Two resource consent applications made by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) – around the operation of its Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant have been publicly notified by Otago Regional Council (ORC).

The applications to ORC are to discharge wastewater from the Shotover Wastewater Treatment plant to the Shotover River/Kimiākau, and to establish and maintain an outfall structure and diversion channel in the Shotover River/Kimiākau near Queenstown.

ORC consents manager Alexandra King said there was a high degree of public interest in the application.

Communities along the Kawarau River, downstream of its confluence with the Shotover River, share that interest.

“Council is committed to processing these applications in line with the Resource Management Act and public notification is the next step in this process,” she said.

QLDC had requested one application be publicly notified and the other will also be notified for special circumstances; with submissions opening for an extended period of six weeks from today (Saturday September 20 until November 1, she said.

“Due to the high level of public interest the submission period has been extended from the normal four weeks to six weeks.”

There is no timeline on when a decision will be made, as the Environment Court will make a decision on the applications.

Alexandra said the consent types applied for cover discharge and water permits and land use consents.

The first application is for disposal of treated wastewater to water from the Shotover wastewater treatment plant and to construct a riprap outfall structure in the bed of the Shotover River/Kimiākau.

The second application is to construct and operate a diversion channel within the bed of the Shotover River to ensure the discharge of treated wastewater sought is always to flowing water.

A formal public notice on the ORC website outlines the application process, and site notices will also be placed near the plant.

Further details of the applications and how to make submissions can be found here and enquiries can also made to ORC on 0800 474 082 (or [email protected]).

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