Hastings council responds to water pump station concerns

Local residents are concerned about a proposal to install a water pumping station on piece of green space on Karanema Dr in Havelock North. Photo/file

A group of Havelock North residents has raised concerns about a proposed water pump station being built on a green space on Karanema Dr in Havelock North.

The proposal has sparked a petition and two public meetings, with residents questioning the size, location, noise and resultant loss of green space and trees.

Hawke's Bay Today asked the council to explain the situation, chief executive Ross McLeod responded...

Why is the pump station needed?
The water strategy outlines the investment council is making into improving the safety, resilience, capacity and flexibility of its drinking water services. A new Hastings/Havelock North water main is a key investment, which will enable the decommissioning of Brookvale Bore 3. The pump station will ensure elevated properties in Havelock North and those residences at the end of the network will receive a sufficient water supply and resolve loss of pressure issues experienced in the past.

Why does it have to be in the middle of Havelock North?
The location of the booster pump needs to be close to the large trunk water mains that run up Te Mata Rd/Karanema Dr and the new main which will join from Napier Rd.

How loud will it be?
The pump station will comply with HDC plan requirements - below 85 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. [Bird calls (44 dB); fridge 50dB conversational speech 60dB].

How big will it be?
There needs to be two pumps housed within a 140 square metre building. This building will be architecturally designed to blend with the surrounding landscape once a site has been confirmed. It will be about the scale of a two-storey house.

Would trees be removed on the Karanema Dr site?
Yes. There are some trees on the site which will need removing, however replacement planting will occur. The environmental impacts will be a key consideration.

What process has the council undertaken to choose a site?
An engineering model and design have been completed and a range of council-owned sites close to the large trunk water mains have been considered. A resource consent application has been made that includes an assessment on the effects on the environment. This application is yet to be consented.

Discussions with landowners adjacent to the Karanema Dr site were completed in late 2017. Following some concerns raised by some residents an alternative site is being explored behind the Havelock North Fire Station. Discussions with those adjacent neighbours have been undertaken. This site would require council to purchase land. A report is being presented to council on April 26, outlining both options and taking into account the different costs, the environmental effects and the design effectiveness of each location.

There has been talk that the station will be going on the land of the new Havelock North playground - is that correct?
Council is very concerned that the recent community meeting organised by several residents in the area used the words "save our park" on homemade billboards. This has led to citizens contacting council anxious about the potential closure or threat to the highly popular Village Green playground. This is misleading and it is disappointing that the community has been misled on this issue. Categorically, no, the Village Green will not be affected by either site.

What classification is the land on Karanema Dr?
The land is zoned as an open space under the District Plan however this does not give it any legal status as a park or reserve. It is neither a reserve nor a park.

Is there a deadline on when the pump needs to be installed?
As soon as possible in order to complete the installation of the Hastings/Havelock North water main - considered a major and essential water strategy project that benefits all residents on HDC water supply.

Are there any other factors to be considered?
Council is yet to make a decision on the location of the pump station and this pump station and hopes that residents will support implementing the most cost effective option rather than take a "not in my back yard "approach.