Report to Wastewater Management Committee for noting

Transcription

1 Subject: Prepared by: Land-based Discharge of Mortuary Wastewater David Wilson (Strategic Planning Manager) Meeting Date: 26 November 2015 Report to Wastewater Management Committee for noting SUMMARY This report updates the Committee that officers have begun work to scope the regulation and management of mortuary wastewater as part of the wastewater wetlands project. This may include a proposed approach to remove mortuary wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant to a land-based system. RECOMMENDATIONS That the Committee 1. receives the report. David Wilson Strategic Planning Manager Judy Campbell Chief Executive Keywords: Mortuary wastewater, wastewater management, mortuary wastewater bylaw and policy A Page 1 of 5

2 BACKGROUND 1. In June 2009, consents were finally granted for the development of a new wastewater treatment plant for Gisborne city s municipal sewage. A major driver for the new system was to provide for tangata whenua and the wider community s values and interests in the coastal environment of the Bay. The independent commissioners hearing the consent applications by Gisborne District Council made clear: The effects on tangata whenua from the existing wastewater arrangements at Gisborne and the upgrade proposals has been a paramount consideration. It has been made very clear at all times, and over many years now, that the continued discharge of untreated wastewater to the waters of Poverty Bay violates Maori tikanga and is a major effect on the cultural and spiritual sensitivities of tangata whenua. A key component of the ongoing action to implement an improved wastewater treatment scheme is the input from tangata whenua, in partnership with the other interested parties (Watson et al, 2009, p27). 2. The Wastewater Technical Advisory Group (WTAG) has identified as a concern how Gisborne manages the disposal of critically sensitive materials such as mortuary wastewater. WTAG considers the ongoing partnership across community groups now has the capacity to address these matters Council and WTAG are investigating the feasibility of a wetland complex to better manage Gisborne s wastewater. 4. A key component in the development of a sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally and culturally acceptable wastewater management programme for the Gisborne Turanganui a Kiwa district is the development of a land-based treatment system, and beneficial reuse of the treated effluent. In order for such reuse options to be considered environmentally and culturally safe, wastewater derived from mortuary and funeral home activities will need to be treated and discharged separately from the main sewerage treatment system. 5. Research indicates that the main biological and chemical contaminants of the typical wastewater stream from funeral homes can be successfully treated in a standard septic tank and leach field system such that they would pose little, if any, threat to people or the environment when sited on appropriate soils and at a sufficient distance from watercourses. In order to establish an effective separate treatment process for these wastewaters, a decentralised system utilising holding and discharge tank sited at each mortuary or funeral home. The wastewater will then be removed at appropriate intervals for complete septic tank treatment and storage at a Council facility prior to ultimate discharge via sub-surface irrigation to an adjacent elevated Wisconsin Mound leach field. 1 WTAG report to Wastewater Management Committee and GDC (as consent holder), July A Page 2 of 5

3 DISCUSSION and OPTIONS 6. Council officers have begun to scope the regulation and management of mortuary wastewater. This is a work stream of the wastewater wetlands project. This includes a proposed approach to remove mortuary wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant to a land-based system. 7. The two drivers for this work are: a) Iwi view it as culturally offensive that mortuary wastewater is still being disposed of into the Bay (any body/bodily products are viewed as tapu sacred). The community in general is unlikely to support this disposal method either. b) Preparation for the eventual discharge of wastewater to land (wetlands project) and the proposed exclusion of sensitive wastes such as mortuary wastewater. 8. Mortuary wastewater is made up of bodily fluids, embalming preservatives and water used to wash corpses. Currently this waste travels through the wastewater system and treatment plant to be eventually discharged to the sea. This proposed regulation and management would apply to funeral directors and the hospital. 9. The current regulatory environment for mortuary wastewater is that it is considered a conditional trade waste discharge under the Gisborne Trade Waste Bylaw 2015 therefore it does not require permits or special treatment. 10. The proposed solution is to regulate and manage mortuary wastewater. This will be investigated by: a) Completing a feasibility of the potential options for the removal from the wastewater treatment network to a land-based septic system on Council land. b) Investigating the regulation of the disposal of mortuary waste through a mortuary wastewater bylaw. c) Development of a bylaw including ensuring the bylaw is the most appropriate way of managing mortuary wastewater, it is in the most appropriate form; and it is not inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act In addition it is built on a strong evidence-based policy position. SIGNIFICANCE 11. The scoping of the removal of mortuary wastewater to land is of low significance. A significant decision is one that has a high degree of significance in terms of its impact on either: the well-being of Gisborne; and/or persons likely to be affected by or with an interest in that activity; and/or the costs to, or capacity of, the Gisborne District Council to provide for the wellbeing of the district. A Page 3 of 5

4 Criteria The issue, proposal or matter affects all or a large portion of the community in a way that Council considers is significant. The impact or consequence of the issue, proposal or other matter on the affected persons will, in Council s view, be substantial. The issue, proposal, decision or other matter has a history of wide public interest in the Gisborne district or is likely to generate considerable public controversy. The degree to which a decision is difficult to reverse. The extent to which the decision flows logically and consequentially from a significant decision already made or from a decision in the Ten Year Plan or the Annual Plan. The extent to which the options identified (including the do nothing option) have different effects in terms of their costs, their benefits and impact on different members or groups within the community. The decision would exceed $100K or 10% of the annual budget of the Council activity to which the decision relates, whichever is the greater. Significance COMMUNITY OUTCOMES 12. This contributes to Tairāwhiti Tangata (our people), Tairāwhiti Taonga (our environment, culture and economy), Tairāwhiti Wawata (our aspirations realised) by providing a contribution to a wastewater management system that meets the needs of present and future cultural and environmental interests. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 13. This contributes to Environmental Stewardship caring for our natural resources: Gisborne cares for its environment, us and our mokopuna. Council plans for the sustainable management of our natural and physical environment. We monitor the health of our natural resources and understand the impact of activities on our environment. This knowledge informs our decisions and we aim to achieve balanced development. We support plans and actions that allow our land, soils, waterways and coastlines to be clean, healthy and full of life. POLICY 14. This proposal is contained in the Long Term Plan under the wastewater wetlands major project. LEVELS OF SERVICE 15. Not relevant to this report. FINANCIAL 16. This proposal is budgeted for in the Long Term Plan under the wastewater wetlands major project. A Page 4 of 5

5 LEGAL 17. The Local Government Act s purpose is to meet the current and future needs of communities for good quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses. Good quality, in relation to local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions, means infrastructure, services, and performance that are efficient, effective and appropriate to present and anticipated future circumstances. CONSULTATION 18. An internal project team is established from Strategic Planning, Projects and Shared Science Services. 19. Consultation with Maori: Key stakeholders who participate in Wastewater Technical Advisory Group are contributing to policy and evidence positions. A Page 5 of 5