RESOLVED

THAT the apology of Crs S G Baker, T J Meyers, K W Trembath and D Welsh be received and sustained.

CCWW07/07 Gray/Corlett CARRIED

Pursuant to Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the Chairperson called for late items to be accepted.

RESOLVED

THAT pursuant to Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the following late items be accepted for discussion.

- Effluent from Sale Yards - Opukeko Road

The item was not on the agenda because the item was unavailable at the time of the agenda deadline.

Discussion on the item could not be delayed because the Committee member requested urgent discussion on the matter at this time.

CCWW07/08 Corlett/Gray CARRIED

The Utilities Manager welcomed Mr Peter Roberts (Resource Officer) of Environment Waikato to the meeting. Mr Roberts is responsible for wastewaster consents. Mr Burwell emphasised the importance of the regional council’s representation at the Committee meetings as a valued part of the communication between the parties.

MEETING HELD FRIDAY 13 APRIL 2007

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Consultative Committee Water and Wastes held on Friday 13 April 2007 be taken as read and confirmed.

CCWW07/09 Corlett/Gray CARRIED

UTILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT (89KB)

A report from the Utilities Manager was presented.

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

CCWW07/10 Gray/Corlett CARRIED

Water Production

Discussion was held on water metering and quality of Plains water supply. The Utilities Manager advised that the quality water for farming use is of a high standard.

A crack has appeared in the PVC Johnson screen at the base of the sand filter at the plant. An investigation was carried out which has revealed that the replacement of the media was required. Investigations will be carried out to determine why the filter has cracked. It was advised that the expected operational life of these filters is 10 years.

There has been a breakdown of cast iron main that has caused water quality problems. Hydrants are to be installed to be used for flushing out pipes to restore quality of water. Area of problem is Pipiroa Road, Ngatea.

Stage 1 of the watermain upgrade is still being maintained by Excell under their contract. A small amount of top soil is still to be deposited by Excell around some valves. There is one farm that requires a quantity of topsoil to reinstate part of his paddock and he has agreed that this will be performed in the spring due to current ground conditions.

A booster may be installed at Ngatea to allow 15-20 years growth in Ngatea Township and outlying areas.

Stage one is to start in next 10-15 days.

One of the filters at Kerepehi has been identified as requiring urgent repair, the process to repair the under drains is well underway.

It was requested that the Utilities Manager provide a report on the possibility of using an intake at the Puke Bridge as well as the Pekapeka intake.

Issues have arisen that wastewater quality is poor due to stormwater and septic tank run off going into wastewater system. Staff will attend to the issue during the school holidays.

An upgrade of the plant is being considered by Councils engineering department at present. Consultants are investigating stormwater infiltration at the present time.

High readings of Ecoli have been found in Whiritoa. Staff are presently investigating why this has occurred.

Issues of water quality at the plant are currently being addressed through investigations. The plant is not meeting phosphorus levels.

SOLID WASTE

It was advised that farmers will now be able to bring in drench containers and other contaminated containers to the Paeroa Transfer Station for recycling. This will be promoted in the Hauraki Herald this week. There is to be a link established on Councils website advising of the brand owners who will take back their containers.

A member emphasised the importance of educating farmers about recycling these containers instead of creating an environmental issue by burying the containers on their properties.

Tonkin & Taylor are writing a draft report on the best options for refuse for the district. A recommendation has been taken to Council (which has been approved) requesting that a group be set up for the purposes of discussion on refuse disposal options and to consider the introduction of kerbside recycling and organic collections. It is proposed this working group will consist of the CCWW members and will meet with Tonkin & Taylor to assist in a review of the draft report which is due on 6 August.

Ngati Hako representatives supported the initiative and confirmed their representation on the working group. The Utilities Manager also suggested that Environment Waikato be invited to participate in the discussion on the review of refuse options.

The Utilities Manager will speak with the Tonkin & Taylor to set a date for this meeting.

There was no general business.

Bill Clarkin raised a concern that a stock trucking company subcontracting to Regional Transport Ltd are depositing effluent onto the road outside the sale yards.

The Committee asked staff what the legalities of this issue are. Mr Roberts advised that he will investigate the legalities of effluent dumping and advise the Committee. It was considered that carriers need to have their own waste disposal system at the stockyards and all effluent should be disposed of in this system.

As this issue is a roading matter, it was requested that Councils Roading Manager write to the Regional Transport Company advising them of the issue concerning the effluent on the road.

The Mayor advised he will follow up the matter with the Roading Manager and will request staff write to Mr Clarkin advising him of what action has been taken to address the problem.

The meeting closed at 11.50am.

CONFIRMED

J P Tregidga

7 August 2007