Community drop-in sessions to discuss wastewater network overflows

Date:
Oct 30, 2018

Drop-in sessions will be held in Wanaka and Queenstown in early November to inform the community about our wastewater networks and the overflows that occasionally occur into the environment.

QLDC General Manager Property and Infrastructure Peter Hansby said a key purpose of these drop-in sessions is to talk to the community about what causes overflows, how we respond to them, and our commitment to protecting public health and the environment.

“We want to raise awareness about how everyone can play a big part in reducing the likelihood of overflows occurring. The network is essential in protecting our community from unnecessary exposure to wastewater but occasionally overflows into the environment occur due to blockages and breaks,” said Mr Hansby.

“These are usually avoidable and often caused by things like fats, sanitary items, wet wipes, and building materials incorrectly being put into the system, or from tree roots growing near pipes,” he said.

As part of QLDC’s 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan, a number of improvements to the wastewater network are planned to reduce the likelihood of overflows occurring, and further protecting key recreational areas from contamination.

“QLDC is currently preparing a resource consent application to the Otago Regional Council for those occasions when overflows do occur. We have good practices in place to respond to an overflow, but this process gives us the opportunity to review those practices and make sure that we are responding in the best way to protect public health and the environment,” said Mr Hansby.

In parallel to the drop-in sessions, QLDC is also working with local businesses to ensure wastewater best practice. This includes a review of the existing Trade Waste Bylaw.

The drop-in sessions will be held on the following dates:

  • Queenstown/Arthurs Point/Frankton/Lake Hayes/Arrowtown session: Thursday 8 November from 6:00pm-7:30pm at the Queenstown Event Centre.
  • Wanaka/Albert Town/Hawea/Luggate session: Monday 12 November from 6:00pm-7.30pm at the Lake Wanaka Centre.

 

ENDS.

For more information please contact QLDC Communications via communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.