Moa Point waste water treatment plant Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The national water regulator is proposing allowing no limit on some types of discharge from wastewater plants into the sea, alarming a leading water scientist.
Consenting for wastewater plants is done by regional councils, but as but as part of the Government's Local Water Done Well initiative, Taumata Arowai is setting national standards for consenting. It is proposing that apart from e-coli and ammonia, no limit be imposed on any other discharge, because of the ocean's ability to dilute and break up contaminants.
Kathryn speaks with Freshwater scientist Dr Mike Joy; and Sara McFall, head of systems, strategy, and performance at Taumata Arowai.
