Whaanga Coast wastewater proposal open days for residents

Whaanga Coast residents whose properties are earmarked for connection to the proposed wastewater project will have the opportunity to find out the details in an open day on 16 July.

Cr Clint Baddeley, Waikato District Council staff and the suppliers of the system will be there to answer questions informally and also through two briefings on the day.

“We want to ensure all residents have the opportunity to think about the proposal and provide feedback,” General Manager Water & Facilities Richard Bax says.

“We have already written directly to all ratepayers in the area. It is important that those whose properties are in line to be connected to the system and also those whose properties are larger, and therefore not required to be connected know the reasons for this proposal and what is involved. Their feedback is important for us to factor into our final decisions about the project.”

The council is aware that many ratepayers are concerned about the effects the present on-site systems are having on the environment, and that there will be a cost to rectify this.

“Our priority is to provide as much information about the project as possible; to answer ratepayers’ questions so that they can weigh up the costs and benefits when responding to the council through the feedback process, and also to understand their perspectives and concerns,” Mr Bax says.

Once the consultation and feedback process is completed, the council will then decide whether the project will go ahead. If so, the design phase will begin. The council will keep in contact with all directly and indirectly affected ratepayers as the project progresses.

Open Day Details

The open day will be held on 16 July at the Raglan Surf Club from 11am to 3pm, with briefings at 11.30am and 2pm.

Background:

Whale Bay and Whaanga Coast does not presently have a reticulated wastewater system. In 2004, in response to concerns raised by residents and Waikato Regional Council, investigations showed that the majority of on-site systems were not working, and were causing run-off into neighbouring properties and into waterways.

Following resident feedback, a preliminary report with recommendations was put on hold pending the outcome of the Structure Plan to confirm the level of future development. With the Structure Plan now completed, the project recommendations are continuing through the consultation process.

The project proposes a low-pressure system and installing storage tanks and pumps at each property. The waste will be pumped to the existing wastewater treatment plant at Raglan.