Sewer discharge deal made

BY PIERS FULLER - WAIRARAPA NEWS

A deal has been reached between Masterton District Council and the Environment Court over consents for the Homebush Sewerage Scheme.

The mediation, involving David Holmes, Sustainable Wairarapa, the Department of Conservation, Fish & Game and local iwi, resolved to modify aspects of the management and monitoring of discharge to the Ruamahanga River.

Although the consent conditions have not been altered, the discharge protocols have been modified to encourage less discharge of treated effluent into the river at certain times.

It was also agreed that there would be more intensive environmental monitoring to confirm the effects of discharge were in fact minimal.

The council has committed to a regular review of the operation and alternative land treatment and disposal mechanisms.

Masterton mayor Garry Daniell said protracted and complex discussions had "delivered an outcome favourable to all involved".

"The council is very appreciative of the contribution all parties made to the mediated outcome. For the council's part, we are pleased to be able to move forward, knowing mediation has delivered a result which will add value to the scheme when it is complete."

MDC chief executive Wes ten Hove has confirmed the initial review process is already underway.

"This can be done within the timeline given for us to meet our consent requirements," he said.

Details such as how to irrigate treated wastewater are yet to be finalised.

The council has done extensive research on a preferred method of irrigation, but Mr ten Hove says they are willing to accept further information or proposals as part of the review process.

"The council's primary objectives have been met by the granting of the consent.

The council will remain open to reviewing any changes that will make the scheme better in meeting the appellants' concerns," Mr ten Hove said.

The final design will be dependent on the outcome of the review.

All the information is scheduled to be available in time for council to make a decision in March or April next year.

In April of this year  15 years after the process to upgrade the plant was begun  the council was granted a 25-year consent for the new scheme.

A levee application associated with the scheme is subject to a separate procedure.

Construction on the new ponds is due to begin in October or November 2010.