The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has raised concerns regarding plans to discharge treated wastewater into the Shotover River, though it does not believe the move will impact downstream drinking water supplies.
At a press conference yesterday, the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) announced it would utilise "emergency powers" to discharge up to 12,000cu m of treated wastewater into the Shotover River each day.
This discharge would make up about 2% of the river’s flow at low levels, and only 0.02% of the Kawarau River flow during the same conditions.
Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley, speaking at a council meeting in Ranfurly, emphasised the importance of informing the public about potential downstream effects for local communities.
The QLDC assured that the treated wastewater would meet national treatment standards due to the dilution factor in the river.
CODC group manager of Three Waters, Julie Muir, emphasised that monitoring the quality of the discharge at the outfall pipe will be critical.
"We expect that both the Queenstown and Otago Regional councils will conduct regular monitoring and release the results," Ms Alley said.
The decision comes amid ongoing issues with the performance of the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves Queenstown and surrounding areas.
The plant has faced enforcement orders from the Otago Regional Council due to non-compliance with its existing consent conditions.
Both local councils are committed to ensuring the treated wastewater discharge poses no risk to public health or the environment.
Regular updates are expected as the situation develops. — APL
