High number of submissions on Akaroa wastewater options

Christchurch City Council received more than 300 submissions in response to its four options for dealing with treated wastewater from Akaroa

The period for public feedback closed on 23 August and staff are now analysing the feedback and preparing for hearings in mid-October.

In all, 340 submissions were received from people and organisations around New Zealand. Of those, 82 have asked to speak to the hearings panel.

“We knew there would be strong interest in this project,” says the Council’s head of three waters and waste, Helen Beaumont.

“Those numbers are quite high, and analysing the all the submissions and preparing for the hearings is a big job.”

Four options were presented for feedback on how to deal with wastewater from Akaroa – three land application options and a harbour outfall option.

The hearings panel will comprise five elected members – Councillors Pauline Cotter, Aaron Keown, Mike Davidson, and Sara Templeton, and Banks Peninsula Community Board member Nigel Harrison. A chairperson will be elected when the panel convenes.

Hearings will be held in Akaroa and Christchurch.

Ms Beaumont said hearing dates are still being finalised. If all goes well, submissions will be heard in mid-October, with the panel’s recommendation going to Council in time for a final decision by the end of this year.