Raglan wastewater discharge consent

In consultation with the community a ‘long list’ of treatment and discharge options has been narrowed to a ‘short list’. Planning, environmental and engineering experts are assessing these to find a single preferred treatment and discharge solution (also known as the ‘Best Practical Option’ or BPO). Considerations include:

• Land suitability for irrigation
• Marine modelling
• Public health and wellbeing of the community
• Ecology of fresh water and marine environment

During the investigation phase of our ‘short list’ options, we have conducted monthly e-meetings and communicated with key stakeholders, community representatives, hapuu and other interested parties. These monthly meetings have also provided a forum for wider discussion. This has provided the project team with an appreciation of ‘the Raglan way’, including emphasis on re-use and innovation approaches. An example of this is seeing wastewater as a potential resource, rather than a waste to ‘be rid of’.

Once the preferred treatment and discharge option has been determined, a long-term resource consent application will be made to the Waikato Regional Council (WRC).

Local iwi, the wider Raglan community and other stakeholders have expressed a strong preference for a discharge to land option, which we have been investigating for several years.  

Since 2019, with help from Watercare which is contracted to deliver the Councils waters services, we have widened our investigations to include other alternatives. For example, we’re currently assessing the potential for schemes that combine the reuse of reclaimed water for summer irrigation with an alternative discharge during winter. More advanced treatment plant types have also been assessed that could replace existing oxidation ponds.

Given the complex technical engineering, environmental and cultural considerations involved in the option assessment process, these investigations have taken considerable time. As part of these investigations, we must assess the costs and affordability alongside cultural and environmental considerations.

The WWTP upgrade build is well underway. To date the tank base is completed and the wall construction is underway. The project is on track both financial within the total budget figure $24.37 million and on time with for completion date of July 2025.

Current investigations and studies are underway for discharge options. Some early Iwi discussions, along with site visits, have taken place. As a result, Option 3 was ruled out due to the cultural significance of the site.

Initial feedback, from the Iwi consulted, favoured option 1 (Wainui Reserve Western Coastal Gully)

The options were presented at the last Raglan WWTP online meeting held 13 June 2024, with positive feedback from all involved. Planning is underway to share the options with the wider Raglan public and other interested stakeholder for discussion and feedback. 

Let the project team know you would like to be kept updated by emailingThreeWaters@waidc.govt.nz, and we will add you to our email updates. You are also welcome to take part in our bi-monthly online e-meetings when we update the community on progress and answer any questions.

Due to the nature of the resource consent application, the Council believes it will be publicly notified by the WRC. Anyone can make a submission for the WRC to consider when it processes the application.  You can indicate in your submission if you would like to speak during the hearings phase. 

Information about our wastewater treatment plant can be found in the Wastewater section of our website

Please read the Dept of Conservation information sheet that covers Toxoplasmosis risk to the Hector and Maui Dolphin. A key educational message is to “Please bury any kitty litter droppings in the garden, rather than flushing them”