Takaka Wastewater Treatment Project

The Council is investigating upgrading the Takaka Wastewater Treatment Plant to better cope with population growth and lessen its environment impact.

  • The Takaka Wastewater Treatment Plant was originally constructed by the Golden Bay County Council in 1970.
  • Since 1970 there have been several upgrades.
  • The increase in wastewater over recent years has resulted in reduced effectiveness and occasional environmental issues including effluent overflow and odour.
  • A major upgrade of the existing plant is included in the Council’s 2009-2019 Ten Year Plan.

Working Party and Public Consultation

A working party has been formed. It's members include:

The working party will focus on reviewing the issues and concerns regarding the planned upgrade, consulting with the Takaka and wider Golden Bay communities and providing a recommendation to the Engineering Services Committee.

Amongst the issues the working party will be investigating are:

  • Is the existing location of the Takaka Wastewater Treatment Plant appropriate?
  • What are the costs and benefits of the existing site versus relocating to another site?
  • Should Council consider a different treatment process?
  • Who will pay for the preferred treatment process?
  • What is the visual impact of the existing site on the Takaka community?
  • What are the vegetation/screening options for the current site?
  • What are the potential odour issues from the current site?
  • What is the impact (if any) of the treated effluent discharge to ground on private bores?

The working party will meet over the next few months. They expect to make their recommendation to the Committee for consideration in early 2012.