Water issues discussed

Water and wastewater quality, and stormwater were key issues for discussion for Southland District councillors at their meeting on Wednesday.

Councillors discussed draft asset management plans for solid waste, stormwater, water supply and wastewater at their activities performance audit committee meeting. These plans form the basis of the Council's draft 10-year plan, which will be released for public submission next year. The plans detail how these activities will be managed and funded throughout the upcoming ten year period.

Some of the key issues highlighted and discussed at the meetings related to future monitoring and potential improvement costs on a number of stormwater schemes across the district.

Water and waste asset manager Ian Evans said the cost of stormwater consents and the ongoing monitoring of them could potentially be in the region of $4000 a year, however this would be dependent on the resource consent conditions being finalised with Environment Southland.

Other issues raised with councillors included the probability that Council was unlikely to receive further subsidy funding for upgrades to meet tighter drinking water quality and environmental standards, and the specific challenges associated with meeting these.

Mayor Frana Cardno said she had heard discussions at Government level of increasing monitoring requirements and that will mean increasing costs as well.

Mr Evans said he was aware that the possible introduction of new national standards could have cost implications but as these were largely unknown at this stage they hadn't been factored into the plans.

Staff stay well informed on changes to technologies which could have benefits for Council schemes, or even private developments. Council was well represented at the recent Water New Zealand annual conference which is an excellent arena for keeping up to date with new ideas and innovations, and these will always be considered when looking to improve the way these activities operate.

Roading and water structure plans were also discussed at the meeting.