Government policy means new requirements likely for wastewater treatment

The Government’s new National Policy Statement (NPS) for Freshwater Management is likely to have significant implications for operators of wastewater treatment systems in Taranaki – in particular dairy farmers. The NPS takes effect from 1 July 2011.

Taranaki Regional Council’s Chief Executive, Basil Chamberlain, says that while the fine detail of the new NPS is still being analysed, it appears that the Government is requiring more of a ‘ best practicable option’ approach to wastewater treatment – a number of our current rules are focused on ‘bottom-line’ treatment requirements, although best practice is encouraged in addition to minimum requirements.

“This could see a requirement for new consents to discharge treated waste to water to also have the ability to discharge onto land as the preferred option. Our first reading of the NPS also suggests that consent renewals will be considered as ‘new’ consents.

“These are issues that we will need to work through with the community, but on the face of it, significant upgrades may be required, particularly for dairy shed systems.

“Council is seeking clarification of the new legal requirements, to provide certainty for consent applicants as quickly as possible. In the meantime though, the impact of the Government’s policy is that farmers should expect that the standards for wastewater systems will be raised,” says Mr Chamberlain.