Parliamentary Commissioner in contact with ORC over sewage crisis
Share
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE), Simon Upton, has confirmed that his office is in touch with the Otago Regional Council over ongoing concerns around the QLDCs Shotover sewage plant.
Mr Upton is a former Environment Minister and has special powers that are politically separated from the current Government.
Crux understands that the dialogue between the PCE’s office and the ORC centre on what appear to be delays in the publication of ORC effluent testing, especially since the March 31st “emergency” discharges was started by the QLDC.
Mr Upton’s office released a brief statement to Crux:
“The PCE has been made aware of the wastewater operation issues that have been reported by Crux and is continuing to follow this matter with interest.
“The PCE has been in contact with Otago Regional Council to confirm their monitoring arrangements in relation to the emergency discharge to the Shotover River and will be following the results as they become publicly available.”
Crux has highlighted community concerns regarding the absence of promised “post emergency” water test data on both the QLDC and ORC websites.
Mr Upton has highlighted what he sees as the environmental risks linked to the current Government’s fast track approvals process.
Over 6,000 new houses are proposed for the Queenstown Lakes District under fast track legislation.
TOP STORIES
