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Urban WastewaterUrban Sewerage Upgrade Decision of Hearing Committee - 3.87mb .pdf file Expressions of InterestUse of Treated Effluent for Irrigation Purposes or in Leasing Section of Land for Effluent Treated IrrigationThe Masterton District Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from landholders interested in being supplied with treated effluent,or in leasing a 107 ha section of land to be irrigated with treated effluent. Treated effluent for irrigation purposes is anticipated to be available in July 2011. We seek expressions of interest by Friday 26th June 2009. Discussions will be held with each of the parties submitting an expression of interest to determine their specific requirement, and to advise on the terms and conditions of supply. Urban Wastewater HearingsMonday 30 March was the last day for independent commissioners to hear submissions on the Masterton Urban Wastewater Treatment Upgrade. Wes ten Hove Chief Executive Officer of Masterton District Council says it has been a good opportunity for people to raise their concerns about the project. “It was useful for the Council and I am confident that we have been able to address those concerns with the commissioners.’ The commissioners are expected to release their decision in early May. Wes ten Hove says the Council is looking forward to having certainty about the conditions of the consent and to know when the consent will be reviewed. Both these factors will impact on the cost of the project and will assist us to complete our 2009-19 Long-Term Council Community Plan.” “I hope that the objectors will be satisfied with the independent decision of the commissioners when it is released. We are looking forward to starting the project next year as the upgrade will reduce discharges into the Ruamahunga River and stop any risks of adverse effects on the river.” Wastewater Hearings to Reconvene on March 30, 2009The hearing of the Masterton Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade was adjourned last Thursday and will reconvene on 30 March for the Council’s formal reply to issues raised during the hearing. The Council’s chief executive Wes ten Hove said that the Council will be submitting further evidence to respond to a range of matters raise by submitters. Mr ten Hove said he had a discussion with the Medical Officer of Health Dr Stephen Palmer to clarify the “somewhat alarming and incorrect” impression that the Ruamahanga River at the Cliffs would still remain unsafe for swimming after the upgrade. Mr ten Hove said: - “It is my clear understanding from subsequent discussions with Dr Palmer, that the Council will be able to present evidence to the Commissioners later this month, which will correct any such impression”. “In short, in summer, when most people are swimming in the river or having other contact recreation, there will be no discharge to the river” Mr ten Hove said. “While this matter is still before the Commission, I considered that the public needed reassurance as to the Council’s intent. In my discussion with Dr Palmer it was clear and pleasing for both parties to note there is in fact a high degree of concurrence on most issues” The intervening period before the 30 March resumption was welcomed by Dr Palmer and the Council as providing the opportunity to get these matters correct, Mr ten Hove said. “It appeared the position was in fact very simple, but was getting lost in technical jargon. Under the proposed scheme the discharge will not be occurring at low to average flows between 1 November and 30 April. “These are the flows when most swimming and other contact recreation occurs. Currently at these flows there is a low to moderate health risk as a result of the discharge. In the future, there will be a very low health risk because the discharge will not be occurring. “The message the Council wants to get across, and that the Medical Officer of Health agrees with, is that at the Cliffs, the recreation grading (SRG) will improve from “Very Poor” to “Fair” after the upgrade (ie two steps). Dr Palmer has explained to me that this grading means the site will be safe for swimming, no signage will be required and normal water quality monitoring will continue.” Mr ten Hove said he discussed the general river conditions with Dr Palmer. It was clearly understood that grading at the Cliffs would not improve beyond “Fair” even if there was never a Masterton discharge. This was because of all the other possible pollution sources, particularly rural run-off and stormwater risks. Mr ten Hove said he was sure that the local
and health authorities in Wairarapa would be keen to follow up
Dr Palmer’s observations on a more co-operative approach to the
management of the water quality and any associated health risks,
upstream and down stream of Masterton, and in fact all the way
to Lake Onoke. Council’s Evidence for Wastewater Upgrade Released – Monday February 16, 2009
The Council’s Evidence and other related information is online now, together with Greater Wellington’s report. Our latest Wastewater Upgrade newsletter is also online. The Council received 34 submissions on its applications for Resource Consent and Notice of Requirement. These submissions, along with the Council’s evidence for the wastewater upgrade, will be considered by a panel of three Commissioners. These hearings are open to the public, however only submitters and witnesses will be able to address the hearing panel. The decision will be announced after a period of
deliberation, probably in early May. Electronic copies of Notice of Requirement, Assessment of Effects on the Environment & Appendices can be downloaded from the Greater Wellington website - Notice of Requirement, Assessment of Effects on the Environment - 2.4MB .pdf file Appendices - 24MB .pdf file Masterton Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade HearingIndex of Evidence to be called by applicant
Section 42A Planning Report
- Susan Southey, District Planner, Masterton District Council Further Evidence
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