Wetland to filter Fitzroy stormwater

A new wetland area is to be created alongside a popular New Plymouth lake in an effort to protect its water quality.

The wetland will be in Peringa Park, next to Lake Rotomanu near the mouth of the Waiwhakaiho River.

Once established, it will become the gathering point for stormwater from Fitzroy for natural cleaning before it flows into the lake.

New Plymouth District Council manager of water and wastes Brent Manning said wetlands were natural filters.

"They take in water with all its sediments, trap these in its soil and plants, and then cleaned water flows out the other side - in this case into Lake Rotomanu," he said.

"We'll be planting suitable plants in the wetland that will thrive in that environment, and we should see new animal species taking up residence there over the years,"

Physical work on the wetland project will begin next week with the removal of about 100 pine trees. They will be cut down during the next fortnight and mulched on site, with the stumps left in place.

"That will enable the nutrients from the trees to return to the soil and give a good start to the wetlands," Mr Manning said.

Site excavation and construction of the wetland itself will take place during summer, and the planting will begin in early winter.

Walkways through this area of Peringa Park will be closed during the removal of the pine trees, and the lake's road will be reduced to one lane when nearby trees are felled.

- © Fairfax NZ News