Awatapu Lagoon delta restored

Over 5000 m3 of silt has been removed from the Awatapu delta (an area just below Hinemoa St where the Wainui Te Whara Stream enters the Awatapu lagoon).

This material was removed to restore the lagoon’s flood capacity and reduce the potential of silt being deposited into the main lagoon. The lagoon acts as a reservoir which helps to control the release of flood waters into Whakatane River.

The Councils Manager Utilities Santha Agas said the removal of silt follows the recent flood events in the District.

‘The works are essential to restore the delta and reduce silt being deposited into the main Awatapu Lagoon. Once deposited in the main lagoon, it would become difficult and expensive to remove’.

While the material excavated has been stockpiled on the lagoon stop banks, no further material will be stockpiled in this area and the intention is to completely remove all the material.

In the meantime, the Council has completed the project to restore an overland flow path from Douglas St into Sullivan Lake. The work involved reshaping and lowering the swale to allow stormwater runoff to enter the lake in extreme rainfall events.

The project is a result of a recent survey which showed that the system was no longer effective as an area of the car park was too high.