Wednesday 23 January 2019

Media Statement:  Mudfish rehomed; wastewater project heads into next phase 

Construction of Carterton District Council’s wastewater storage reservoirs are set to get underway following the completion of the recent mudfish translocation.

921 mudfish were successfully rehomed into wetlands situated at the southern end of the wastewater treatment plant, and now completed, the next phase of the project can get underway.

Infrastructure and Services Manager Dave Gittings says moving onto the next phase of the project is exciting for the project team, although the mudfish rehoming had been an interesting experience.

“We have learnt a lot about mudfish, that’s for sure. It has been great to see Council and community work together to find a suitable rehoming solution. The volunteers involved in this process have gone above and beyond. Their efforts have contributed towards us taking the next steps towards constructing the reservoirs; we are very grateful for that.”

The wastewater storage reservoirs are part of stage two of the wastewater treatment plant upgrade. The three earth dam reservoirs are used to store treated wastewater. By being able to store the wastewater and irrigate to land will greatly reduce Council’s reliance on discharging to stream.

Initial work has started on the site and can be seen from the state highway.

“People will have noticed the change in landscape along the state highway south of Carterton. We have been working to clear the site, and have started removing tree stumps which will continue over the next few days.”

Construction of the reservoirs is expected to start next week following the site being cleared and sediment control work completed.

More information about the project can be found on the Council’s website. https://cdc.govt.nz/services/wastewater/.

ENDS

Media contact

Kate Jurlina
kate@cdc.govt.nz

027 222 68 22

Project spokesperson

Dave Gittings
dave.gittings@cdc.govt.nz

06 3794036