UPDATE July 2022
In January 2021 we applied to renew discharge consents for the Gore and Mataura Wastewater Treatment Plants. As part of this application, we proposed the following upgrades:
- Expansion of the existing wetlands at the Mataura wastewater treatment plant to be completed by 2027 (estimated cost of $1.6 ‑ $2.1 million)
- Construction of a Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) plant to replace the existing Gore oxidation ponds. It was proposed this would be completed in three stages over the next 30 years with an estimated total cost of between $46 and $61 million.
During our discussions with the Hokonui Runanga it became apparent they runanga would not support our proposals. It believed the ongoing piped discharge to the Mataura River would not address its cultural concerns. As a result, a technical working group was established in June 2021 to investigate land disposal options.
In late 2021 both parties agreed a technical working group would investigate disposal options.
As a result Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP) has been brought in to undertake an options assessment and assist in identifying a preferred disposal solution.
The scope of the work agreed to is extensive. Consequently, we expect the process to identify a preferred solution to run into the second half of 2023.
This is a significant length of time, but we believe it is necessary to ensure a successful outcome. There needs to be meaningful consultation with the Runanga and the option assessment must be robust .
Some key dates we are working towards are:
- Draft Short List Options Assessment – 18 October 2022
- Final Short List Options Assessment – 6 April 2023
- Preferred Option Identified – 19 October 2023
Where it all began
We are in the process of lodging applications with Environment Southland to renew our resource consents for the Gore and Mataura wastewater treatment plants. We are the first council in the south to go through this process under new national and provincial requirements.
As we prepare these applications, we want to talk with you about the long term future of wastewater management. Your input will help inform our resource consent applications to Environment Southland.
Community expectations and national regulations have significantly changed in recent years. National freshwater reform requirements mean we need to take a new look at how we treat wastewater in Gore and Mataura before it's discharged into the Mataura River.
Upgrading the Gore wastewater treatment plant is a long term project, spread over the next 30 years.
Financially it’s a project we can not do without considerable funding assistance, and we will be exploring government, external and industry funding partnerships as the project progresses.
Our proposal
We have put together a booklet outlining the current situation at the Gore and Mataura treatment plants, and our plans for the future. You can read it and our FAQs by clicking on the links under Documents.
In essence, we are proposing a staged development of a new Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Treatment Plant, to treat wastewater to a high quality before discharging it to the river.
The key advantages of a BNR plant are:
• The treatment process includes the removal of nitrogen, nitrate and ammonia.
• It will allow the decommissioning of the existing oxidation ponds.
• There is sufficient space to construct the new plant on the existing site.
• It can be implemented in a staged approach.
The estimated cost of this option is potentially up to $61 million. As we've already said, we know it is beyond the capacity of our ratepayers to fund such a costly project and we will require funding partners.
It is important to note, these costings are high level. They are likely to change as the lifecycle of this project evolves and we get more detailed estimates.
Get Involved in the Conversation
Wednesday 11 November: Our team will have Agnes The Chatterbox parked at the intersection of Grasslands Road and Salford Street between 4.00pm and 6.00pm to talk about this project.
Ask a Question: You can also ask the team questions on this page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We need people's feedback by Friday 27 November.
Formal Submissions: There will be a formal public consultation process next year, once Environment Southland publicly notifies our applications. This process will be run by Environment Southland.
