The Matatā Wastewater project is progressing steadily with the project currently focused on environmental monitoring and identifying preferred discharge sites.

At today’s (13 April) Infrastructure and Planning Committee meeting the Project Team presented the latest monitoring reports on surface water and ground water testing.

Manager Policy, Planning and Consents Compliance, Nicholas Woodley said regular environmental monitoring has been carried out at key sites for more than 12 months.

“Testing regularly ensures we have consistent and up-to-date data about the current environment in Matatā and provides an understanding of local groundwater and ecological systems. 

“This data is imperative to the project. While it has taken some time to gather, it will enable the project team to thoroughly consider all environmental factors in determining the appropriate approach for wastewater treatment.”

In total 11 sites are being consistently monitored. Including, five sites within or upstream of the Matatā township, three sites along the Tarawera River, two in the Matatā Lagoon and one at a Bay of Plenty Regional Council testing site.

Currently Matatā doesn’t have a wastewater system, with individual properties relying on existing on-site septic tanks. Some of these tanks are failing, which is contributing to public health risks and degradation of the environment, particularly Te Awa o Te Atua (Matatā lagoon). 

The Matatā Wastewater Project is a priority project for Council, and through the robust monitoring programme there is strong evidence to support the need for the Matatā community to have an efficient wastewater system.

“We know from the environmental monitoring results we’re getting that contamination is likely coming from septic tank leakage or discharge,” Mr Woodley said.

“Now we have a developed a greater understanding of what is occurring, we can make positive steps towards a solution.”

Once complete, the project will also contribute to:

• Environmental and public health outcomes
• Cultural outcomes 
• Long term growth 
• A sustainable and resilient community.