Waste & Drainage Wastewater Strategy - Whangarei · 2019-06-12 · Current wastewater services and activities in the district Predictions of future wastewater demand and trends in

Waste & Drainage

Wastewater Strategy

Whangarei District Council

Status: Working Draft R3 to WDC staff for internal review

Table of Contents

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................11.1 Why we prepared this Strategy................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Scope....................................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 The Legal Framework............................................................................................................... 2

1.3.1 Local Government Act............................................................................................................ 2

Long-Term Council Community Plans ................................................................................................. 2

1.3.2 Health Act.............................................................................................................................. 2

1.3.3 Building Act............................................................................................................................ 2

1.3.4 Resource Management Act .................................................................................................... 2

1.3.5 Emissions Trading Scheme ..................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Status of this Strategy .............................................................................................................. 2

2 Wastewater Services .................................................................................................................32.1 Current Wastewater Services................................................................................................... 3

2.1.1 Council owned Community Systems....................................................................................... 3

2.1.2 Trade Wastes ......................................................................................................................... 3

2.1.3 Private Systems...................................................................................................................... 3

2.1.4 Key Wastewater Activities...................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Prediction of future wastewater demand................................................................................. 5

3 Vision, Mission and Goals ...........................................................................................................63.1 Vision ...................................................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Mission.................................................................................................................................... 6

3.3 Goals ....................................................................................................................................... 6

3.4 Key Principles .......................................................................................................................... 7

4 Key Principle #1 – Well Managed and Sustainable Treatment and Disposal ......................................94.1 Objectives................................................................................................................................ 9

4.2 Issues....................................................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Actions .................................................................................................................................. 10

5 Key Principle #2 – Well Managed Network .................................................................................125.1 Objectives.............................................................................................................................. 12

5.2 Issues..................................................................................................................................... 12

5.3 Actions .................................................................................................................................. 12

6 Key Principle #3 – Reduce .......................................................................................................156.1 Objectives.............................................................................................................................. 15

6.2 Issues..................................................................................................................................... 15

6.3 Actions .................................................................................................................................. 15


7 Key Principle #4 – Reuse, Recycle, Recover ...............................................................................177.1 Objectives.............................................................................................................................. 17

7.2 Issues..................................................................................................................................... 17

7.3 Actions .................................................................................................................................. 17

8 Key Principle #5 – Integrated Wastewater Management, Funding and Future Planning ...................198.1 Objectives.............................................................................................................................. 19

8.2 Issues..................................................................................................................................... 19

8.3 Actions .................................................................................................................................. 19

9 Key Principle #6 – Know our historical and spiritual background...................................................229.1 Objectives.............................................................................................................................. 22

9.2 Issues..................................................................................................................................... 22

9.3 Actions .................................................................................................................................. 22

10 Glossary.................................................................................................................................24


Quality Management

Version Reason Date By Designation

001 Draft 19 Jan 2010 A Carvell Wastewater Asset Engineer

002 Revised Draft 30 Mar 2010 V Kloosterman VK Consulting Environmental Engineers003 Revised Draft

including comments30 Jun 2010 V Kloosterman VK Consulting Environmental Engineers

NoteThe WDC Document Management Policy is that the official Document is the electronic version held on the Councils Database (Trim). Hard copies (printed versions) are uncontrolled and may be out of date. Please contact Councils Waste and Drainage Department to obtain a copy of the most current document.


GOALS

OUTCOMES

KEY PRINCIPLES

VISIONWhangarei District is more sustainable,

resilient, prosperous, safer, healthier and cleanerbecause of the top quality wastewater services

provided.

MISSIONTo advance the welfare of the district and exceed

community expectations through excellence indelivery of wastewater services in a way which is

sustainable and consistent with the four well-beings:social, economic, environmental and cultural

Well managed andsustainable

treatment anddisposal

Know our historical andcultural background

Integrated wastewatermanagement, fundingand future planning

Reuse-RecycleRecover

ReduceWell managed

network

Keeping our communitiessafe, healthy and culturally

sustainable

Improved sustainabilityand environmental

protection

Sustainable communitygrowth and development

Optimising budgets

Increased efficienciesImproved process

excellenceEnhanced reputational

integrityHelp build consensus and

consumer trust

Protect PublicHealth

Protect theenvironment

Enable sustainablegrowth and

development

Provide for culturalsustainability

Status: Working Draft R3 to WDC staff for internal review P a g e | 1

1 IntroductionIn this section, we describe:

Why we prepared this Wastewater Strategy; The scope of this Strategy; The legal framework around this Strategy; and The status of this Strategy

1.1 Why we prepared this Strategy

Council’s role in wastewater management is complex.

The involvement of the Council in wastewater management not only includes the provision and operation of community wastewater systems, but also building inspections; issuing of building consents and compliance certificates, review of subdivision proposals and issuing resource consents, provision of public health inspectors and monitoring staff; managing trade waste and setting minimum standards for onsite wastewater treatment systems, as well as other aspects. The Council also has a key role in keeping the community informed about wastewater related matters.

The responsibilities for administering these various roles are spread through a range of groups in Council such as: Planning, Infrastructure and Services, Building, Customer Services, and Policy/ Monitoring. Although the roles staff undertake in these various departments vary considerably there are common goals.

One purpose of this Strategy is to define these common goals and provide an outline of how they will be achieved. We also prepared this Wastewater Strategy (WWS) to identify the challenges that may be ahead in meeting these goals and to help perceive opportunities for improvement in the service. Outlining a road map for wastewater management over the medium to long term also provides guidance for the development of Long Term Council Community Plans and direction for the development of the Wastewater Asset Management Plan.

1.2 Scope

This Strategy sets out the broad plan for the management of wastewater in the Whangarei District over the next 50 years.

Wastewater in this context refers to liquid wastes of a community and includes toilet wastes, grey water and trade waste. It applies to community or centralised wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems as well as on-site wastewater systems. It also covers the wastewater residuals, or biosolids, generated from wastewater.

Our Strategy:

Describes the current wastewater services; Explains the type and quantity of wastewater and wastewater residuals managed in the district,

and how much wastewater is expected in the future; Sets out the Vision, Mission and Goals for the Strategy Identifies six proposed Key Principles for achieving the Vision, Mission and Goals:

Well managed and sustainable wastewater treatment and disposal (for both community and on-site systems);

Well managed wastewater reticulation network; Wastewater reduction Wastewater re-use, recycling, and recovery; Integrated wastewater management, funding and future planning. Providing for cultural sustainability


For each Key Principle sets clear objectives; and presents a series of actions to achieve them while providing background information to assist in the understanding of issues around the wastewater activity.

Describes the implications of taking these actions and the expected outcomes.

1.3 The Legal Framework

Council has, through a range of legislation and regulation, been empowered and required to manage wastewater in the Whangarei District. This includes:

1.3.1 Local Government Act

The Local Government Act 2002 (LGA 02) Act provides for local authorities to play a broad role in promoting the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of their communities, while taking a sustainable development approach. District Council is obliged to assess its wastewaterservices to ensure that they can meet future demands while adequately protecting public health.

Long-Term Council Community Plans

There are also strong linkages between the WWS and the Long-Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP). The Local Government Act 2002 requires every territorial authority to have an LTCCP at all times. The LTCCP is the main mechanism that Council uses to consider and allocate resources to provide for wastewater activities over the long term.

An LTCCP serves a variety of purposes. These include: describing Council’s activities; providing a long-term focus for Council’s decisions and activities; and providing integrated decision-making by Council, and co-ordination of its resources.

Council must identify all wastewater activities it undertakes or intends to undertake in its LTCCP. The various strategies in the WWS will be implemented through the LTCCP and Annual Plan processes at a rate which is compatible with Council’s resources, the monitored success of ventures already commenced and the community demand for various services.

1.3.2 Health Act

1.3.3 Building Act

1.3.4 Resource Management Act

Other legislation which has an impact on the wastewater activity includes:

1.3.5 Emissions Trading Scheme

1.4 Status of this Strategy

This Strategy is a draft for Council consideration.


2 Wastewater ServicesThis section outlines the:

Current wastewater services and activities in the district Predictions of future wastewater demand and trends in wastewater generation.

2.1 Current Wastewater Services

2.1.1 Council owned Community Systems

Council owns and manages nine Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) with associated gravity sewers, pump stations and rising mains:

Table 2.1: Community Wastewater Systems

Wastewater Scheme

DesignPopulation

Connections(No)

Gravity Main(km)

Pump Stations

(No)

Rising Main(km)

Discharge

Whangarei City (incl Whangarei Heads)

65,000(yr 2020)

19,218 343 53 39.3 To wetlands, then water

Ruakaka/One Tree Point

12,900(Yr 2030)

985 21.6 17 12.2 To land

Langs Beach/Waipu Cove/Waipu

5,000(ultimate)

623 16.2 11 15.5 To land

Hikurangi 2,300(ultimate)

575 11.6 2 0.5 To water

Oakura 2,000(ultimate)

400 4 8 2.5 To land

Ngunguru 380 5.5 9 2.3 To waterTutukaka 1200+

(Yr 2024)2.1 1 1.4 To water

Portland 300(Yr 2024)

57 3.5 1 0.2 To water

Waiotira 35(Ultimate)

4 .24 - - To water

Totals 88,735 22,242 408 102 74

Source: Whangarei District Council Wastewater Activity Management Plan (2005-2009)

Council staff are responsible for operating these wastewater treatment plants. However, the operation and maintenance of the wastewater network, including pumps, manholes, and sewer and pressure pipelines is contracted out by Council to private Contractors.

2.1.2 Trade Wastes

Council manages trade wastes in the district through its Trade Waste Bylaw 2008. This bylaw regulates the discharge of trade waste to a council operated wastewater system and allows Council to charge for and manage trade wastes so that adverse effects can be minimised.

2.1.3 Private Systems

Private systems are used where there is no community or reticulated system. These fit into two main categories: community systems and single premise systems. Examples of community systems include schools, food premises, camping grounds and accommodation facilities, sports and recreation facilities, marae and community halls, and some residential communities such as retirement homes. Over 140 of these systems have been identified in the Whangarei district.


In addition there are estimated to be XXX on-site wastewater systems in the district which treat and dispose of wastewater from individual households within the confines of their own land.

Building consents for on-site wastewater treatment systems are issued by Council who is also responsible for ensuring they are designed, constructed and managed in a way that meets legislative requirements and protects public health. Council manages this through its powers under the Building Act, its Wastewater Bylaw developed under the LGA 02 and its District Plan Rules developed under the Resource Management Act.

Councils Wastewater Bylaw applies to both wastewater drainage from domestic premises into Council’s public wastewater network and all types of onsite wastewater treatment and land application systems in the district. It stipulates standards for design, installation and maintenance of onsite systems.

2.1.4 Key Wastewater Activities

Council also carries out a range of activities to manage and maintain the wastewater assets. These include:

Asset management: Council has a Wastewater Asset Management Plan which outlines future asset management programmes. These programmes are based on desired community outcomes, customer requirements, assessment of the condition and performance of the current wastewater assets andidentification of assets that need rehabilitation or renewal. An expenditure programme is then developed to ensure that adequate funding and investment in the wastewater infrastructure occurs. The Wastewater Asset Management plan undergoes regular reviews. The capital and operational expenditure programmes are adopted through the Annual Plan and LTCCP processes.

Resource Consent management: Council obtains resource consents under the RMA 1991 for the establishment and operation of its wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems and for the associated discharges to land, water and air. The on-going monitoring of compliance with these consents is also carried out by Council. Environmental and discharge quality monitoring is done by the Council’s testing laboratory, which is IANZ accredited for a range of wastewater testing, with supplementary laboratory analyses also undertaken by other accredited laboratories. Northland Regional Council is the consent authority for the majority of these consents, it audits and confirms compliance and carries out enforcement action as required.

Quality Assurance: Council operates a quality management system to international standard ISO 9001 for the Whangarei WWTP and is intending to extend this system to eventually cover the entire wastewater activity. The system follows the standard Plan, Do, Check, Review cycle for quality Management which results in continuous process improvement.

Setting Performance Measures and Monitoring ResultsCouncil also sets performances measures for the wastewater activity and consults on these as part of the Annual Plan and LTCCP planning processes. The latest performance measures and results as outlined in the Draft Annual Plan 2010-2011 are shown in the table below:

Level of Service – Collection, Treatment and Disposal of Wastewater

2.1 Council will collect, treat and dispose of wastewater through a reliable wastewater network which is managed to ensure blockages, breaks or spillages are kept to a minimum. The wastewater treatment plants operated by Council comply with Northland Regional Council resource consent requirements so that no infringement or abatement notices will be issued against Wastewater.


Performance Measure Results2007-08

Results2008-09

Target2009-10

Target2010-11

2.1.1 Fewer than 7 blockages, breaks orspillages per 100km of sewer main line permonth.

5.2 4.23 7 8

2.1.2 Customer satisfaction with seweragereticulation, treatment and disposal services willbe maintained at 60% or better as measured inthe annual Communitrak Survey or equivalent.

56% 43% 60% 60%

2.1.3 No infringement notices or abatementnotices issued by Northland Regional Councilagainst sewerage reticulation, treatment anddisposal services.

New 0 0 0

2.1.4 Sewer spills at Okara Park Pump Stationduring storm events will be on average no morethan one every five years from 2011-12, andone every two years in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

8 5 2 1 per 2 years

(rolling average)

Ongoing investment in wastewater infrastructure: The above management activities all contribute towards a clear understanding of the financial investment needed to maintain and grow the wastewater infrastructure. Over the next nine years Council has budgeted for activity (operating)expenditure of between $11.3M and $13.5M each year on the wastewater activity and capital expenditure ranging from $5.4M to $16.9M each year. For the ten years to 2019 wastewater operating expenditure is budgeted to be 10% of Council’s total operating expenditure and capital expenditure on wastewater is 22% of Councils total capital expenditure.1 This illustrates Council’s significant forward investment in the wastewater infrastructure.

Figure 2.1: Wastewater Expenditure as a proportion of total expenditure 2009-2019

10%

90%

Operating Expenditure 2009-2019

Wastewater Opex $121.3MOther Opex $1074.8M

22%

78%

Capital Expenditure 2009-2019

Wastewater Capex $105.8M

Other Capex $381.5M

2.2 Prediction of future wastewater demandIn 2041 the population of Whangarei district is projected to be between 85,000 and 120,000. Compared with the 2006 population of about 75,000 this is an increase of between 13% and 60%. This will result in an increase in district wide demand for wastewater services. The greatest proportion of this growth is predicted to occur in coastal areas and this will be where the greatest demand for increased capacity occurs.

1 Financial information from Whangarei District Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2010-2011 and Long Term Council Community Plan 2009-2019


3 Vision, Mission and Goals3.1 Vision

Whangarei district is more sustainable, resilient, prosperous, safer, healthier and cleaner because of the top quality

wastewater services provided.

Our vision is our long term view of where we want to be in the future with the wastewater activity and how we want the wastewater services to contribute towards shaping and improving the district. It is also consistent with Council’s overall vision for the District: To be a vibrant, attractive and thriving district by developing sustainable lifestyles based around our unique environment: the envy of New Zealand and recognised worldwide”

3.2 Mission

To advance the welfare of the district and exceed community expectations through excellence in the delivery of wastewater services in a way which is

sustainable and consistent with the four well-beings: social, economic, environmental and cultural.

Our mission describes the fundamental purpose of the wastewater activity and the general performance levels that we want to achieve in order to fulfil the Vision. It is also consistent with Council’s overall Mission for the District of: “Creating the ultimate living environment”

3.3 Goals

There are four top level goals for wastewater management in the Whangarei district which contribute to achieving the overall vision and mission:

1. To protect public health from the potential harmful effects of wastewater;

2. To work with our communities to enable sustainable community growth and development through provision of appropriate wastewater services;

3. To protect the environment by minimising adverse environmental effects from wastewater discharges, including discharges to land water and air;

4. To work with our communities to provide for cultural sustainability.

Collectively, these goals address the four well-beings: social (goals 1, 2, 3 and 4); economic (goal 2); environmental (goal 3) and cultural (goal 4). They also take account of Council’s obligations under the Health Act, the Local Government Act and the Resource Management Act.

These are big picture goals which are aspirational and bold. We understand that community expectations are high in relation to these matters and in turn we are aiming high and plan to make a step-wise progression towards meeting these goals over time.


3.4 Key Principles

We have also established six key principles which underpin the achievement of the vision, mission and goals of the WWS. These can be thought of as a goal stairway, we use these key principles as stepping-stones to achieve the four major goals.

The six key principles are:

1. Well managed and sustainable treatment and disposal2. Well managed network3. Reduce 4. Reuse – recycle - recover5. Integrated wastewater management, funding and future planning6. Know our historical and cultural background

The interrelationship between the vision, mission, goals and key principles is shown in Figure 3.1.

Figure 3.1: Vision, Mission, Goals and Key Principles

GOALS

KEY PRINCIPLES

VISIONWhangarei District is more sustainable,

resilient, prosperous, safer, healthier and cleanerbecause of the top quality wastewater services

provided.

MISSIONTo advance the welfare of the district and exceedcommunity expectations through excellence in

delivery of wastewater services in a way which issustainable and consistent with the four well-beings:

social, economic, environmental and cultural

Well managed andsustainable

treatment anddisposal

Know our historical andcultural background

Integrated wastewatermanagement, fundingand future planning

Reuse-RecycleRecover

ReduceWell managed

network

Protect PublicHealth

Protect theenvironment

Enable sustainablegrowth and

development

Provide for culturalsustainability

For each of these key principles there are a range of actions and tasks which need to be carried out. These are summarised in Figure 3.2 and described in more detail in following sections.


Figure 3.2: Wastewater Strategy - Goals, Key Principles and Actions

Goals Key Principles Actions


4 Key Principle #1 – Well Managed and Sustainable Treatment and Disposal4.1 Objectives

1. To ensure that the treatment and disposal of wastewater is affordable for the community, is achieved using current best practice and is consistent with the four well- beings; and

2. To minimise effects on public health, the environment and cultural sustainability with combined targets of:a) operating within all consent requirements for community wastewater treatment and disposal

systems;b) Meeting the levels of service as outlined in the Wastewater Asset Management Plan (WWAMP)

plus aiming for the stretch targets as shown in the table below within a 5 year timeframe:

Level of Service Performance Measure

Target in WWAMP Stretch Target

Resident Satisfaction Survey >85% >90%HEAT Survey Rating >65% satisfied

>20% very satisfied>80% satisfied>60% very satisfied

No abatement Notices received Zero ZeroWhangarei WWTP complies with consent Compliance with

specified parametersCompliance with all consent conditions

Operating expenditure vs budget Expenditure < budget Expenditure < budgetCAPEX vs budget Maximum of 5%

variationMaximum of +5% variation

4.2 Issues

Council has nine Wastewater Treatment Plants with capacity to service a design population of nearly 89,000 people. Of these, Whangarei WWTP is the largest by a significant margin able to service a design population of 65,000 or 73% of the total serviced by the community WWTPs. As well as being the largest system, the Whangarei WWTP also discharges to a sensitive and widely used receiving environment, the Whangarei Harbour. The remaining 8 Community WWTPs service a combined design population of 24,000. The wastewater treatment and disposal needs for the remainder of the district are typically provided by individual on-site systems.

Council is responsible for managing all of the community WWTPs. This involves ensuring that correct processes are followed, and that statutory requirements for sound management of these assets and compliance with resources consents are achieved. Council has a formal Quality Management System (QMS) (ISO9000) for the Whangarei WWTP, but does not have a QMS or for its other WWTPs or an Environmental Management System (ISO 14000) for its WWTPs. Setting quality and environmental targets and following the process for continual improvement would lead to enhanced outcomes for both quality and environmental performance.

Ensuring on-site systems are designed, constructed and managed in a way that meets legislative requirements and protects public health is also a responsibility of Council.

On-going trends and community expectations are always towards improved system performance and enhanced levels of treatment leading to superior discharge quality. The sensitivity and the type of receiving environment, land or water, continue to be issues for the community.

Issues regarding treatment and disposal that need to be addressed include: Meeting community and iwi expectations around treatment and disposal, both: What are

acceptable treatment and quality levels before discharge to the receiving environment? and What is an acceptable receiving environment?

Complying with operational and environmental standards and limits set in resource consents


Ensuring that treatment and disposal systems have capacity to meet future demands (both quality and quantity);

Achieving the above in a way that is affordable to the community.

The challenge is to anticipate, plan and carry out the wastewater activities in an affordable way thatmeets increased quality requirements, accommodates growth and development and engenderscommunity support while meeting community expectations and legislative requirements.

4.3 Actions

Direct Action

Item Action Timing

1 Prepare and adopt an Environmental Management System to ISO 14000 for Council’s wastewater treatment and disposal schemes in order to provide a structured system to minimise the impacts of the wastewater activity on the environment.

SBy 2013

2 Prepare, adopt and have certified a Quality Management System to ISO 9000 to set standard operating procedures and systems for Council’s wastewater treatment and disposal schemes and improve the quality of outcomes..

SBy 2013

3 Continue with best practice for Asset Management in accordance with theNAMS Guidelines including:

1. regular updates to the Wastewater Activity/Asset Management Plan; 2. regular assessment of capacity and condition of wastewater assets;

and3. regular review of the Hansen Asset Management database.

SOn-going3 year review

4 Prepare a Management Strategy for rural WWTPs which sets out a multi-criteria analysis as a basis for prioritising upgrades and plant improvements and determining timing and amount of CAPEX and OPEX.

SBy 2012

5 Prepare a consent renewal programme taking into account consent expiry dates and the prioritisation developed in item 4 above.

SBy 2015

6 Carry out an Audit of all community WWTPs to determine degree of compliance with resource consents and establish a forward work programme to rectify any non-compliances.

SDec 2010On-going

7 Monitor the environmental effects of discharges from WWTPs to assess and demonstrate compliance with resource consent, environmental and public health requirements.

SOn-going

8 Report to Council on monitoring compliance (see item 7 above) SAnnual report

9 Co-ordinate with Councils Environmental Division to monitor, assess and record the performance and effects of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems and to check compliance with building consents and the Wastewater Bylaw.

SOn-goingBi-annual Meetings

Community Engagement and Education

Item Action Timing

1 At a project level, commit to community and iwi engagement when new projects are proposed for wastewater treatment and disposal, including maintaining on-going contact after projects are concluded.

SOn-going

2 At a corporate level, convene a group and meet bi-annually for strategic discussions and briefings on the wastewater activity. Potential stakeholderscould include iwi, Regional Council; relevant government departments;(Ministry of Health and Department of Conservation), representatives from industry, commerce, agricultural and recreational sectors. (Same action as for Well Managed Network Community Engagement Action 2)

SOn-goingBi-annual meetings

3 Continue to keep the community up to date with the wastewater activities by regular press releases and publication of Council Connexions

SOn-going

4


Economic

Item Action Timing

1 Provide financial incentives/disincentives and a charging structure which reflects the full cost of wastewater treatment and disposal including exploring alternative charging methods such as charges per unit of wastewater disposed.

SOn-going

2

3

4

Foster new thinking

Item Action Timing

1 Develop a Management Strategy for the Whangarei Harbour and Catchment (CMS), which addresses such issues as:1. Establishing a stakeholder group including iwi; District and Regional Council;

relevant government departments; industry, residential, commercial, farming and recreational groups; users of the Harbour; current dischargers etc.

2. Collecting relevant facts and data on which a CMS can be based including Harbour Modelling and Water Quality Studies as appropriate

3. Preparing a cultural, historical and spiritual account of the Whangarei Harbour and its catchments to provide a well informed background for future proposals. (Refer also: Know our Historical and Spiritual Background - Direct Action 1)

4. Agreeing principles for joint management of the Harbour Catchment based on use, discharges and monitoring required

5. Establishing a structure for sharing risk, responsibilities, costs and monitoring,

6. Assessing alternatives to current discharge points (eg: what are the alternatives to harbour discharges? Should multiple discharge points be considered? Should wastewater discharges from urban expansion be directed to other discharge points?)

M-L

SBy 2011

On-going

SStarting 2011

MBy 2015M-LBy 2020M-LBy 2030

2 Assess the need for improved telemetry at WWTPs for early and real-time detection of flow, performance and quality issues.

MBy 2015

3 Keep informed about current and emerging technology in the wastewater treatment and disposal sector.

On-going

4 Keep informed about National Standards and legislative changes affecting the wastewater sector. To avoid repetition perhaps these items 3 and 4 belong onlyin Key Principle: Integrated WW Management?

On-going

KeyS Short term timeframe (0 – 5 years)M Medium term timeframe (5-10 years)L Long term timeframe (10 years and beyond)On-going either currently underway, or, if included with one of the above timeframes then the

work will be carried on beyond that time.All dates given are at 30 June of that year.


5 Key Principle #2 – Well Managed Network5.1 Objectives

1. To ensure that the collection and transfer of wastewater is achieved using best practice for the protection of environmental and public health standards with the targets of:a) Complying with all resource consents for the network;b) Meeting the levels of service as outlined in the Wastewater Asset Management Plan (WWAMP)

plus aiming for the stretch targets as shown in the table below within a 5 year timeframe:

Level of Service Performance Measure

Target in WWAMP Stretch Target

Resident Satisfaction Survey >85% >90%HEAT Survey Rating >65% satisfied

>20% very satisfied>80% satisfied>60% very satisfied

No abatement Notices received Zero ZeroNumber of blockages, breaks or spills per 100km of sewer per month.

Less than 7 Less than 6

Operating expenditure vs budget Expenditure < budget Expenditure 5% less than budget

CAPEX vs budget Maximum of 5% variation

Maximum of +5% variation

5.2 Issues

The wastewater network contains nearly 500km of pipes, both pressurised and gravity. This requires a significant asset management and maintenance input. While the performance of the network is generally very good under dry conditions, sections of the network are adversely affected by inflow and infiltration under wet weather conditions leading to overflows. Even under dry conditions overflows can occur due to pipe blockages, breaks or pump failure. (More detail on reducing overflows from the network is included in the next section - Key Principle #3 – Reduce).

A significant percentage of the network was constructed between 1960 and 1980 using asbestos cement pipes and these are known to have variable service lives of between 20 and 70 years. The current condition of this asset is not well known and a better understanding of its state and remaining service life would assist Council with its management of risk and cost.

Council does not have a formal Quality Management System (ISO9000) or an Environmental Management System (ISO 14000) for its wastewater network. The discipline of setting quality and environmental targets and following the Plan-Do-Check-Review process for continual improvement would lead to enhanced outcomes for both quality and environmental performance.

5.3 Actions

Direct Action

Item Action Timing

1 Continue to refine and develop a Wastewater Network Model which shows the network response to rainfall, identifies high infiltration areas and allows assessment of different leak reduction scenarios. (see also Reduce – Direct Actions 1, 2, 3 and 4)

SBy 2011

2 Formalise a Sewer Network Maintenance and Management Programme which outlines:1. monitoring and remote inspections, to allow for early detection of issues,

and 2. a flushing programme to prevent/avoid problems.

SBy 2013

3 Set up a system to improve monitoring of the connected wastewater load into the network

SBy 2012


Item Action Timing

4 Continue upgrading the telemetry system to provide improved advance warning of potential problems in the network (eg: pump failure and potential overflows).

On-going

5 Prepare and adopt an Environmental Management System to ISO 14000 for Council’s wastewater network in order to provide a structured system to minimise the impacts of the wastewater activity on the environment (refer also Well Managed and Sustainable Treatment and Disposal - Direct Action #1)

SBy 2013

6 Prepare, adopt and have certified a Quality Management System to ISO 9000 to set standard operating procedures and systems for Council’s wastewater network (refer also Well Managed and Sustainable Treatment and Disposal - Direct Action #2).

SBy 2013

7 Continue with best practice for Asset Management in accordance with the NAMS Guidelines including:1. regular updates to the Wastewater Activity/Asset Management Plan; 2. regular assessment of capacity and condition of wastewater assets; 3. regular review of the Hansen Asset Management database;

and

4. an assessment of the current condition of the AC pipe and its remaining service life.

(refer also Well Managed and Sustainable Treatment and Disposal -Direct Action #3)

SOn-going3 year review

By 2015


Item Action Timing

1 At a project level, commit to community and iwi engagement when new projects are proposed for the wastewater network, including maintaining on-going contact after projects are concluded.

SOn-going

2 At a corporate level, convene a group and meet bi-annually for strategic discussions and briefings on the wastewater activity. Potential stakeholders could include iwi, Regional Council, relevant government departments;(Ministry of Health and Department of Conservation), representatives from industry, commerce, agricultural and recreational sectors. (Same action as for Well Managed Wastewater Treatment and Disposal - Community Engagement Action 2)

SOn-goingBi-annual meeting

3 Continue to keep the community up to date with the wastewater activities by regular press releases and publication of Council Connexions.

SOn-going

4

Economic

Item Action Timing

1 Provide financial incentives/disincentives and a charging structure which reflects the full cost of wastewater collection including exploring charging methods to discourage the illegal connection of stormwater discharges to the wastewater network.

SOn-going

2

Foster new thinking

Item Action Timing

1 Explore options for more integrated delivery of the network Operation and Maintenance functions, potentially covering the water, wastewater and stormwater networks.

S-M

2 Explore options for public/private partnerships such as alliancing and collaboration, for delivery of the Network Operations and Maintenance

S-M-L


Item Action Timing

functions.

3 Assess network consenting options – including options such as maintaining the status quo, obtaining individual consents or obtaining “whole of network” consents.

MBy 2017

4




6 Key Principle #3 – Reduce6.1 Objectives

1) To minimise stormwater and groundwater entry into the sewer network by managing inflow and infiltration with targets of: a) Reducing the volume of untreated overflows from the network by 80% for the 1 in 1 year

event over a 10 year timeframe (baseline year 2010).b) Reducing the frequency of untreated overflows to no more than 1 every 5 years over a 50

year timeframe (baseline year 2010)c) Managing any overflows so that some treatment occurs prior to discharge and/or the

overflow occurs in a location where there is less impact and/or the impact can be effectively mitigated.

2) To minimise the wastewater generated per person, (a reduction in both volume and contaminant loading) by developing within the communities of the district an appreciation of the importance of wastewater minimisation with targets of:a) Reducing nutrient loading into treatment plants.b) Reducing wastewater hydraulic loading into treatment plants.c) Reducing the cost of treating wastewater.

6.2 Issues

If wastewater is not produced – then it does not need to be collected, treated and disposed of, so thiskey principle is targeted at reducing the wastewater generated, both in volume and contaminant loading.

Infiltration and inflow during rainfall events is a major issue for Council to deal with as it results in significant increases in wastewater flows which have to be collected, treated and disposed of. If these wet weather flows exceed system capacities then overflows of untreated or poorly treated wastewatercan occur. Council is committing significant resources to resolving this issue.

Council also manages trade wastes in the district through its Trade Waste Bylaw 2008. This provides an opportunity for Council to reduce the wastewater load on its treatment plant by encouraging the producers of trade waste to limit the volume or improve the quality of the discharge, thereby helping to manage demand.

As municipal wastes are waterborne, wastewater generation is also closely linked to water use. A reduction in water use would have an associated reduction in wastewater volumes. Working with Council’s Water Services Division may create benefits for both the water and wastewater services.

6.3 Actions

Direct Action

Item Action Timing

1 Develop a Wastewater Network Model to gather factual information on which the effective management of the network, including sewer overflows, can be based. (see also Well Managed Network – Direct Action 1)

SBy 2011

2 Use the Wastewater Network Model to develop a specific Sewer Overflow Management Strategy (SOMS) for managing overflows which prioritises sewer overflow remedial works. (see also items 3 and 4 below).

SBy 2011

3 Carry out regular inflow inspections and smoke testing on priority areas identified in the sewer model as having problems and carry out repairs, provided this is consistent with the SOMS.

S On-going

4 Develop a detailed capital works programme based on the SOMS for inclusion in the LTCCP.

SStarting in 2011


Item Action Timing

5 Keep Trade Waste and Wastewater Bylaws under review as instruments to reduce both wastewater quantity and wastewater contaminants. For example through such actions as banning the use of garbage grinders in new developments.

SOn-going


Item Action Timing

1 Work with Trade Waste dischargers to reduce both the quantities of wastewater discharged from their premises and the contaminants in the trade waste discharge.

S-M2010-2020

2 Promote wastewater reduction by working with Councils Water Division to conserve water

S-M2011-2020

3

Economic

Item Action Timing

1 Promote and sustain wastewater reduction within the community by providing financial incentives/disincentives and structuring wastewater treatment and disposal charges in a manner which encourages wastewater reduction.

SOn-going

2

Foster new thinking

Item Action Timing

1 Encourage new developments to plan ahead so that the generation of wastewater is minimised. This will require co-ordination with Council’s regulatory and planning divisions.

SOn-going

2 Keep Trade Waste and Wastewater Bylaws under review to include new thinking which arises from the above actions and ensure Council’s Environmental Engineering Guidelines are updated as well.

S5 yearly review

3 Investigate new technology for reduction of wastewater contaminants (eg: nutrients) at source

S-M2010-2015

4




7 Key Principle #4 – Reuse, Recycle, Recover7.1 Objectives

1. To maximise the beneficial reuse, recycling and recovery of resources from wastewater with targets of:a) reducing both the quantity of wastewater and the contaminants in the wastewater which need

to be treated and disposed ofb) continuing the beneficial re-use of wastewater residuals (biosolids) generated at the Whangarei

WWTPc) Do you want to set a target for energy re-use from wastewater?

7.2 Issues

There is a lot of biomass, nutrients, water and energy in wastewater that can be reused, recycled and recovered before it is disposed of.

At present treated biosolids from the Whangarei Wastewater Treatment Plant are beneficially reused in the reinstatement of Pohe Island Landfill. This aligns with target 2.4 of the NZ Waste Strategy2 – By December 2007, more than 95% of sewage sludge currently disposed to landfill will be composted, beneficially used or appropriately treated to minimise the production of methane and leachate. Landfill rehabilitation is expected to take all biosolids that can be produced until 2013, but Council needs to make alternative plans for beyond that time. In the meantime biosolids will be diverted to the new regional Landfill at Puwera while re-use options are assessed. Options for biosolids reuse can include composting, energy extraction using heat pumps and extracting gas for energy using anaerobic digestion. The relative costs and benefits of these options need to be carefully considered.

Other District Councils have enacted Bylaws or Plan Changes which require water conservation and wastewater or grey water reuse. One District Council has proposed a Change to their District Plan to reduce potable water demand from new dwellings in residential zones by requiring non potable water sources to be available for outdoor uses and toilet flushing. All new dwellings constructed are required to have either a 10,000 litre rainwater collection tank for toilet flushing and outdoor uses or a 4,500 litre water tank for toilet and outdoor use plus a grey water collection system for subsurface garden irrigation.

There are also opportunities for Council to partner with local industries to reuse/recycle wastewater in industrial processes and recover energy from wastewater.

Opportunities to reuse wastewater should always be explored when options for upgrading existing WWTPs or implementing new Wastewater Schemes are being assessed.

7.3 Actions

Direct Action

Item Action Timing

1 Prepare a Biosolids Management, Re-use and Disposal Strategy for Whangarei District which sets out the relative costs and benefits of biosolids re-use options.

SBy 2011

2 Develop a Northland wide strategy for Biosolids Reuse in conjunction with Northland Regional Council and other district councils. (An update on the status of this and the Wastewater Accord is required).

SBy 2012

3 Prepare an On-site Wastewater Management and Disposal Strategy considering such aspects as on-site collection and reuse of rainwater,wastewater and grey water for non-potable purposes.

SBy 2013

2 Ministry for the Environment, 2002. New Zealand Waste Strategy


Item Action Timing

4 Assess the options and identify benefits and costs for energy recovery at the Whangarei WWTP

SBy 2013


Item Action Timing1 Identify high volume and/or high contaminant load and/or priority pollutants

from trade waste dischargers and promote the advantages to them of re-use, recycling and recovery.

M

2

Economic

Item Action Timing

1 Promote and sustain re-use, recycling and recovery of wastewater and the nutrients and energy it contains by providing financial incentives/disincentives and a charging structure which encourages re-use and recycling.

S-M

2

Foster new thinking

Item Action Timing

1 Explore Joint ventures with Northland industry to reuse/recycle wastewaterand recover energy from wastewater.

S-M2011-2020

2 Keep Trade Waste and Wastewater Bylaws under review to include new thinking which arises from the above actions, such as on-site rainwater collection and grey water re-use. Ensure any changes are integrated as required into relevant planning documents such as the District Plan.

S-M5 yearly review

3 Encourage new developments to plan ahead so that water reuse and recycling can be incorporated. This will require co-ordination with Council’s regulatory and planning divisions.

SOn-going

4 Explore opportunities for reusing and recycling wastewater and for recovering biomass, nutrients and energy whenever new wastewater schemes are being assessed or existing schemes are being upgraded.

SOn-going




8 Key Principle #5 – Integrated Wastewater Management, Funding and Future Planning8.1 Objectives

1. To develop resilient, forward looking and integrated wastewater services that enable sustainable growth and community development.

8.2 Issues

Future issues that may impact on the wastewater activity include:

more stringent environmental standards, more stringent public health standards, changing community expectations, changing levels of economic activity, changes in population growth and development patterns that are different to predictions, the need to service areas which currently do not have community wastewater systems, climate change and sea level rise, the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), potential changes in local government structure and organisation, and legislative or regulatory changes

Council has a number of planning processes with a range of planning horizons. Under the LGA 02 there is the Annual plan (yearly cycle) and the Long Term Council Community Plan (ten year planning timeframe with 3 yearly reviews). Under the RMA 1991 there is the Whangarei District Plan which also has a 10 year planning cycle. WDC has a number of planning and strategy documents which adopt a 20 year planning timeframe such as the Coastal Management Strategy, the Urban Growth Strategy, the Urban Form and Development Report, the 20/20 Plus Central City Development Plan, and the range of structure plans produced for the coast and urban fringe. To manage projected growth sustainably, Council has also committed to formulating a new sub-regional growth strategy, called Sustainable Futures 30/50, which plans for infrastructural requirements for the district over a 30-50 year timeframe. The wastewater activity needs to be co-ordinated and integrated with all these planning processes.

There are around 20 residential settlements in the Whangarei District that are not currently serviced by a community wastewater scheme. They have an average size of 70 residential lots with on-site wastewater systems and they are split between coastal (65%) and inland (35%) communities. It is anticipated that as more development occurs in these areas there will be increased pressure to provide some form of community wastewater system.

8.3 Actions

Direct Action

Item Action Timing1 Plan to cater for future population growth by gathering key information and

developing and/or maintaining a good understanding of:1. The connected load into the wastewater network; (see Well

Managed Network – Direct Actions 3 and 4)2. The Wastewater Network Model and the limitations of the current

network (see Well Managed Network – Direct Action 1)3. The growth model for the district (in conjunction with Council’s

Planning and Policy Division)4. Integrating the data from the wastewater activity into Council’s Policy

and Planning documents such as the LTCCP, 20/20 and 30/50 Strategies, Structure Studies and the District Plan, so that the

S-L

SOn-goingSBy 2011SOn-goingS-L


Item Action Timingparticular needs of the wastewater activity are taken into account.

5. The needs of unsewered communities S-L

2 Plan projects to cater for changes in level of service, such as improved discharge quality and new disposal methods, by keeping informed about:

1. New standards, regulations, codes of practice and legislation affecting the wastewater activity.

2. Current and emerging technologies and processes;3. Community expectations

S-L

3 Identify the high risk unsewered communities and co-ordinate with NRC to monitor potential contamination of water supplies and bathing areas in these communities.

SOn-going

4 Continue to work with NRC to avoid duplication of resources and to agree required outcomes.

On-goingQuarterly meetings

5 Continue to work with Public Health Authorities such as the District Health Board and the Ministry of Health (see also Community Engagement Action 1 below).

On-going

6 Regular meetings of all WDC divisions and practitioners involved in wastewater management, including Building Consents, subdivision planning and approvals, policy division and Wastes and Drainage to ensure the wastewater activity is fully integrated across all council departments.

SOn-goingQuarterly meetings


Item Action Timing

1 At a corporate level, convene a group and meet bi-annually for strategic discussions and briefings on the wastewater activity. Potential stakeholders could include iwi, Regional Council, relevant government departments;(Ministry of Health and Department of Conservation), representatives from industry, commerce, agricultural and recreational sectors. (Same action as for Well Managed Wastewater Treatment and Disposal and Network -Community Engagement Action 2)

SOn-goingBi-annual meeting

2 Continue to keep the community up to date with the wastewater activities and future proposals by regular press releases and publication of Council Connexions.

SOn-going

3 Continue to liaise with unsewered communities about their aspirations relating to wastewater treatment and disposal including provision of communitywastewater systems.

SOn-going

4

Economic

Item Action Timing

1 Continue to review the proportion of wastewater services that should be funded from general rates, user pays, development contributions or other sources

SOn-going

2 Monitor the availability of, and where applicable, apply for central governmentfunding to subsidise the development and upgrading of WWTPs and the network.

S-L

3

4

Foster new thinking

Item Action Timing

1 Investigate new models for service delivery such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), alliancing and collaboration for the implementation of new Wastewater Schemes and the management, operation and maintenance of Wastewater Schemes.

M-L


Item Action Timing

2 Make our wastewater systems more resilient, by improving our Business Continuity Management and Disaster Recovery Planning (refer also actions 8 below).

SAnnual Review

3 Carry out Health Impact Assessments when scoping out new wastewaterschemes.

MOn-going

4 Investigate options for working with trade, industry and commerce to achieve wastewater reduction (both reduction in quantity and contaminant loading)

MOn-going

5 Assess options for wastewater re-use and recycling when new and/or upgraded schemes are being evaluated (refer also “Re-use, Recycle, Recover” Direct Action 3 and “Foster New Thinking” Action 4)

SOn-going

6 When evaluating new proposals take into account the full Life Cycle Assessment to inform future decision making

SOn-going

7 Keep informed about current and emerging technology in the wastewater collection, treatment and disposal sector. (refer also Well Managed and Sustainable treatment and disposal – New thinking #3)

On-going

8 Keep informed about National Standards and legislative changes affecting the wastewater sector. (refer also Well Managed and Sustainable treatment and disposal – New thinking #4)

On-going

9 Keep informed about the impacts of global warming and climate change on the wastewater activity.

On-going

10 Report to Council on:1. current and emerging technology in the wastewater collection, treatment

and disposal sector (item 7 above)2. National Standards and legislative changes affecting the wastewater sector

(Item 8 above)3. the impacts of global warming and climate change on the wastewater

activity. (Item 9 above)

Annual report




9 Key Principle #6 – Know our historical and spiritual background9.1 Objectives

1. To deliver best practice wastewater services that provide for cultural sustainability and which are informed by the rich history of the Whangarei area with the target of:a) Developing cultural, historical and spiritual accounts of the areas impacted by community

wastewater discharges by 2020.

9.2 Issues

Wastewater discharges, both existing and new, and even when treated to high levels, are contentious. There is often the potential for conflict with cultural, spiritual and historical apsects of the environment where the treatment plant is located, or into which discharges occur.

Despite the wealth of information that exists in oral and written archives, the historical account has generally not been collated and presented in a form that is easily accessible. It is generally not in a format that encapsulates all aspects of the occupation and history of the area, both Maori and European.

The development of this historical account would be a work in progress and would be added to as further history is revealed and shared. Ultimately it would cover all areas that are impacted by community wastewater discharges but the first place to start is expected to be the development of the cultural, spiritual and historical account of the Whangarei Harbour and its catchments. This is because of the long and rich history of occupation of the area, the importance of the Harbour to a wide range of groups and because it is the receiving environment for the discharges from the Whangarei CommunityWWTP.

Gaining a deeper understanding of our historical and spiritual background is an important step towards achieving cultural well-being and sustainability.

9.3 Actions

Direct Action

Item Action Timing

1 Record the historical and spiritual account of the Whangarei area to provide a well informed background to future proposals. This would include both Maori and European history and occupation of the area. The first priority would bethe history of the Whangarei Harbour and its catchment. It is acknowledged that this will require the co-ordination of inputs from many groups and individuals. (Refer also: Well managed and sustainable WastewaterTreatment and Disposal – Foster New Thinking Action 1.3)

SOn-goingBy 2014*

2 Carry out Cultural Impact Assessments when scoping out new wastewaterschemes.

SOn-going

3

4


Item Action Timing1 Develop an engagement model for partnership with iwi that ensures full

interaction for all Wastewater Strategy and project phases in a way that: 1. includes and empowers all parties who have a valid mandate and interest

in proceedings;

SOn-going


Item Action Timing2. is fair and equitable to all the parties involved;3. sets out the underlying principles on which the engagement will be based;and these principles are agreed to by all parties.

2

Economic

Item Action Timing

1 Allocate funding to prepare a history of the Whangarei Harbour and its catchments potentially through post graduate thesis study.

SBy 2011

2

Foster new thinking

Item Action Timing

1

2

3

4


work will be carried on beyond that time.* This date refers to the completion of the history of the Whangarei Harbour and its

catchments


10 Glossary(Definition of terms and abbreviations used in this Strategy)

Term Definition

Biosolids Municipal and/or domestic sewage sludges that have been treated and/or stabilised to the extent that they are able to be safely and beneficially applied to land. Biosolids have significant fertilising and soil conditioning properties as a result of the nutrients and organic material they contain.

CMS Catchment Management StrategyEnvironment a. Ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities;

andb. All natural and physical resources; andc. Amenity values; andd. The social, economic, aesthetic and cultural conditions which affect the

matters stated in paragraphs (a) to (d) of this definition or which are affected by those matters.

Grey water Domestic wastewater other than that containing human body wastes and water used for flushing/transport, such as sink drainage, washing machine discharge or bath/shower water.

LTCCP Long Term Council Community PlanRecovery The extraction and utilisation of energy, materials or biomass from wastewater. Recycling The reprocessing or treatment of wastewater so that it can be used in the

same, or different ways.Reduction The design and use of systems, so as to minimise the quantity and/or toxicity of

wastewater produced. Source reduction reduces wastewater loadings either by redesigning systems or by otherwise changing patterns of use and wastewater generation.

Resilient Able to provide and maintain an acceptable level of service in the face of faults, changes and challenges to normal operation

Re-use The repeated or continued use of wastewater in its original form or after additional treatment.

Sewage Sewage is the subset of wastewater that is contaminated with human body wastes, but is often used to mean any wastewater.

SOMS Sewer Overflow Management StrategySustainable Using natural and human resources to meet human needs without diminishing

the ability of other people, species, or future generations to survive. TelemetryWastewater Comprises water borne domestic, municipal and industrial liquid wastes

discharged by residences, commercial, industrial and trade premises and includes a range of potential contaminants and concentrations.

Wastewater Network The physical infrastructure for wastewater collection and transfer, including gravity sewers (pipes), pressure sewers (pipes), pumps, screens, channels etc. used to convey wastewater from its origin to the point of eventual treatment or disposal.

Wastewater Reticulation See Wastewater NetworkWastewater Services Wastewater network, wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems.WWS Wastewater StrategyWWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant. A community wastewater treatment plant owned

and managed by Whangarei District Council for treating community wastewater. There are presently nine in the district - refer section 2.1.1 for details of these plants

Documents

Waste & Drainage Wastewater Strategy - Whangarei · 2019-06-12 · Current wastewater services and activities in the district Predictions of future wastewater demand and trends in