notice of Requirement.  A panel of three Commissioners has been appointed to run the Hearings process. 17 February 2009