Greater Wellington officer’s report – Masterton Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Greater Wellington officer's report on the Masterton Wastewater Treatment Plant application has recommended that resource consent be granted subject to a range of conditions to minimise adverse environmental effects.

The consent application is for the continued operation of the treatment plant, an upgrade to the oxidation pond system, new wastewater discharges to land and for river and stream works required during the upgrade.

The officer's report recommends conditions designed to avoid, mitigate or remedy adverse effects on the environment, particularly the effects of stream disturbance and wastewater discharges on water quality and native fish habitat in the Ruamahanga River.

There are also conditions that require the applicant to monitor the effects of discharges to land, water and air.

The officer's report recommends a term of 15 years, which differs from the 35 years sought by the applicant.

"The proposal in its current form has the potential for significant environmental effects around water quality and habitat for native fish and insects. The shorter term reflects our concerns around how these effects will be managed," Greater Wellington Environmental Regulation Manager Alistair Cross said.

"However the range of consent conditions we've recommended are designed to deal with these effects."

The officer's report is not a decision but rather a recommendation to the Hearing Committee, which will meet to consider the proposal from 24 February. The Hearing Committee will also consider evidence provided at the hearing by the applicant and its experts, and submitters.

See the full officer's reportand otherbackground informationabout the consent application.