11 May 2016

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Strong public interest in how treated wastewater will be released into the environment when the new Akaroa Wastewater Treatment Plant opens in 2020 has prompted Christchurch City Council to extend the consultation period.

Public consultation was due to close on May 20 but will now continue until June 12.

The Council has resource consent to build and operate the new treatment plan on Old Coach Rd, build a new pump station in the boat park at Childrens Bay and upgrade existing pipes and water mains.

However, applications for consent to discharge recycled water into Akaroa Harbour through an outfall pipe were declined due to opposition from Ngāi Tahu and the need to further consider alternative options.

The Council is now seeking feedback from local residents and interested parties on six possible options.

"Each of the options has its own advantages and disadvantages, and these are set out in the public consultation document,'' said Council Head of Three Waters and Waste John Mackie.

"It's important that we hear from the local community and other interested parties so that we can understand their views and make an informed decision on which option to pursue.''

The six options for the discharge of treated wastewater the Council is seeking feedback on are:

• Option 1 Year-round irrigation to trees

• Option 2 Year-round irrigation to pasture

• Option 3 Summer-only irrigation, with wetland or infiltration basin and discharge via a coastal infiltrating gallery at other times

• Option 4 Subsurface flow wetland and discharge via a coastal infiltration gallery

• Option 5 Infiltration basin and discharge via a coastal infiltration gallery

• Option 6 Previously proposed mid-harbour outfall.

The Akaroa Treated Wastewater Disposal – Options [PDF, 1.2 MB] consultation document provides more background and detail about the various options. You can pick up a hard copy from Council libraries and service centres from Tuesday.