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Feedback sought on water, beach quality
Before decisions are made on wastewater treatment and discharge regarding the proposed ocean outfall, the Council needs to know what residents expect in terms of water quality and beach standards if the city’s wastewater is piped out to sea. In early June a workshop on wastewater outcomes was held as part of the ongoing consultation on the ocean outfall. Participants were invited from a crosssection of Christchurch interests, including fishing and recreational groups, the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, Crown Public Health and Community Board representatives, as well as South Brighton residents. Presentations were made by City Water and Waste’s John Moore and Mike Bourke, Cliff Tipler from URS on ocean hydrology, Graham McBride from NIWA on public health and Paul Kennedy from Kingett Mitchell on fish populations and habitat. Participants then broke into small groups to discuss their expectations of the discharge in the sea and on the beach, including health and recreational safety, sensory effects and wastewater management. Expectations identified by the groups included:
“Considering an ocean outfall, residents generally
want good standards water quality and no discernible impacts from the discharge
on people or the environment,” says John Moore, the project’s senior planning
engineer. “They want certainty that Pegasus Bay will be protected.” A document based on the issues discussed at the workshop is now being prepared
for the wider public to have their input on water quality and beach standards. |