‘Waste discharges contravene act’

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32959, 4 July 1972, Page 14

‘Waste discharges contravene act’

Clarification of policy in relation to the discharge of wastes where they may contaminate natural water, and on other aspects of the Water and Soil Conservation Act. will be sought by the Paparua County Council.

At its meeting last evening, the council set up a sub-committee comprising Crs A. Y. Shuker, J. S. Bisphan and D. P. Graham to meet the board after the finance committee had reported that an amendment to the act had made it an offence, after April 1, to discharge natural water or waste where it was liable to get into natural water. . The chief health inspector (Mr G. W. L. Fairhall) said it had been council policy to

allow septic tank discharges into boulder holes. In view of the amendment, consideration should be given to prohibiting further subdivision at Prebbleton, Tai Tapu, and Templeton until the sewers were available.

There were a large number of residents who were contravening the act by putting .septic tank and sullage discharges either into boulder pits or field tile systems. Except where ground water was very close to the surface, properties with a reasonable amount of ground could use field tiles, if the land otherwise was suitable, said Mr Fairhall. In built-up districts with 32-perch sections at Prebbleton, Tai Tapu, and Templeton, the land was not suitable for field drains or boulder holes. Consideration should also be given to the position of very wet land, where field drain discharges could get into underground water.

Loop line.— The chairman (Mr D. H. Warren) was authorised to meet the Minister of Railways (Mr Gordon) at Wellington to discuss the proposed SockbumStyx railway line. Cr A. Y. Shuker said the uncertainty was causing planning problems for the council.

New overseer.—Mr J. E. Rogers, at present the Oamaru Borough Council’s overseer, was appointed county overseer.

Club rooms.— The siting of the Hornby Rugby Club’s pavilion next to the data bank building at Denton Park was approved, and it was agreed to replant the rose and shrub garden on the Main South Road frontage of the park. Anti-litter.—The staff was asked to indicate where Girl Guides and Scouts could clear litter from public places on August 5. which has been designated as "Clean New

Zealand Day” by the AntiLitter Council. The council offered to help, and to provide vehicles.

Power supply.—The council agreed to discuss with the Central Canterbury Electric Power Board ways by which the power supply to industrial subdivisions could be put underground. It was reported that elsewhere supply is given initially by overhead wires, with the understanding that the supply will go underground when the power demand is known.

Subdivision.—Sunset Properties, Ltd, were given permission, under conditions, to use land at William Street, Prebbleton, to create house sections, with roads and services.

Building. — Eighty - five building permits for work worth $558,193 were isused last month, compared with 89 permits, worth $293,510, issued in June, 1971.