Sewage disposal options explored

The council will soon consult members of the Rotoiti and Rotoma communities on options for new sewerage schemes. Photo / File

Options for new sewerage schemes for eastern Rotoiti and Rotoma are being explored with the Rotorua District Council soon to consult with the community.

The council wants to deal with sewage from lakeside communities in more sustainable ways and is asking local residents to share their views.

The project's objectives are to help improve lake water quality and reduce public health risks and is part of the wider Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, a partnership between the council, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust, with support from the Ministry for the Environment and Ministry of Health.

In the last seven years the council has extended sewerage services around Rotorua's lakeside communities with an investment of approximately $60 million, including servicing the western end of Lake Rotoiti. A steering committee has been formed bringing together residents, iwi and other stakeholders, under the chairmanship of Ian McLean.

Mr McLean said stakeholders were working well together through the committee and there was a fresh and positive relationship among all parties and a strong commitment to finding a sustainable sewerage solution for the area. "With the help of a technical advisory group, all possible options are being considered for effectively disposing of domestic sewage.

"These options include high quality household septic tank systems under the regional council's on-site effluent treatment rules," Mr McLean said.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said the partnership formed with stakeholders for the project was an example of "the way of the future".

"Collaboration and genuine community engagement are absolutely critical elements if we're to identify a sustainable solution to the sewerage needs of these communities."

Mr McLean said public meetings would be held to discuss a shortlist of options with residents and other interested parties.

Details on the meetings would be publicised soon and mailed to residents.

"In due course, and after public consultation, our steering committee will be putting a recommendation to Rotorua District Council on our preferred option."

Subsidies for a new sewerage scheme are available from the Ministry of Health for Lake Rotoma and from the Ministry for the Environment for Lake Rotoiti.

A preferred option has to be selected by September 30 to qualify for the Ministry of Health subsidy. Other smaller subsidies are potentially available from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and from Rotorua District Council general rates.