Raetihi may get a community project or two from fines imposed on Ruapehu Alpine Lifts for last year's diesel spill, but not before the bills are paid.
Horizons Regional Council's investigation into the spill on Mount Ruapehu cost $100,000, said group manager strategy and regulatory Nic Peet.
Horizons was awarded $240,000 along with court and solicitor costs by Environment Court judge Brian Dwyer at a hearing in Ohakune on November 6. RAL had earlier pleaded guilty to four charges following the diesel spill on the Turoa skifield between September 26 and October 1, 2013. A total of 19,000 litres of diesel flowed from a storage tank at Turoa Ski Area. It polluted the Makotuku Stream and Raetihi's water supply.
Raetihi people went without drinking water for three weeks.
Dr Peet said the council's "first priority is to recover costs of what was a complicated investigation to those who paid for it - our region's ratepayers.
"We estimate this cost to be around $100,000.
"In regards to the remaining funds received, Horizons councillors are actively considering the issues raised about how the money should be best spent."
He said the diesel spill "had considerable impact on not only the Raetihi community but also the World Heritage Area in the nearby Tongariro National Park."
Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon said once ratepayers are reimbursed, council will look at ways "to return the remaining funds for the benefit of the affected community through enhancement projects, in consultation with local community leaders."