Christchurch City Council is reviewing alternative methods for disposing of treated wastewater as part of Akaroa’s future wastewater scheme, following questions raised by Commissioners overseeing its resource consent application.
The Council had sought approval for a land-based irrigation scheme that would use treated wastewater to irrigate Council-owned land at Robinsons Bay and Hammond Point. However, last month, the Hearing for this consent was put on hold at the Council’s request after Commissioners, Environment Canterbury, and Ōnuku Rūnanga raised a significant number of questions about the proposal.
As a result, the Council has agreed to pause the Hearing while it re-examines alternative wastewater disposal methods suggested by submitters. These could include controlled discharge into the harbour combined with land irrigation, ocean outfall, or injecting treated wastewater into the ground.
The delay comes as the government prepares to introduce new mandatory wastewater discharge standards later this year, which will impact how different disposal methods are assessed.
Council’s Head of Three Waters, Gavin Hutchison, said the law changes will have direct implications for how wastewater disposal options are considered.
“The government has signalled law changes are coming around mandatory wastewater standards for discharge to water, land, and overflows. This has implications for how alternative methods to dispose of treated wastewater are assessed, and we will want to know the new law before assessing these alternatives,” Hutchison said.
In the meantime, the Council will continue designing a new wastewater treatment plant to enable the disestablishment of wastewater infrastructure at the culturally sensitive Takapuneke site.
The Commissioners overseeing the Hearing have informed the Council that proceedings cannot resume until at least May due to the availability of the Hearing Panel. They also indicated that the Hearing is likely to be adjourned further until the Council lodges a separate discharge consent application for releasing treated wastewater into Akaroa Harbour.
The Council intends to discharge into the harbour when land-based irrigation and storage facilities reach capacity. It has confirmed that it does not oppose the delay while this consent process is underway.
Hutchison acknowledged that the uncertainty may cause frustration for Akaroa residents and mana whenua.
“We understand that this timeframe may cause doubt and frustration for residents and mana whenua in Akaroa and surrounding communities. However, it would be irresponsible for us as a Council to investigate alternative disposal methods without considering the impacts of the new national standards.”
Despite the delays, the Council is continuing work at Robinsons Bay and Hammond Point, where it is preparing land for future irrigation by planting additional native vegetation to increase biodiversity.
Around 130,000 kānuka and 33,000 other native species—grown from seedlings—will be planted in the coming months. The Council confirmed that resource consent is not required for this work and that the cooler months provide the best conditions for planting.
At present, treated wastewater from Akaroa is discharged into Akaroa Harbour at Redhouse Bay via a 100-metre pipeline. The Council’s review of alternative disposal methods, alongside the introduction of new national wastewater standards, will shape the long-term future of wastewater management in the area.
