QLDC issued abatement notices after wastewater consent breach

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has received two abatement notices from Otago Regional Council (ORC) for its Project Pure Wastewater Treatment Plant in Wānaka after the plant breached consent.

Earlier this week QLDC announced "performance issues" at the plant during recent upgrade works. This resulted in some ponding of the disposal area, surface run-off from the site, and total Nitrogen within treated wastewater exceeding consent requirements.

 QLDC General Manager Property & Infrastructure, Tony Avery said while the situation was disappointing, QLDC is cooperating fully with ORC and actions were already underway to address the issues.  

 “Our teams are committed to ensuring the operation returns to full compliance as quickly as possible.

“With the recent upgrade work now complete, and all three reactors operating as expected, we’re already seeing material improvements in the treated wastewater quality.

“We will continue to keep the community informed while we work through these issues,” Avery said.