Septic tanks could all be banned

Press, 9 June 1978, Page 2

Septic tanks could all be banned

If the special tribunal which in the last two days has heard submissions regarding Meadow Mushrooms, Ltd’s, water-right applications decides that the company cannot use its present septic tank effluent disposal system, Paparua County and other local authorities could be in for a shock. If the North Canterbury Regional Water Board should require a change as a condition of water right, the county would be bound to apply the same criteria to every septic tank in Prebbleton and elsewhere where the soil strata is similar. Virtually every home in Prebbleton has its own septic tank. Evidence before the tribunal indicated that all could be contributing to ground-water contamination. If the condition of providing an alternate effluent disposal system is upheld in the case of the company, the county would be forced to apply the same condition to other septic tanks or build a very expensive sewage-treat-ment plant for this and other areas in the county. Counsel for the applicant company (Mr R. B, Leete) said that it appeared septic tanks were the only practical method available in the area.