Appeal withdrawal clears way for wastewater treatment plant

Another hurdle on the path to building the city's new wastewater treatment plant has been resolved. The sole appeal against the Hearing Commissioners' go-ahead has been withdrawn.

Gisborne District Council engineering and works manager Peter Higgs said this morning that the outstanding appeal against the consent variations granted in May was resolved without having to be decided by the Environment Court.

"Council and the appellant have been able to negotiate and settle the issues raised. The result is that all parties, including those others involved in the consent process, will be able to work together in ensuring that the proposed treatment plant will produce an outcome that benefits all and meets the aspirations of everyone."

A key component of the project is to establish a technical advisory group to monitor the performance of the process and treatment of Gisborne's wastewater, including developing options for alternative use and disposal, and improving the water quality of Turanganui-a-Kiwa.

"This next milestone again shows how the community can work together and arrive at consensus. We all want a result that is Best for Gisborne," Mr Higgs said.

Tenders for the building of the wastewater treatment plant in Banks Street, and the industrial wastewater separation scheme are expected to be called for by the end of the month. The first physical work on the treatment plant is expected to start before the end of the year with a late 2010 date for its commissioning.