Wastewater WOF possible after Drainage Policy and Bylaw amendments

 

Kaipara District Council wants to hear from the community about proposed amendments to its Wastewater Drainage Policy and Bylaw, with submissions now open until June 1, 2016.

Of particular interest to the community will be the proposal for a wastewater Warrant of Fitness, with onsite wastewater systems being regularly inspected and maintained and reports provided to the Council.

Kaipara District Council Chair of Commissioners John Robertson says most people would be doing the inspections and maintenance anyway.

“Most people have a very good understanding of what’s required to keep an onsite wastewater system working efficiently and want to keep their properties free from contamination. It’s when systems fail that problems arise. At times, owners are unaware there is a problem.

“The Warrant of Fitness system will provide a reminder for needed maintenance, similar to the motor vehicle WOF system. It’s important we’re proactive in identifying failing systems, and ensuring they’re fixed promptly to protect public health and the environment.

“It also means that in some cases, the Council will be able to require connection to a public system. This would be a last resort, mostly likely in the case of old systems that are past repair.”

The new Warrant of Fitness for onsite wastewater systems would be applied to all residentially zoned areas as identified in the Kaipara District Plan, and to all land, irrespective of zoning, that is 300m from the east coast/west coast, 300m from the Mangawhai and Kaipara Harbours and 300m from the Kai Iwi Lakes.

Consultation is now open, and submissions can be made online kaipara.govt.nz, where the Statement of Proposal can also be found. Submission forms and copies of the documents are also available at the Council’s offices at 42 Hokianga Road, Dargaville, and Unit 6, The Hub, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai, or email council@kaipara.govt.nz.