Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

Many communities in the Bay of Plenty do not have reticulated sewerage treatment, but rely on On-site Effluent Treatment systems – otherwise know as septic tanks.

Unfortunately in some areas, for a range of reasons, such systems have the potential to negatively impact on water quality – particularly where they are in areas close to waterways.

Where this happens, and where there are a number of residents, local authorities look at putting in place reticulated schemes.

In certain cases, where water quality is an issue, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council has provided a subsidy to assist in funding the solution.

In its recently-adopted Long Term Plan, council has budgeted more than $11 million to support district council small-scale sewerage schemes across the region during the next four years.

This includes $1.045 million to help fund a solution in Te Puna West for 2016/2017 and $618,000 in Ongare Point for 2017/2018, if these communities decide to go ahead with schemes.

All the systems are subject to business cases, conditions and consents being obtained for new systems. Western Bay of Plenty District Council will the lead agency on these projects.

By investing in wastewater treatment infrastructure like this, the regional council is acting to improve the water quality in Tauranga Harbour.

If you have views on this or any other issue, you can email me at [email protected] or ring me on 07 579 5150.