Waste recycling pilot awarded to city
National pledges $1 million
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Palmerston North's struggling wastewater treatment plant has been chosen for a $1 million pilot scheme to recycle waste sludge into re-useable chemical by-products.
Environment Minister Nick Smith announced government funding for the project in the city this morning.
But the boost does not shift his resolve to ensure both councils make progress on cleaning up the Manawatu River after Horizons withdrew an abatement notice allowing the councils to work together to resolve the pollution problems.
"I am sending a very clear message that ongoing non compliance is not acceptable.
"This is not about bailing out Palmerston North City Council from its responsibilities."
The new technology for turning wastewater sludge into energy and other products has been developed at Victoria University.
The Wetox technology breaks down the sludge into useful products and has potential to divert half a million tonnes of waste a year from lower North Island treatment plants ending up in landfills.
If the pilot is successful, the technology will be made commercial and sold to other plant here and overseas.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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