30 July 2020 (posted 31 July)

Third party damage to the Lake Ferry Wastewater Treatment Plant resulted in the discharge of partially treated wastewater into nearby wetlands yesterday. Council and Wellington Water are investigating the details of the incident.

The priority right now is to make repairs and have the plant operating as normal as soon as possible. Crews are onsite making repairs to the damaged pipe to get the plant operating as normal. Wellington Water expects to have the treatment plant operating as usual in two days following repairs.

SWDC’s Chief Executive Mr Wilson is disappointed the incident has occurred.

“It’s disappointing news. There will of course be a full investigation involving the Council, our contractors, and Wellington Water to establishwhy and how a wastewater pipe became broken.

“We are very relieved that partially treated wastewater didn’t enter the stream nearby and cause contamination,” says Mr Wilson.

While the repairs are being completed, sucker trucks are removing the wastewater from a pumping station in Lake Ferry and taking it to Martinborough for treatment. This reduces demand on the Lake Ferry plant, meaning the crews can focus on the repair works. Wellington Water has asked Lake Ferry residents to reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain by avoiding showers and flushing the toilet where possible.

“Thank you to all the residents of Lake Ferry who are cooperating by conserving water while repairs are being completed, to reduce demand on the plant,” says Mr Wilson

Council and Wellington Water will be taking advice from Regional Public Health regarding the removal of the warning signs at the beach, and will advise when these have been removed.

Lake Ferry Wastewater Treatment Plant serves 50 properties in Lake Ferry, including the campground and hotel. On average the treatment plant treats 15,000-20,000 litres of wastewater per day.

ENDS

Media contact

Amy Wharram

027 252 2863