Resource consent is granted for the construction and ongoing operation of a reticulated sewerage system for Matata, subject to a number of conditions.

The consent follows a two-day hearing earlier this month before an independent commissioner.

The application by Whakatane District Council is for five consents related to discharges to the air, discharges to land in circumstances where contaminants may enter water, vegetation removal, earthworks, and associated sediment contaminated stormwater discharge.

They provide for a reticulated sewerage scheme for Matata, servicing the town's 243 households, two primary schools, three marae and the Department of Conservation campground, and catering for projected growth to 2056.

The consents allow sewage to be piped to a treatment plant to be located 300m east of the township. Following treatment the wastewater will be poured into the Thornton Road dunes via a sub-surface irrigation system near Bennett Road and east of the Tarawera River.

Twelve submissions on the proposal were received, seven opposing and five supporting the proposal.

Consent conditions include stringent monitoring of receiving waterways, including 12 months of baseline monitoring, and odour control requirements.

The consent for the Whakatane District Council's long delayed scheme comes with the project's funding deadline just over a week away.

Last year the Ministry of Health told the Whakatane District Council it would have to have work underway by the end of June 2014 in order to keep a $6.7 million government subsidy for the $13.2 million scheme.

The council had to scramble to get the MOH to extend the original deadline which expired on June 30, 2013. As the June 30 2014 deadline approaches work has still not started, and won't until the appeals process is completed.

'The Ministry of Health has been informed, they are aware of the situation so the subsidy is unaffected,” says Whakatane District public affairs manager Ross Boreham.

The Ministry's Manager Environmental and Border Health Sally Gilbert says the Government has approved and set aside a subsidy for the Matata sewage scheme.

The Ministry is aware of delays faced by the Whakatane District Council, which has indicated that a further extension for developing the scheme may be needed. Associate Minister of Health, Hon Jo Goodhew, advised the Council in March that any extension will be considered promptly.

'The Ministry is following up with the Council to ensure a formal application for extension is provided,” says Sally.

The original submitters have 30 days to decide to appeal any aspect of the hearings commissioner's findings. If there are no appeals tenders may be called by mid-August, says Ross.

'Assuming the process isn't delayed by an appeal to the environment court, the work should be well under way by the end of the calendar year.”

The project is being strenuously opposed by Sustainable Matata on grounds that it's additional $300 cost per household per year is unsustainable, and there is no clear evidence of any public health issue that requires it.

A full copy of the consent decision and conditions can be found on the Regional Council website www.boprc.govt.nz