Residents get advice on septic tanks

Press, 31 March 1981, Page 6

Residents get advice on septic tanks

More than 2000 Paparua households with septic tanks have been sent letters explaining how their tanks work. This action was taken after a survey showed that a fairly high number of tanks in the county were not working properly. The county engineer, Mr J. D. Annan, told a meeting of the county’s finance committee yesterday that he had prepared a. five-step education plan for tank owners. In an attempt to help householders with faulty tanks a pamphlet was sent to each property that had a tank explaining how it worked. Those householders with problems at the time of the survey were asked what action they had taken, Mr Annan said. Council staff would later visit householders, known to have problem tanka, who had not replied to the council.

Mr Annan said after that he would make a further re-

port to the council. This would detail the response to the council’s inquiries and make any necessary recommendations.

A year after the first pamphlel' was sent a letter would be sent asking householders to keep a watch on their tanks. Wages query A wage bill of more than $500,000 for the Canterbury United Council’s 20 regional planners disturbed one councillor.

“There are 20 people, the average wage is $25,000,” said Cr W. J. Baker. The United Council had sent its propped estimates for the 1981 financial year to the council. This year the United Council proposed to spend $605,150. Of that total, $558,300 has been allocated .to regional planning. Paparua’s contribution has been set at $56,912.

which compares with $44,161 paid for 11 months of last year. Disabled riding The Christchurch Riding for the Disabled Association will have to wait until June before it knows whether the council will sponsor it for a Government grant.

The association has asked the council to sponsor its application for a $lOO,OOO grant under the Local Authorities Community Facilities Fund. The Orana Park Wildlife Trust has also asked f?r council sponsorship.

Councillors felt the association would be a worth while organisation to sup-, port. However, the County Clerk, Mr B. L. Mooar, said that at this stage the association had only $lO,OOO of funds eligible for subsidy. A' subsidy of $1 is made for every $2 of eligible funds. The committee decided to reassess the application. in June.