Mahia Beach Community Wastewater Scheme

A more detailed picture of how the Mahia Beach Community Wastewater Scheme (MBCWS) will be funded is emerging. Councillors and Council staff are continually working to ensure the cost is spread fairly and appropriately. Below are some of the more frequent questions that are being asked. If you wish to know more, staff are more than happy to talk. See the contact details below.

Q How will the costs be allocated?

A The overall cost of the scheme will be allocated based on its ultimate capacity of 619 ‘equivalent connections’, rather than the 440 it will begin with. This has the affect of spreading the cost more widely. WDC will hold 180 connections, at a value of $2million, which would reduce over time as new lots are created and connection fees are paid.

Q What does ‘equivalent connection’ mean?

A A typical residential property would be counted as one ‘equivalent connection’, rather than counting the number of physical connections. For example, even if you have two toilets, it’s still counted as one equivalent connection. High occupancy properties are assessed on how much wastewater they produce compared to typical residential properties. Eg, the camping ground contributes up to 20% of the flow the scheme is designed to handle.

Q Can I use my existing system?

A Each site will be assessed to determine what is needed to align it with the new system. For example, some properties will need new septic tanks and switchboards, while others may not.In the case of new developments where public infrastructure has been installed, Council have opted to take that cost into account as a ‘credit’. For example, it is anticipated the gravity pipelines within Mahia Heights are able to be used with the new system, so the cost saving will be a credit to those properties.

Q Do I have to connect my property to the system?

A Yes, if your property is within the serviced area. For efficient implementation fo the scheme, Council is looking into a financial incentive programme to encourage property owners to sign up early, backed up by a by-law that will require all properties within the serviced area to sign up before a certain date.

Q Will other ratepayers have to contribute?

A No. WDC are committed to a user pays system. While the WDC will absorb some initial costs (eg certain areas of resourcing), these do not affect any ratepayers in the wider Wairoa District beyond Mahia Beach.

PROJECT STATUS

Detailed design is well underway. The first physical works contracts are expected to be awarded before the end of the year. The land purchase by the Hawkes Bay Regional Council, with WDC contribution, is all but complete. HBRC have planted the trees in the dispersal area. Riparian planting plans are being finalised in consultation with the community via the Whangawehi Catchment Group.

WHEN WILL IT ALL HAPPEN?

Date                                          Action

July-December 2011                 Individual property investigations

December 2011*                       Contractors appointed

October 2012*                           Majority of earthworks completed

March 2013*                              System commissioned

(* approximate)

This project raises a range of questions. If you want to know more, please contact Engineer Jamie Cox by emailing jamie@wairoadc.govt.nz.