The Matata wastewater reticulation scheme has been axed due to ballooning costs and a reassessment of the scheme's necessity.

The scheme was first by Whakatane District Council in 2004 but placed on hold after the 2005 flood and debris flow disaster that struck the Bay of Plenty township.

Flooding in Matata is a problem when heavy rain hits the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The scheme was revisited after 2008, but progressive changes in the project's scope and design increasing the cost estimate from $4million to $10.5million.

A Ministry of Health subsidy would have contributed $6.7million.

Cost concerns led the Whakatane District Council to review the original health impact justification for the reticulation project.

BECA consultants and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research found there is no compelling case for the introduction of a fully reticulated sewage disposal system in Matata on the basis of risks to human health.

As a result the Whakatāne District Council's Projects and Services Committee is recommending that the Council drop the fully reticulated wastewater scheme in Matatā.

It is also recommending the council seek community and stakeholder feedback. It also recommends that a joint district council/Bay of Plenty Regional Council team be formed to investigate the limited ‘hot spot' areas where environmental testing indicates the existing, on-site effluent disposal systems are not effective.

'The field investigation process is progressing well and we anticipate having detailed information on the problem on-site systems and remedial options by early-November,” says committee chair, councillor Christine Chambers.

'Once that process is completed, we will work with the regional council to determine the best options for dealing with the ‘hot spots' and the level of support which may be available for property owners.”

Residents expressed concern they will be paying for new septic tank systems.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that subsidy funding already approved for a reticulated scheme could be available for small, off-site solutions in problem areas, if required, says Christine.

After the field investigations are complete the committee will report back to the community and other stakeholders and make further recommendations to council.