Water and Waste management FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

Transcription

1 Water and Waste management FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

2 Water Supply Key facts Why we do it Council operates and maintains: o Eight potable (drinkable) water systems and one non-potable system o 330 kilometres of water mains o 17 pumping stations 9,279 properties are connected to Council water systems. Our vision is for everybody in the Far North to have access to sufficient, safe and reliable sources of drinking water that is provided in a sustainable manner Our water treatment plants, pumping stations and reticulation systems contribute to that by providing the treatment and delivery of safe drinking water to communities served by Council owned systems. Water supply is regarded as one of the core functions of Council, as provided by statute. The Local Government Act 2002 generally requires the continued operation of any water system that Council operated at the time the Act was passed, as well as continuing to operate any new system that the Council constructs from that date. Contribution to Community Outcomes PUBLIC HEALTH PUBLIC SAFETY ENVIRONMENT SERVICES THAT SUPPORT COMMUNIties Provide and operate drinking water reticulation systems and treatment plants Provide and operate drinking water reticulation systems & treatment plants Minimise impact of water taken on the environment Provide and operate water systems to facilitate community development 82 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

3 water supply Recent progress what we have achieved since the last plan Since 2006 Council has achieved the following: Constructed a new membrane treatment plant and new production borehole (Kaikohe) Built a new treated water reservoir and main (Kaitaia) Upgraded an intake and treatment plant (Kawakawa) Drilled a new borehole (Okaihau) Upgraded the telemetry system Built a new treatment plant (Opononi) Upgraded a filter (Paihia) Constructed a new water main and booster station (Waipapa) Completed condition assessments of asbestos cement mains. Where are we now? - Key issues and challenges facing this Service Issues / challenges Implications Climate change, which threatens to increase the likelihood of droughts and future water shortages er environmental standards Resource Consents will impose tighter restrictions on the amount of water we can take from rivers and streams Requires water conservation measures, community education about water conservation, and action to secure future supplies. Council must take steps to reduce levels of water lost from its systems through leakage and unauthorized use Increased demand for the service as a result of the growth of the district and of tourism Requires upgrades of systems and provision of additional infrastructure in conjunction with growth new treatment plants, treatment plant upgrades, additional treated water reservoirs, additional bores, upgraded reticulation Increasing operating costs (power, fuels, chemicals) New NZ fire fighting water supplies standard The monitoring trial of the effect of fluoridation of water in Kaitaia and Kaikoheended in March 2009 and the fluoridation was stopped at that point Requires cost management via leakage reduction, water conservation, planned maintenance and power and fuel management Requires improved flow rates in urban / commercial areast Council needs to consider whether to continue with fluoridation FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

4 water supply What you have told us Our most recent residents showed an 82% satisfaction rating amongst people receiving a Council water supply. Satisfaction ratings have shown a steady increase since 2005 and this compares well with similar councils but is below the national satisfaction level. Those residents who expressed dissatisfaction with Council s water services focused on issues of fluoridation, costs and quality. What we plan to do Objective 1: Improve current systems to comply with new drinking water standards and provide the district with clean safe drinking water by: o Upgrading treatment plants (Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Kerik- eri and Rawene) o Continuing to replace asbestos cement and galva- nised iron water mains across the district o Improving monitoring and alarm systems o Leaving fluoridation turned off pending consulta- tion on whether to continue or cease the trial and receipt of information on the results of the trial. Objective 4: Provide for future growth in demand within the district by: o Upgrading / extending reticulation systems. Objective 5: Comply with NZ fire fighting water supplies code of practice by: o Progressively improving flow rates in urban / com- mercial areas. What we don t plan to do As a result of financial constraints, community expectations will have to be carefully managed. Therefore, Council no longer intends to commence consultation regarding new water systems in Russell, Ahipara and Whatuwhiwhi. Objective 2: Safeguard future water supply by: o Constructing new treated water reservoirs (Kerikeri / Waipapa and Rawene) Objective 3: Promote sustainable water usage by: o Reducing water take from rivers o Improving water conservation and reducing losses o Introducing a rainwater tank bylaw to require new properties on reticulated water to have a rainwater tank to store water for gardens etc. 84 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

5 water supply levels of service provision ten year plan measures and levels of service Key Project(s) / Initiative(s) How the project(s) / initiative(s) will impact on levels of service Community Outcomes Measure Baseline 2007/ /10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 Treatment plant upgrades Reduce risk of failure of Resource Consents Provide for development Environment Number of failures of Resource Consent determinants Treatment plant upgrades Improve NZDWS Gradings Public Health Public Safety Number of systems achieving grade Bb (8 systems in all) Construct additional treated water storage Reduce risk of failures of continuity of supply Public Health Public Safety Interruptions to supply not to exceed 24 hours in any 1 year 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Water conservation Reduce risk of failure of Resource Consents Environment Reduction in per capita water consumption % of unaccounted for water (leakage, illegal connections, unauthorised use) 267m3 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1.5% 1.5% 1.5% 1.5% 1.5% 28% maximum (annual basis) 27% 26% 25% 24% 23% 22% 22% 22% 22% 22% General improvements in service Increase level of customer satisfaction Public Safety %age very satisfied/ satisfied respondents in Communitrak Survey 82% 82% 82% 85% 85% 85% 87% 87% 87% 90% 90% FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

6 water supply levels of service provision ten year plan measures and levels of service (continued) Key Project(s) / Initiative(s) How the project(s) / initiative(s) will impact on levels of service Community Outcomes Measure Baseline 2007/ /10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 Customer Service Level of customer satisfaction Services that Support Communities Percentage (%) of service disruptions resolved in less than 4 hours 90% 91% 91% 92% 92% 93% 93% 94% 94% 95% 95% Optimise water flow and pressure Reduction in numbers of bursts Provide value for money Environment Reduction in number of bursts per km of pipe Reduce operational costs per m3 of water Provide value for money Services that Support Communities Operational cost ($ /cubic metres) Treatment plant upgrades Improve drinking water standards Public Health Percentage compliance with New Zealand drinking water standards 97% 98% 98% 98.5% 98.5% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99.5% Extend coverage of public water systems Improve drinking water standards Public Health Number of connections 9,279 9,450 9,545 9,640 9,740 9,835 9,930 10,030 10,130 10,230 10, FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

7 water supply Key assumptions ASSUMPTION what may happen instead likelihood impact FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS MITIGATION Population growth is in accordance with the growth strategy forecasts Actual level of growth higher than assumed Actual level of growth lower than assumed Insufficient capacity available Infrastructure not fully utilised in period of plan Growth trends are kept under regular review Growth is expected to occur over time Per capita demand flows remains at current levels Per capita consumption lower than forecast Lower income levels Income levels will be monitored and future budgets adjusted if necessary to accommodate any significant income shortfalls over time Renewed and new Resource Consents will require greater residual flows in rivers and streams Changes in resource consent requirements Increased risk of periods of limited or zero water take Low Low Tighter conditions than assumed would lead to a requirement for increased capital expenditure Water shortages Any additional spending requirement will be balanced by a reduction in expenditure or deferral of projects in future capital programme Level of unaccounted for water remains unchanged or decreases Increase in unaccounted for water Low Water shortages Low Carry out programme of leakage management and reductions in other sources of unaccounted for water Asset lives are as detailed in the financial commentary below Assets depreciate more rapidly than assumed Low Pressure on renewals budgets Future levels of capital expenditure would be adjusted downwards to compensate FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

8 water supply Key risks risk CURRENT RATING mitigation RATING AFTeR MITIGATION Increase sources. Demand Management Policy be presented to Council Emergency drought orders are available to draw extra water from sources Drought causes water shortages Extreme Provide additional water storage to ensure that there is 2 days storage on all systems at average daily demand Identify extra water sources and obtain Resource Consents, manage demand Power failures affecting treatment plants and pumping stations Set up access to additional generators when required (short term) Increase level of storage at pumping stations ((long term) Loss of water supply due to burst pipes Monitor usage and identify water losses promptly Contaminants entering water supply lines Monitor water quality in supply lines Disruption of water supply caused by contamination of supply source Implement notification procedure that is already in place Members of the public are tapping into untreated water supply. Potentially a health hazard that could result in prosecution of Council Manage known connections and notify risks Identify, where possible, other illegal connections Low 88 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

9 water supply Significant negative effects potential negative effect how we are addressing this The cost of operating and/or improving the infrastructure may exceed the community s ability to pay The inability of the infrastructure to meet the demand for water may cause difficulty and hardship in the community Consulting with the community on all costs and options for levels of service via the LTCCP process Implementing programmes of plant and system improvements and reducing leakage from the reticulation system Poor quality water or interruptions to supply could impact on public health Implementing programmes of plant and system improvements Failure or disruption of the service may cause difficulty and hardship in the community Continuing programmes of plant and system improvements and planned maintenance. Making effective use of improved telemetry system FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

10 water supply PUBLIC WATER ASSESSMENTS SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The tables below represent the public water supply systems that are presently owned and managed by the Far North District Council and illustrate there is a high level of risk for all public water supply systems. responsible for the respective communities at the time. They have since become owned by the Far North District Council which took over responsibility for all local government functions previously carried out by predecessor authorities following the reorganisation of local government in key to drinking water standards nz 2003 gradings source works and treatment plant grading grading description reticulation grading In many cases, these systems were built and paid for by the communities they serve through the Council that was summary of public water supply systems Table A1: Overview of the Public Water Supply Systems System Population served (winter 06/07) 1 Length of reticulation 2 km No. of pumping stations No. of Fire Hydrants Depreciated Replacement Value 2 $ 000 Replacement Value 2 $ 000 No. of connections Water Source Annual vol of water produced Ml * Kaikohe-Ngawha 4, ,300 14,474 1,738 River & 529 E/E b/b 305 boreholes Kaitaia 5, ,425 20,411 2,294 River 1,030 A b 450 Kawakawa & Moerewa 2, ,805 15,260 1,111 River 362 U u 326 Kerikeri 4, ,811 10,410 2,006 River 433 E b 216 Okaihau ,014 1, Boreholes 51 U u 313 Opononi Omapere ,487 3, River 80 U u 241 Paihia - Waitangi 3, ,268 11,958 1,598 River 501 U u 314 Rawene ,217 3, River 58 E a 198 Russell NA Boreholes NA NA NA NA District TOTAL 22, ,118 49,621 81,763 9,543 3,049 N/A N/A 320 1Population figs are from the 2006 census 2 Lengths and valuations are those from the July 2008 valuation of commissioned assets * 2007/2008 production vols. from Transfield Services Ltd compliance report to NRC Water Treatment grading Reticulation Grading Av. consumption /connection (m 3 yr) A1 Completely satisfactory. Negligible level of risk. a Demonstrably high quality A Completely satisfactory. Very low level of a risk. B Satisfactory. Low level of risk. b C Marginal. Moderate level c of risk. D Unsatisfactory. level of risk. d E Completely unsatisfactory. Very high level e of risk. U Ungraded u 90 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

11 water supply private water assessments summary of findings Table A2: a) Estimated total number of normally resident people whose properties are not currently able to be connected to a public reticulated water system (includes all rural properties): b) Communities within Far North District that are not fully served by a reticulated public water supply system. Around 33,000 There are around 140 small, private, water supply systems where numbers of people congregate. These mainly comprise schools, campgrounds, marae, and hotels/motels. A desktop assessment of these has been undertaken as part of the Water Activity Management Plan. Name of of Community Based - on on Census Census Area Area Units Units (CAU) (CAU) & and census census figs figs Estimated Population Not Served by by a a Public System Awanui 351 Karikari Peninsula-Maungataniwha 4,230 Taipa Bay-Mangonui * 1,569 Herekino 1,725 Ahipara 1,125 North Cape * 501 Houhora 837 Motutangi-Kareponia 1,755 Kaeo 495 Mangapa-Matauri bay 2,646 Kohukohu 186 Hokianga North 1,962 Hokianga South ** 2,230 Kerikeri ** 1,386 Russell 816 Bay of Islands 18 Kapiro 2,445 Waitangi 792 Pokere-Waihaha 2,490 Okaihau 301 Ohaeawai 711 Waihou Valley-Hupara 2,336 Ngapuhi-Kaikou 2,077 Inlet-Hokianga Harbour 3 Inlet-Whangaroa Harbour 15 Inlet Bay of Islands 6 Total 33,008 c) Water is generally collected in these unreticulated areas from the roofs of properties but there are also properties that have boreholes, springs and streams that supply their water needs. d) General issues relating to private water supply systems: Shortages during summer months requiring tank top ups using water from public water treatment works Water quality issues resulting from wildlife contamination of roof collection areas Borehole and stream water contamination from a variety of sources including organic and chemical pollutants. * Doubtless Bay Water Company, a private water supplier, supplies the population in this area but the actual population served is commercially private information. ** Some of the population in these areas are supplied with a raw (non-potable) water supply. These population figures have not been included. FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

12 Wastewater Key facts Council operates and maintains: o 17 wastewater systems o 16 wastewater treatment plants (11 ponds, 4 activated sludge plants) o 333 kilometres of sewer pipes o 150 pumping stations o 9,593 properties are connected to Council s system Why we do it Our vision is that the Far North s coastal marine, river waters and lakes are healthy at all times, so that they support healthy marine and freshwater ecosystems, recreational use, fishing and shellfisheries. Our sewage treatment plants, pumping stations and reticulation systems contribute to that by controlling the quality of effluent and minimising the risk of sewage overflows and spills. Our work programme is driven by community expectations about the quality of our environment and the need for sustainability reducing our overall impact on the environment both now and in the future. The sewerage function is regarded as one of the core functions of Council. This is confirmed by statute the Local Government Act 2002 generally requires the continued operation of any sewerage system that Council operated at the time the Act was passed, and continued operation of any new system that the Council constructs from that date. Contribution to Community Outcomes PUBLIC HEALTH PUBLIC SAFETY ENVIRONMENT Provide and operate sewage reticulation systems and treatment plants through monitoring Reduce the number of overflows and sewage spills Provide and operate sewage reticulation systems and treatment plants, by monitoring the performance of onsite treatment plants 92 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

13 wastewater Recent progress what we have achieved since the last plan Since 2006 Council has achieved the following: Ahipara - sewer relocation and new pumping station East Coast- new emergency storage tank at pumping station Kaikohe - modifications to ponds at treatment plant Kaitaia - new inlet screen and pumping station at treatment plant, upgrading of ponds at treatment plant, replacement rising main Kerikeri - new UV installation at treatment plant, new emergency storage tank at pumping station Paihia - new anaerobic pond at treatment plant, replacement of asbestos concrete rising main Waitangi - emergency storage tank Upgraded the telemetry system Condition assessment of asbestos concrete mains completed. what we have not achieved since the last plan Since 2006 Council has not achieved the following: In the last LTCCP Council also planned to progress a number of subsidy-funded wastewater schemes. These did not progress in accordance with the programme in the LTCCP as the subsidy scheme was suspended by the Ministry of Health due to a shortage of funding. This has now been resolved, funds are available and a number of schemes are included in this LTCCP. Where are we now? - Key issues and challenges facing this Service Issues / challenges Implications Minimising environmental impact Increased demand for the service as a result of the growth of the district and of tourism Requires: A continued programme of improving environmental awareness throughout the community so that everybody can play their part in protecting our environment Action to ensure compliance with the onsite sewage treatment bylaw Installation of new sewerage systems and treatment plants in currently unserved communities where subsidy support is available. Requires upgrades of systems and provision of additional infrastructure FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

14 wastewater Where are we now? - Key issues and challenges facing this Service (continued) Issues / challenges Implications er environmental standards in Resource Consents Requires upgrades of existing systems and higher specifications for new systems in order to improve the quality of treated effluent Need to reduce sewage spills Requires improvements to monitoring and control systems (e.g. alarm improvements) and, in key locations, the provision of emergency storage Increased operating costs (power, fuel, chemicals) Requires programmes to control and optimize return from operating costs Continuation of sanitary subsidy scheme New systems are dependent on subsidy. Future infrastructure programme will be geared to subsidy availability and projects will only be confirmed once subsidy is certain Climate change Increased costs resulting from need to guard against possible impacts: drought, flood, algae 94 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

15 wastewater What you have told us Our most recent residents showed an 84% satisfaction rating amongst people using a Council sewerage system. This is the highest satisfaction rating of any Council service and compares well with similar councils although below the national satisfaction level. Those residents who expressed dissatisfaction with Council s services focused on the need for improved systems and elimination of foul smells. What we plan to do Objective 1: Increase the level of treatment provided by: o Upgrading treatment plants (Ahipara, Awanui, East Coast, Hihi, Kaikohe, Kohukohu, Opononi, Waitangi Forest, Rangiputa, Rawene, Whatuwhiwhi). Objective 2: Reduce the risk of sewage spills by: o Pursuing a spill management strategy using a risk- based model in agreement with NRC o Installing emergency storage tanks at pumping stations in Kaeo and Rangiputa o Improving monitoring and alarm systems. o to the upgraded treatment plant and abandoning the existing Kerikeri treatment plant Installing sewerage pipelines to serve existing and new developments. Objective 5: Reduce service disruptions by: o Improving monitoring and alarm systems o Implementing a planned renewals programme. Objective 6: Improve the management of our sewerage systems by: o Introducing a wastewater bylaw. Objective 7: Review the sewerage targeted rate system by: o Considering and consulting on future charging options o Examining the basis on which customers are re- quired to connect to new Council systems. Objective 3: Provide new systems to reduce the risk to public health and the environment from contamination with sewage by: o Subject to obtaining a subsidy, implementing new works in Ngawha and Awanui. Objective 4: Provide for development in the Kerikeri/ Waipapa area by: o Upgrading the existing Waitangi Forest Treatment Plant (subject to obtaining a Resource Consent) o Installing pipework to transfer flows from Kerikeri FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

16 wastewater LEVELS OF SERVICE PROVISION TEN YEAR PLAN MEASURES AND LEVELS OF SERVICE Key Project(s) / Initiative(s) How the project(s) / initiative(s) will impact on levels of service Community Outcomes Measure Baseline 2007/ /10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 Treatment plant upgrades Reduce risk of failure of Resource Consents Public Health Environment Number of failures of Resource Consent determinants Implementation of spill management programme Reduce risk of spills of sewage to the environment Public Health Public Safety Environment Number of spills of sewage to water General service improvements Increase level of customer satisfaction Public Health Environment % very satisfied/ satisfied respondents in Communitrak Survey 84% 84% 84% 85% 85% 85% 87% 87% 87% 90% 90% Improvements in infrastructure and equipment Improve continuity of service Public Health % of service disruptions resolved in less than 4 hours 90% 92% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% Extend coverage of public wastewater systems Improve wastewater facilities Public Health Environment Number of connections 10,576 10,600 10,700 10,900 11,100 11,350 11,600 11,850 12,200 12,450 12, FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

17 wastewater key assumptions ASSUMPTION what may happen instead likelihood impact FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS MITIGATION Population growth is in accordance with the growth strategy forecasts Per capita generation of sewage flows remains at constant levels Actual levels higher than assumed Actual levels lower than assumed Insufficient capacity available Infrastructure not fully utilised in period of plan Low Trends are kept under regular review Take up is expected to occur over time Level of inflow / infiltration remains unchanged / decreases Increased inflow/infiltration Increased operational costs and risk of spills/overflows Low Programme of inflow/in filtration reduction Renewed and new Resource Consents may include a requirement for viral reduction Requirement is tighter than has been assumed Low Additional systems upgrades required Any additional spending requirement will be balanced against a reduction in future capital programmes Asset lives are as detailed in the accounting policies Assets depreciate more rapidly than assumed Low Pressure on renewals budgets Future levels of capital expenditure would be adjusted downwards to compensate FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

18 wastewater key risks risk assessed level of risk mitigation level of risk after mitigation An upgrade programme is underway to increase emergency storage and/or provide standby pumps at critical pumping stations in the network to 12 hours Contamination caused by sewage overflows as a result of individual pumping station failures Extreme Two standby generators have been installed in the network, one on Waitangi major, the other at Kawakawa. The Kawakawa generator is mobile and can be deployed elsewhere if necessary. A separate risk event outlines the risk of a prolonged power outage Emergency storage has been installed at Waitangi Major and Williams Road car park pumping stations in Paihia and at 1 pumping station in the East Coast. Additional storage will shortly be provided in Kaeo" FNDC's new Resource Consent requires changes to discharge levels Identify industry advances in treatment procedures that might reduce either volumes or level of environmentally impacting discharge Contamination caused by sewage overflows from pipe breaks or network flooding Replace failing infrastructure Planned maintenance and pipe renewal programmes, based on importance of asset and risk of failure are now implemented" Power failures affecting sewage treatment plants and pumping stations Set up access to additional generators when required (short term) Increase level of storage at pumping stations ((long term) Prolonged District-wide power outage Arrange for guaranteed supply of generators. Emergency Response plan is under development Council Employee or member of public falls into treatment pond or tank A structured Health and Safety Audit is underway for each site to identify and mitigate hazards Improved fencing and signs 98 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

19 wastewater significant negative effects potential negative effect how we are addressing this The cost of operating and/or improving the infrastructure may exceed the community s ability to pay Consulting with the community on all costs and options for levels of service via the LTCCP process The inability of the infrastructure to meet the demand for water may cause difficulty and hardship in the community Poor quality water or interruptions to supply could impact on public health Implementing programmes of plant and system improvements and reducing leakage from the reticulation system Implementing programmes of plant and system improvements Failure or disruption of the service may cause difficulty and hardship in the community Continuing programmes of plant and system improvements and planned maintenance. Making effective use of improved telemetry system FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

20 wastewater PUBLIC wastewater ASSESSMENTS SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The tables below represent public wastewater systems that are presently owned and managed by the Far North District Council. summary The Public System The total usually resident population of the Far North District is 55,845 (2006 census). The Council owns and manages 17 separate wastewater systems. All these public systems have a piped sewerage network (reticulation), which connects to a variety of centralised treatment works that process the wastewater and then discharge the treated wastewater onto the land or through wetlands or direct into watercourses. A summary of the public systems is shown in the table below: communities with public wastewater systems Table A1: Communities with public wastewater systems Community Population Served (winter) 1 Length of Reticulation km 2 Depreciated Replacement Value ($,000) inc. land 2 Replacement Value ($ 000) inc. land 2 No of Connections (from the rate account) Method of Treatment Ahipara 1, ,473 5, Oxidation ponds & wetlands Awanui ,328 2, Activated sludge, filter, UV & wetlands East Coast 2, ,914 15, Aerated ponds & wetlands Hihi , Activated sludge & wetlands Kaeo ,572 3, Oxidation ponds & wetlands Annual Discharge 3 Volumes m 3 Discharge volume per Connection (m 3 /year) 54, , , , , Kaikohe 4, ,247 12, Oxidation ponds & 676, wetlands Kaitaia 5, ,536 16, Oxidation ponds 1,171, Kawakawa 1, ,608 7, Bio reactor, filter, UV & wetlands Kerikeri 2, ,165 9, RBCs, sedimentation, UV & wetlands Kohukohu , Oxidation ponds & wetlands Opononi ,398 3, Aerated pond and wetlands Paihia 3, ,219 23,659 1,456 Oxidation ponds and wetlands Rangiputa , Oxidation ponds and ground disposal Rawene ,163 3, Oxidation ponds and wetlands 111, , , , , , Russell 1, ,105 8, SBR, filter, UV and 75, borehole discharge Whangaroa No treatment 0 0 Whatuwhiwhi ,437 7, Aerated pond and wetlands 36, District wide TOTAL 25, , ,011 9,578 3,336, Population figs are from the 2006 census 2 Lengths and valuations are those from the July 2008 valuation of commissioned assets 3 Discharge volumes are for the year July 2007-June Discharge per connection ignores connections for Rangiputa and Whangaroa 100 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

21 wastewater private wastewater assessments summary of findings A summary of all private wastewater systems is shown below: a) Estimated total number of normally resident people whose properties are not currently able to be connected to a reticulated wastewater system (includes all rural properties): b) Communities within Far North District that are not fully served by a reticulated public wastewater system. (In areas that are part served by a public system the estimated remaining population not served is included in the figures below). Around 31,000 There are also around 140 small, private wastewater systems, comprising schools, campgrounds, marae and hospitals. Name of Community - Based on Census Area Units (CAU) & 2006 census figs Estimated Population Not Served by Public System Karikari Peninsula-Maungataniwha 1,080 Herekino 1,950 North Cape 501 Houhora 837 Motutangi-Kareponia 1,755 Kaeo 0 Mangapa-Matauri bay 2,646 Hokianga North 1,962 Hokianga South 2,607 Kerikeri 3,656 Russell 67 Opua East 104 Moerewa 1,536 Opua West 129 Bay of Islands 18 Kapiro 2,445 Waitangi 792 Pokere-Waihaha 2,490 Okaihau 717 Ohaeawai 711 Waihou Valley-Hupara 2,952 Ngapuhi-Kaikou 2,514 Inlet-Hokianga Harbour 3 Total 31,478 c) Wastewater is generally collected and disposed of in these unreticulated areas by septic tanks but there are also properties that still use long drops. d) General issues relating to private wastewater systems: In a number of areas of the Far North the private wastewater systems (mainly septic tanks) are failing. In some cases this is due to lack of adequate maintenance by the owners but there are also many systems that need to be replaced. Due to the ground conditions and section size this replacement will have to include the possibility of some form of reticulation and centralised treatment for public health and environmental reasons. FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

22 Refuse and Recycling Key facts Council operates and maintains: o 14 Refuse Transfer Stations o Landfills at Ahipara and Russell o Resource Recovery Centre at Kaitaia. Why we do it Our vision is for the Far North to waste nothing of value or use, that the amount of waste generated in the Far North is kept to a minimum and maximum value is realised from our renewable resources. Our refuse and recycling services contribute to that by providing the facilities and opportunities enabling the communities in the district to dispose of their waste so as to minimize the harmful environmental effects and maximize recycling. Council is involved in refuse and recycling because the effective management of refuse and recycling is necessary to protect public health and the environment. Contribution to Community Outcomes PUBLIC HEALTH ENVIRONMENT Provide waste disposal and recycling facilities Provide waste disposal and recycling services and encourage reduction in waste sent to landfills 102 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

23 refuse and recycling Recent progress what we have achieved since the last plan Since 2006 Council has achieved the following: Constructed a new resource recovery centre in Kaitaia Installed 5 Molok Recycling Bins Implemented kerbside recycling collections in the Kerikeri/Waipapa areas in July 2008 Implemented kerbside recycling Provided education modules on Waste minimization and environmental awareness in 65 schools in the District. what we have not achieved since the last plan Since 2006 Council has not achieved the following: Constructed a new resource recovery centre at Kerikeri this is deferred pending the outcome of the trial of kerbside recycling in the Kerikeri area. Where are we now? - Key issues and challenges facing this Service Issues / challenges Implications Need to provide security to meet long term disposal requirements Waste minimisation bill requiring minimization of waste to landfill and imposing a levy in terms of $/tonne of waste disposed of at landfill Changing transport / fuel costs Changes in market value of recyclables Requires consideration of disposal options and minimisation of the amount of waste sent to landfill Increase in costs due to the waste levy Requires recycling and education programmes Must be addressed as part of considering future landfill options as location impacts on transport costs May restrict materials that can be recycled Changes in community expectations regarding refuse and recycling services Expectations may not be affordable for the community FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

24 refuse and recycling What you have told us Our most recent residents survey showed a 71% satisfaction rating for refuse disposal services. Satisfaction ratings have been on the increase since 2003 and the recorded level of satisfaction is higher than for other similar councils and above the national satisfaction level. Those Far North residents who expressed dissatisfaction focused on costs and facilities Satisfaction with recycling services is 75%, which is higher than the rating for other similar councils, though below the national average. Far North residents expressing dissatisfaction were concerned about the lack of recycling facilities in their area. What we plan to do Objective 1: Work towards meeting long-term waste disposal needs by: o Exploring disposal options for the district, including a regional landfill in Whangarei DC and possible sites for large landfill within the district. Objective 2: Increase waste recycling by: o Improving access to recycling services across the district increasing kerbside recycling, providing Molok kerbside local recycling units and resource recovery centres, and extending the range of recycled materials (subject to the market in recyclables). Objective 3: Encourage environmental awareness and waste minimisation and reduce our impact on the environment by: o Continuing to provide information, support and advice to the community on ways they can reduce the waste they generate. Objective 4: Manage costs by: o Using available space in the current landfills in the District where cost effective until the long term waste disposal option is operational o Reviewing the status of Russell landfill. Objective 5: Update relevant plans and bylaws by: o Reviewing Solid Waste Bylaw and Solid Waste Management Plan by 2010 o Introducing a Waste Licencing Bylaw. 104 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

25 refuse and recycling LEVELS OF SERVICE PROVISION ten YEAR PLAN MEASURES AND LEVELS OF SERVICe Key Project(s) / Initiative(s) How the project(s) / initiative(s) will impact on levels of service Community Outcomes Measure Baseline 2007/ /10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 Improvements in recycling facilities Increase amount of waste that is recycled Environment Public Health % by tonnage of waste that is recycled/reused 46% 49% 52% 55% 58% 61% 64% 67% 70% 70% 70% Introduction of greenwaste processing Implementation of environmental awareness programme Reduce volumes disposed of in landfills Environment Per capita volume of refuse from District disposed of at landfills 1.64m General improvements in the refuse service Improve customer satisfaction with the refuse service Environment Public Health % respondents very satisfied /satisfied with refuse service in Communitrak survey 71% 71% 71% 75% 75% 75% 80% 80% 80% 85% 85% Improvements in recycling facilities Improve customer satisfaction with the recycling service Environment % respondents very satisfied /satisfied with recycling services in Communitrak Survey 75% 75% 75% 80% 80% 80% 85% 85% 85% 90% 90% FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

26 refuse and Recycling Key assumptions ASSUMPTION what may happen instead likelihood impact financial implications MITIGATION Population growth is in accordance with the growth strategy forecasts Actual level of growth higher than assumed Actual level of growth lower than assumed Insufficient capacity available Infrastructure not fully utilised in period of plan Low Low Growth trends are kept under regular review Growth is expected to occur over time Per capita generation of waste disposed of to landfill reduces by 2% a year Per capita generation of recyclables increases by 5% a year er than anticipated waste volumes Lower than anticipated recycling Pressure on landfill resources and increased costs As above Recycling education, recycling campaigns, and increase in recycling facilities / schemes e.g. kerbside collection As above 106 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

27 refuse and recycling Key risks risk current rating mitigation rating after mitigation Insufficient further recycling facilities Refuse and recycling facilities are currently under review by Council Significant increase in number of illegal dumpings and abandoned vehicles Offer incentives offered to residents to bring old cars to the Refuse Transfer Stations Develop promotional and educational programme Public health risks at landfills and Refuse Transfer Stations Continually review site specific Health and Safety procedures Lack of suitable disposal sites Investigate out of district and in district optiions Contamination from closed landfills unknown Identify all known closed landfill sites through a desk top exercise and develop post closure management plans Customers not prepared to pay rubbish disposal charges Promote any increase in charges sufficiently and in a timely manner FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

28 refuse and recycling significant negative effects potential negative effect how we are addressing this Location of disposal/recycling facilities may attract community opposition Researching most appropriate and cost effective locations and taking account of community views in deciding locations Inability to deal with waste and recyclables generated may cause difficulty and hardship to the community Ensuring that adequate services are provided Summary of Solid Waste Management Plan In accordance with section 3 Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 2002, the following section summarises Council s existing Solid Waste Management Plan. The Council s goal is to assist the community to protect public health and to protect the environment by providing for the reduction, recycling and disposal of solid waste by: Waste reduction Developing public awareness of the importance of waste prevention and to encourage people to prevent waste at source Encouraging the reduction in the amount of food and garden waste put into landfills Allocating funding to waste minimisation. Recycling Encouraging recycling so as to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. The markets for recyclables are varied. Bins for recyclables are provided at all Group 1 and 2 transfer stations. Products able to be recycled at transfer stations from time to time, depending on the market of recoverables, are: o Glass clear, green, brown (not window glass) o Paper and cardboard o Plastic HDPE (milk bottles), PET (soft drink) three colours o Aluminium and alloys o Ferrous metals. Collections Facilitating efficient refuse collection and/or transfer service operation for the Far North district. Disposal Ensuring safe, economic and environmentally sound refuse disposal in landfills. Hazardous waste Encouraging the safe collection and specialised disposal of hazardous waste. Monitoring Monitoring the performance of the Waste Management System in terms of its effectiveness, efficiency and impact on the environment. 108 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

29 Financials Water and Waste Management FINANCIAL FORECASTS The tables that follow show: Ten year projections of operating income and expenditure Forecast capital expenditure and funding followed by a breakdown of capital projects by ward, the latter reflecting Council s plans to increase asset capacity in response to cater for additional demand and / or improved levels of service. Overall position Both the water and wastewater accounts are in deficit reflecting decisions of past Councils not to impose levels of charges required to break even. This position is not sustainable over the longer term because Council has to make adequate provision for the maintenance and renewal of the infrastructure involved. Council is therefore reviewing the level of charges as part of this LTCCP process. Added to this the capital expenditure proposals set out in this plan to support the development of the district would add further to district-wide charges. Council recognises the need to get the balance right between the benefits that new reticulated systems would undoubtedly bring and a reasonable level of user charges. It aims to tackle these issues by: Challenging unnecessary costs associated with the development of new systems e.g. the huge costs imposed by RMA resource consent processes Seeking Government support for both the initial costs of the infrastructure and the ongoing costs of maintaining and renewing it limiting capital expenditure to the absolute essentials Considering the use of alternative funding sources e.g. receipts from surplus property sales. water charges In considering future water charges Council has taken account of the following key factors: The quantity of water sales is not increasing as rapidly as anticipated in previous budget forecasts There is a need to recover previous years deficits on the water account. For a number of years Council has artificially kept the price of water low to avoid large rate increases. This has resulted in an operating deficit of over $2.5 million. Following a decision of Council it has been agreed that the operating deficit will be recovered over the next 10 years Whilst Council has endeavoured to limit future capital expenditure during the current downturn there is still a need to undertake a substantial amount of spending to comply with Resource Consents and New Zealand Drinking Water standards. The following table shows the change in the expenditure requirements for water for the period 2009 to As can be seen there is a 20% increase proposed for the 2008/09 year with a lower increase for the following years. year Required $ thousands 2008/ / / / / / / / / / /19 $ 6,258 $ 7,511 $ 7,727 $ 8,073 $ 8,289 $ 8,515 $ 8,429 $ 9,181 $ 9,871 $ 9,761 $ 10,140 % change 20% 3% 4% 3% 3% -1% 9% 8% -1% 4% The effect of the increased funding demands has led to a requirement for increased rating levels. The following steps have been taken to determine the rating levels: The 10% discount has been cancelled and instead a 10% penalty will be added for late payment The operating deficit will be recovered over 10 years The fixed line fee has been increased from $109 to $200 per rating unit. It will subsequently increase by 3% pa thereafter. FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

30 water and waste management The rating effect of these steps is shown in the next table: water year LINE CHARGE charge per cubic metre 2008/ / / / / / / / / / /19 This is the equivalent of a 139% increase in the line charge and a 18% increase in the meter charge over the 10 years 2009/2019. Sewerage Charges $ 109 $ 200 $ 206 $ 212 $ 219 $ 225 $ 232 $ 239 $ 246 $ 253 $ 261 $2.52 $2.69 $2.70 $2.77 $2.78 $2.78 $2.65 $2.88 $3.08 $2.94 $2.98 Like water, wastewater rate increases have been limited notwithstanding the increasing costs. In the case of wastewater, there was an operational surplus which was used to keep the rating costs low. That surplus has now been exhausted so it is necessary to increase the sewerage charges to compensate. The effect of the increased funding demands has led to a requirement for increased rating levels. Council also needs to ensure that future charges take account of projected capital expenditure requirements. Whilst the latter are being limited to meeting changing environmental standards they will nevertheless be substantial over the life of this plan. The following table shows the change in the expenditure requirements for wastewater for the period 2009 to 2019: wastewater year Required $ thousands 2008/ / / / / / / / / / /19 $ 7,176 $ 8,934 $ 9,690 $ 10,481 $ 10,750 $ 11,278 $ 12,180 $ 12,417 $ 12,945 $ 13,321 $ 13,606 % change 24% 8% 8% 3% 5% 8% 2% 4% 3% 2% Taking these factors into account Council has implemented the following changes in sewerage charges: The number of free pans available to commercial properties will be reduced from 3 to 2, The additional pan charge will be increased from 44% to 60% The rating effect of these steps is shown in the next table. year LINE CHARGE % change 2008/ / / / / / / / / / /19 $ 606 $ 702 $ 755 $ 810 $ 825 $ 859 $ 921 $ 931 $ 963 $ 984 $ % 8% 7% 2% 4% 7% 1% 3% 2% 1% This is the equivalent of a 65% increase in the years 2009/2019. Council intends to consider and consult on other options for wastewater charges over the coming year. russell wastewater scheme Council specifically requested that the rating impact of the Russell Wastewater scheme be separately identified in the draft LTCCP. The reason for this relates to the special nature of and the way that this scheme is currently funded. Council recognised that this was a difficult and controversial issue so sought submissions on how the Russell sewerage funding shortfall should be addressed. Following consultation, Council has decided to continue to use the current district-wide funding mechanism. 110 FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

31 budget and capital projects Under the Development Contributions Policy any new connection to the Russell wastewater scheme will require the payment of the appropriate contributions. When the rating policy changed in 2006, Council gave Russell property owners a period of three years to connect lots that were created prior to 30 June 2006, without becoming liable for the contributions. As a result of submissions the exemption period has been extended to 30 June Asset Management To provide the asset capacity required to meet this activity s objectives Council is planning new capital expenditure over the period of this plan. The detail of this, together with funding information is shown below under Capital Projects by Ward. In line with the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 2002 Council has undertaken detailed analysis of the costs of costs of asset maintenance, renewal and replacement. This analysis is contained in asset management plans that supplement this LTCCP and relevant expenditure is included in the tables below. In respect of asset replacement and renewal: Water and wastewater renewals and replacements: o Resource consents are scheduled to be renewed at the expiry of the existing consent o Annual provision is made to renew minor works as required o Major upgrades which include the renewal of exist- ing assets are included in New Works with the renewal component separately funded from depreciation reserves Refuse renewals and replacements: Renewal of assets to be replaced has been programmed consistent with the financial asset register replacement valuations and asset expiry dates. Renewal funding is firstly drawn from available depreciation reserves. Where reserves are diminished, short term loan funding is used. Short term loan funding is programmed to be repaid by depreciation funding in ensuing periods. FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN

32 budget and capital projects CONSOLIDATED WATER, WASTEWATER AND REFUSE PROSPECTIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Annual Plan $'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s $'000s Income 4,813 Rates - General 4,644 4,788 5,235 5,424 5,519 5,623 5,715 5,828 5,950 6,067 13,572 Rates - ed 16,443 17,414 18,570 19,036 19,789 20,605 21,594 22,811 23,077 23, Rates - Penalties ,415 Fees & Charges 2,376 2,534 2,021 2,157 2,177 2,210 2,244 2,278 2,316 2, Subsidies Capital 2,293 2,076 3,736 2, , ,745 Development Contributions 2,550 2,508 2,431 2,342 2,267 2,208 2,123 1,624 1,543 1, Other Income ,706 Total Operating Income 28,541 29,562 32,241 31,996 30,462 33,162 32,128 32,821 33,171 33,911 Direct Costs 425 Landfills Recycling & Waste Minimisation Refuse District Wide Operations Septic Tank Response Special Collections ,606 Transfer Stations 3,737 3,864 3,956 4,507 4,964 5,068 5,174 5,283 5,400 5, Wastewater District Wide Operations ,430 Wastewater Schemes 3,271 3,413 3,581 3,703 3,815 4,118 4,308 4,463 4,626 4, Water District Wide Operations ,314 Water Schemes 3,320 3,473 3,557 3,642 3,726 3,466 3,987 4,083 4,186 4,483 3,867 Interest 4,619 5,092 5,405 5,257 5,326 5,532 5,411 5,156 4,982 4,779 4,471 Depreciation 5,000 5,651 6,083 6,494 6,908 7,290 7,633 7,901 8,264 8,543 21,284 Total Direct Operating Expenditure 22,940 24,606 25,557 26,331 27,157 27,956 29,059 29,503 30,149 30, FAR NORTH FUTURE PLAN