Shaping our future wastewater system

Christchurch residents can have a say about how they’d like the city’s wastewater system to look in 10, 30 and 100 years time.

The draft Wastewater Strategy looks at how to allow for future growth, without ruling out technologies and opportunities not yet available, says acting Natural Environment and Heritage Unit Manager Clive Appleton.

“We’re facing some new challenges following the earthquakes and this strategy is about managing these challenges in the future. We’ve got a great opportunity to work towards a more resilient system that uses more flexible materials and is easier to repair.”

The strategy is now out for public consultation and all these factors, and the views of the community, will come together to set a direction and vision for wastewater in Christchurch.

Three community drop-in sessions, where people can talk to staff about the strategy and make a submission, will take place later this month in Little River, Papanui and Woolston. More information about the draft Wastewater Strategy is available at www.ccc.govt.nz/draftwastewaterstrategy.aspx, on the Council’s Have Your Say website, or you can view a printed copy at open Council libraries and Service Centres or at the Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street. Submissions on the draft Wastewater Strategy close at 5pm on Thursday 8 November 2012

Other issues the strategy looks at include wet weather overflows, long-term wastewater treatment and disposal and the use of treated wastewater and biosolids.

“We want a wastewater system that’s socially and culturally acceptable and sustainable for the whole community,” says Clive Appleton.

Come along to one of our community drop-in sessions, talk to staff about the plan and make a submission:

• Tuesday 16 October 2012, 3.30pm – 7pm in the Meeting Room at the Little River Service Centre, 4236 Christchurch Akaroa Road, RD 1, Little River
• Thursday 18 October 2012, 3.30pm – 7pm in the Board Room at Papanui Service Centre, 5 Restell Street, Papanui, Christchurch
• Wednesday 24 October 2012, 3.30pm – 7pm in the Sports Rooms, Woolston Club, 43 Hargood Street, Woolston, Christchurch