RESOLVED

THAT the apology of Cr S G Baker and T Nicholls be received and sustained.

CCWW06/16 Gray/Trembath CARRIED

There were no late items.

MEETING HELD MONDAY 10 APRIL 2006

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Consultative Committee Water and Wastes held on Monday 10 April 2006 be taken as read and confirmed.

CCWW06/17 Corlett/Trembath CARRIED

UTILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT (98KB)

The Utilities Manager introduced himself to the Committee members and presented his report.

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

CCWW06/18 Wightman/Trembath CARRIED

Mr Burwell updated the members on the district water supplies turbity compliance status for the month of May 2006. It was advised that due to the heavy rain in recent weeks, the raw water quality has failed to meet the requirements. Measures have been undertaken to improve the water quality by flushing the mains and addressing any other maintenance required.

The Utilities Manager advised that a company (Filtration Technologies) is currently performing an audit of all Councils water treatment plants.

An issue of concern has arisen from the audit, that the raw water pump at the Waihou intake recently required seal replacement which has highlighted the fact that this critical supply has only one backup pump. The members discussed options to address the pumping issue and were of the opinion that a ‘stand by’ pump is required although it would be very costly.

The Utilities Manager advised that an upgrade of the raw water pumps has been programmed. After further discussion on the matter, the members felt that due to the increasing residential development in the Plains area, they considered that an upgrade of the pump was necessary.

Investigations are going to be carried out on the old existing pump that was damaged by lightning.

An update was provided on the attention required to resolve water quality issues of a number of water supplies throughout the district caused by the recent storm event.

It was advised that a number of overflows of the wastewater systems have occurred during the heavy rainfall experienced in recent weeks.

The Utilities Manager advised that the National Waste Company has been requested to remove the recycling from the Paeroa Refuse Transfer Station on a temporary one month trial.

Planting has been carried out at the Paeroa Refuse Transfer Station to replace the old existing gardens.

A survey has been undertaken by a company to determine what level of waste is being disposed of at the landfills. It was advised that this information will be used to determine future initiatives to assist in the minimisation of waste.

Discussion was held regarding the introduction of kerbside recycling in the District. It was commented that a kerbside recycling cost has been estimated at approximately $35.00 p.a. per household. The Mayor commented that he was in support of this initiative but considered it would be difficult to establish due to the fact that ratepayers are not receptive to contributing to the operating costs of kerbside recycling although the majority wish to see it established.

The general view of the members was that they were in agreement to establish kerbside recycling in the district, but due to the costs involved, considered it would be far too expensive to justify its operation.

The members commented that Ngatea is in need of a recycling centre. It was suggested that a recycling initiative be established on the Plains in the form of bins, to be made available for people to drop off their glass, plastics and paper.

The Utilities Manager advised that the safety issue raised by a resident in Waihi concerning the kerbside refuse truck travelling independently along streets has been addressed. Upon investigation of the issue raised, staff found the health and safety practices of the kerbside refuse operation were satisfactory.

There was no general business.

The meeting closed at 11.20am.

CONFIRMED

B T Wightman

August 2006