May 23, 2017
Rain puts strain on Hawera sewage system
Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui is concerned increased discharges of treated sewage could threaten collection of kaimoana.
South Taranaki District Council's Hawera treatment plant is at maximum holding capacity because of months of high rainfall, and it plans to increase discharges into the sea by 40 percent this week to regain control.
Because Fonterra is in lower production mode, the discharges through a shared marine outfall near the dairy giant’s Whareroa facility won't exceed consent limits.
Runanga kaiarataki Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says the onset of winter will bring more heavy rain and wind, and the iwi wants a guarantee the public will not be put at risk again – especially if climate change means increased rain is the new normal in the region.
It also wants assurances that beaches and food gathering practices remain safe
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