Media Statement – Carterton Wastewater consents secured for 35 years
Carterton District Council’s (CDC) long term vision to improve fresh water quality by removing treated urban wastewater effluent from streams is now a step closer due to the approval of 35 year resource consents by Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC).
The resource consents for the Carterton Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) and effluent irrigation scheme were due to expire in October 2017. Therefore, new applications were lodged on 12 April, with the consent decision issued on 30 November 2017.
The Carterton WWTP consent applications have entailed a four year project development phase for the optimised use of Daleton Farm. The biggest features involves construction of a 200,000 m3 effluent storage reservoir followed by deficit irrigation of treated wastewater over 40ha on Daleton Farm the summer months when the ground is dry.
Wastewater Project Manager Greg Boyle is delighted that the consent has come through smoothly.
“It has been a lengthy process, therefore we are thrilled that all the conditions on the consents have been successfully negotiated and agreed between CDC and GWRC. And to secure a 35 year consent is a wonderful result for CDC.”
The consents are another step in the right direction for CDC, whose plan is to further develop the use of Daleton Farm, through the construction of a new reservoir and to install a second centre pivot irrigator on a combined total area of 40ha on Daleton Farm.
CDC Chief Executive Jane Davis agrees with Mr Boyle that the long term consent is a wonderful result for council, and confirms that the sustainable nature of the project is the right thing to do for Carterton.
“The combined storage and irrigation approach is a first for Wairarapa, and we are excited to be leading the way on a long term, sustainable solution for the effects of effluent discharge to land, water and air.”
“The project team has worked incredibly hard to secure the consents and to future proof our wastewater treatment systems.”
The $6.5 million development project will be implemented over the next 5 years, featuring the new storage reservoir, enhanced treatment of wastewater, variable land irrigation, a cut and carry harvest operation and further developments of amenity wetlands.
The shining light of the system will be the ability to manage discharges to Mangatārere Stream only at times when the stream flow is at a high rate, reducing the frequency of discharge from nine months to one month a year.
Ms Davis says, “improving the quality of our waterways has been at the forefront of our thinking from the very beginning of the project. The community have supported this intiative from the outset, and we are excited that we will be able to follow through on this goal.”
An advisory group will be set up to oversee the furture development of the Carterton wastewater treatment facilities, to ensure it meets the developing needs of the Carterton urban area.
Ends