Work is nearing completion on a sizable underground storage tank in Ohope which will see wastewater management in the area improved.

The 20metre concrete tank, part of the capital works programme at the Maraetotara wastewater pump station, has a capacity of 50,000litres and should be in use by the end of November.

The 20metre concrete tank.

Whakatane District Council public affairs manager Ross Boreham says the pump station is one of two the serve Ohope and Otarawairere.

He says it delivers wastewater to the Ohope oxidation ponds and the new tank will provide eight hours of wastewater storage in the event of a power outage at the station.

'The tank also plays an important and cost-effective role in reducing the risk of wastewater overflows during heavy rain events, when stormwater can infiltrate and overload the wastewater system.”