QLDC requests public notification of its wastewater network overflows resource consent

A resource consent application to authorise wastewater network overflows that occasionally occur from Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) owned and operated wastewater networks was submitted to the Otago Regional Council (ORC) on Friday 5 April 2019.

“We have undertaken extensive work around assessing the public health and environmental effects of these overflows, and while these are not considered to be significant they can’t be confirmed to always be less than minor. We therefore requested at the time we submitted the application that ORC publicly notify it. This is also because we have involved the community during the preparation of the application and we would like to continue to be transparent with them through this process,” said Mr Peter Hansby QLDC general manager property and infrastructure. 

Timing for public notification of the application will be after ORC has accepted the application for processing, undertaken an initial review, and asked any initial clarifying questions or for further information. 

“The wastewater network is essential in protecting our community from unnecessary exposure to wastewater but occasionally overflows occur due to blockages and breaks. QLDC is required to authorise these occasional overflows under the Resource Management Act (RMA). Our application focuses on how the effects from an overflow are managed through our response to cleaning them up, educating our community, and through improvements to our network over the coming years,” said Mr Hansby. 

Mr Hansby also said that these overflows are predominantly caused by things like fats, sanitary items, wet wipes, and building materials incorrectly being put into the system, or from root intrusion from trees growing near pipes.

“QLDC is committed to protecting public health and the environment. 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 and reduce the likelihood of them occurring in future,” said Mr Hansby. 

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. These improvements will cater for future growth while also further protecting key recreational areas from contamination.

ENDS.

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

Details of the 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan Wastewater improvements can be found here: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Council-Documents/Full-Council-Meetings/2018/28-June-2018/1aa.QLDC-10-Year-Plan-2018-2028-Volume-1-22Jun18.pdf