Waitara probe approved

Press, 27 July 1983, Page 22

Waitara probe approved

PA Wellington The Government has approved an $820,000 investigation programme into the Waitara region’s wastewater treatment and disposal choices, the Minister of Energy, Mr Birch, has said.

The studies, to take about two yearn, would include investigation of the present Waitara outfall, and a possible regional outfall, “and no water right will be sought until the studies are completed,” said Mr Birch.

A task force specially set up for the job will investigate the treatment and disposal of waste from the Motunui synthetic petrol plant, the Petralgas methanol plant, Borthwicks freez-

ing works, and the Waitara borough. The task force was formed from an interdepartmental committee after recommendations from a Waitangi Tribunal hearing. The hearing concerned an appeal by Te Atiawa Maoris. The tribunal agreed with the views of Te Atiawa people that waste from the Motunui synthetic petrol plant should not be discharged through a separate outfall at Motunui as originally intended. “The studies consist of scientific and engineering investigations, along with consideration of the financial and management implications associated with a regional waste-water facility,” said Mr Birch.