A proposal to pump sewage from Pounawea to Owaka in a bid to solve a long-standing discharge problem at a council-owned camping ground has been approved by the Clutha District Council.
Problems with "grey water discharge" from the council-owned camping ground at Pounawea emerged many years ago.
Speaking to the council at its meeting yesterday, Pounawea Camping Ground manager Glenn Maxwell said he just wanted to find a solution to the ground's grey-water issues.
"Some friends were looking at buying a crib at Pounawea but were told not to buy on that side [lower lying area], as you can't flush your toilet there."
Since hearing of the council's proposal, about 10 people had contacted Mr Maxwell saying they would want to connect to the scheme.
Mr Maxwell said his lease with the council for the camping ground had been renegotiated and was much higher to help pay for a solution.
"The long-term solution is to pump it to Owaka."
Owaka motel owner Trevor Hewson said he wanted the council to look into options other than pumping sewage to Owaka.
He raised concerns over the possibility of Pounawea properties using up the capacity of the existing Owaka sewerage system, and over the council's lack of community consultation.
Cr Hamish Anderson said the council had a duty to own a healthy and safe camping ground.
"We do not want the Catlins to be known as the s...pile of the district."
Catlins ward councillor Hillary McNab said she had only heard positive responses to the proposal.
The council yesterday approved the increase of the camping ground's budget to $310,000 for the construction of a new pumping station and pipeline to Owaka - $50,000 from reserves, $21,000 from the district-wide sewerage upgrade support rate, and the balance to be funded from internal loans.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the formal consultation progress with the Pounawea and Owaka communities was not yet under way.
"There will be a chance for Pounawea and Owaka to have their say."
Council district assets manager Jules Witt said information had been posted to Pounawea residents, and packs would also be sent to Owaka residents.
Consultation would then be carried out as a part of the design process, he said.
