Media Release: Waikato District Coouncil, 27 June 2013
UNSCHEDULED DISCHARGE OF FULLY TREATED WASTEWATER
Following the recent high levels of rainfall in the Raglan area, Waikato District Council on Monday completed an unscheduled discharge of fully treated wastewater outside the normal tidal periods.
The Raglan Wastewater Treatment Plant’s pond system reached maximum storage capacity, making a discharge of treated wastewater necessary to reduce the risk of the ponds spilling over in an uncontrolled manner.
The fully treated wastewater was discharged through the Raglan Harbour wastewater outfall pipe.
Waikato District Council General Manager Service Delivery, Tim Harty says “The discharge met the quality requirements of the Council’s consent which includes ensuring that the discharge meets bathing water standards.”
“Waikato Regional Council has been advised of this as required under the consent, and other key stakeholders have also been informed.”
Council is permitted to pump treated wastewater outside the daily tidal periods, up to 20 days per year in the case of high rainfall.
Yes, the smell of sewerage was wafting in the air. How will Raglan’s waste water system cope with more ‘growth’ in housing, if it is not coping now?