Agenda of Wastewater Management Review Committee meeting

Terms of reference – Wastewater Management Review Committee

Membership

Chairperson	Ms Lara Burkhardt – Ngā Pōtiki
Deputy chairperson	Commissioner Bill Wasley – Tauranga City Council
Members	Commissioner Stephen Selwood – Tauranga City Council Commissioner Bill Wasley – Tauranga City Council Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston – Tauranga City Council (alternate member) Mr Spencer Webster – Ngā Pōtiki Mr Whitiora McLeod - Ngāi Te Rangi Mr Des Heke - Ngāti Ranginui Ms Destiny Leaf – Ngāti Ranginui (alternate member)
Quorum	Four members with at least one member representing Tauranga City Council and one member representing Ngā Pōtiki
Decision-making	By consensus where possible. If consensus cannot be reached, by majority vote. If there is an equal number of votes, the member who is chairing the meeting has a casting vote.
Meeting frequency	A minimum of twice yearly
Meeting venue	To alternate between marae and council venues; or as appropriate to a meeting agreed by the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson.

The Committee previously had a membership of eight, four elected members from Tauranga City Council (TCC) and four iwi. Currently the membership will be reduced to six, two Commissioners appointed to represent the TCC and four who are appointed as representatives of iwi, with one member each from Ngāti Ranginui and Te Runanga o Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi Trust and two members representing Ngā Pōtiki ā Tamapahore Trust Board.

The Wastewater Management Review Committee is established as a committee of Council under the Local Government Act 2002 and conditions imposed on Bay of Plenty Regional Council Coastal Permit # 62878.

Role

· To ensure Wastewater operations are in accordance with the Wastewater Management Review Committee Management Plan.

Scope

(a) To receive reports on the operation of the Wastewater Scheme, including reports in relation to monitoring and permit compliance, and to make recommendations to the Permit Holder on the development of Tauranga City Council’s policies in relation to wastewater management, treatment and disposal, particularly following the review of wastewater treatment in light of new technologies and standards addressed in the Monitoring, Upgrade and Technology Review Report required by Condition 20 of Coastal Permit N⁰62878.

(b) To make decisions about the application of the Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Fund established in accordance with Condition 19 of Coastal Permit N⁰62878.

(c) To make recommendations to the Permit Holder as to physical measures and initiatives to address or compensate for actual or potential effects of the Tauranga City Wastewater Scheme (in the broadest environmental sense).

(d) Without limiting the generality of function (c) above, to make recommendations to the Permit Holder as to the implementation of the works to be undertaken in accordance with Permit N⁰62881, namely:

(i) Decommissioning of the Te Maunga Sludge Pond and the future use of the pond.

(ii) Conversion of the Te Maunga Oxidation Ponds to wetlands.

(e) To make recommendations to the Permit Holder in relation to the independent consultant to be appointed to undertake the Monitoring, Upgrade and Technology Review Report required by Condition 20 of Coastal Permit N⁰62878.

(f) To make recommendations to the Permit Holder as to enhancing the involvement of tangata whenua in sampling, testing and monitoring.

(g) Assessment of the scope and adequacy of sampling and monitoring.

(h) Notification to appropriate parties of activities that may have adverse effects.

(i) To receive, review and recommend action following receipt of wastewater reports.

(j) To recommend the commissioning of reports and future Tauranga City Council actions on wastewater management, treatment and disposal issues and options, including:

(i) Development of alternatives to waterborne wastewater systems;

(ii) Options for further treatments;

(iii) Options for methods of disposal;

(iv) Monitoring effects on the environment.

(k) To co-ordinate and oversee education of the community on wastewater management, treatment and disposal issues.

(l) To identify and make recommendations to the Permit Holder as to sources of funding which may be available to supplement the Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Fund established pursuant to Condition 19 of Coastal Permit N⁰62878 hereof and to be applied for the purposes specified in that condition.

(m) To make recommendations to the Permit Holder as to changes to conditions of these permits pursuant to section 127 of the Resource Management Act 1991, in light of the exercise of the Review Committee’s functions, including reports received and information received as a result of monitoring, etc. or to avoid, remedy or mitigate actual or potential adverse effects associated with the operation of the Wastewater Scheme.

(n) To foster robust relationships and dialogue between the Review Committee, the Permit Holder, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council in relation to wastewater management, treatment and disposal, particularly following the review of wastewater treatment in light of new technologies.

(o) To make recommendations to Bay of Plenty Regional Council as to amendments to the conditions of these permits which could be implemented via a review under section 128 of the Act in accordance with Condition 22 of Coastal Permit N⁰62878.

(p) Prior to making any:

(i) Decisions as to the allocation of the Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Fund in accordance with Condition 18.3(b) of Coastal Permit N⁰62878 hereof or,

(ii) Recommendations to the Permit Holder in relation to physical environmental mitigation or enhancement or mitigation works in accordance with Condition 18.3(c) of Coastal Permit N⁰62878 hereof; -

the Review Committee will exercise its best endeavours to ascertain the existence of any persons or bodies who may have a particular interest or stake in the ecological health of the Tauranga Harbour (particularly the Upper Harbour/Rangataua Bay area) and to consult with those bodies or persons as to appropriate initiatives and measures to be so recommended (in accordance with Condition 18.3(b)of Coastal Permit N⁰62878) or undertaken (in accordance with Condition 18.3(c)of Coastal Permit N⁰62878). As a minimum, the Review Committee shall consult with

· Nga Potiki Kaitiaki Resource Management Unit hapu and iwi of Te Runanga o Ngaiterangi Iwi Trust, Ngati Ranginui and Ngati Pukenga and Te Arawa and their respective hapu which hold kaitiaki status over the wider Tauranga Moana district, including any Working Group established by those hapu or iwi;

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council in relation to issues which may affect those councils in accordance with their function under Condition 18.3(m) of Coastal Permit N⁰62878 hereof.

(q) Not later than one month following the first anniversary of the commencement of these permits and on each anniversary thereafter, the Wastewater Management Review Committee shall forward to the General Manager, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, a report on the exercise of its activities and functions, including where appropriate a report on the effectiveness of measures undertaken pursuant to the Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Fund.

(r) Not less than six months following the first anniversary of this permit and each fifth anniversary thereafter, the Wastewater Management Review Committee’s annual report shall contain a review of its activities over the previous five-year period and recommendations for appropriate initiatives over the next five-year period, including any recommendations for changes to conditions of these permits which may be considered necessary or desirable. This report shall be available at least three months prior to the date on which Bay of Plenty Regional Council is entitled to review the conditions of these permits in accordance with Condition 22 of Coastal Permit N⁰62878 hereof.

(s) A copy of this report shall also be provided to the Chief Executive, Tauranga City Council.

(t) As set out in Condition 18.1.3 of Coastal Permit N⁰62878, the Wastewater Management Review Committee Management Plan may be amended with the written approval of the Chief Executive of Bay of Plenty Regional Council or delegate.

(u) Confirmation of Committee minutes.

Reporting

The Wastewater Management Review Committee reports to Council and the Chief Executive of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson acting as Co-Chairs

The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Wastewater Management Review Committee (WWMRC) have a governance role to ensure that the WWMRC meets regularly and undertakes its role to monitor and provide advice to Tauranga City Council as the consent holder of Bay of Plenty Regional Council Coastal Permit # 62878 and ensure wastewater operations are in accordance with the Wastewater Management Plan.

· The Chairperson will be appointed by the Tauranga City Council following a recommendation of the Wastewater Management Review Committee.

· The Deputy Chairperson will be appointed by the Wastewater Management Review Committee.

· While these roles are separately appointed it is the intention that they act as co-chairs.

○ Only one person can chair a meeting at any one time. The person chairing the meeting has the powers of the chairperson as set out in standing orders and has the option to use the casting vote in the case of an equality of votes.

○ The rotation of the meeting chairs is at the discretion of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson and subject to their availability, however it is expected that they will alternate chairing meetings when possible.

○ When the Deputy Chairperson is chairing the meeting, the Chairperson will vacate the chair and enable the Deputy Chairperson to chair the meeting. The Chairperson will be able stay and participate in the meeting unless they declare a conflict of interest in an item, in which case they will not participate or vote on that item.

○ The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson will attend pre-agenda briefings and split any other duties outside of meetings, e.g. spokesperson for WWMRC.

○ The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson will jointly oversee and co-ordinate all activities of the WWMRC within their specific terms of reference and delegated authority, providing guidance and direction to all members and liaising with Council staff in setting the content and priorities of meeting agendas.

○ The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson will be accountable for ensuring that any recommendations from the WWMRC are considered by the Tauranga City Council.

Refer to the position description for the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson for more details.

UNCONFIRMED Wastewater Management Review Committee meeting minutes

11 October 2023

MINUTES

Wastewater Management Review Committee meeting

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

Order of Business

1 Opening karakia. 3

2 Apologies. 3

3 Public forum.. 3

4 Acceptance of late items. 3

5 Confidential business to be transferred into the open. 3

6 Change to order of business. 3

7 Confirmation of minutes. 4

7.1 Minutes of the Wastewater Management Review Committee meeting held on 31 May 2023. 4

8 Declaration of conflicts of interest 4

9 Business. 4

9.1 Wastewater Programme Business Case. 4

9.2 WWMRC Activity Report 8

9.3 Treated Wastewater for Street Tree/Garden Irrigation. 9

10 Discussion of late items. 10

11 Closing karakia. 10

MINUTES OF Tauranga City Council

Wastewater Management Review Committee meeting

HELD AT THE Ground Floor Meeting Room 1, 306 Cameron Road, Tauranga

ON Wednesday, 11 October 2023 AT 1pm

PRESENT: Commissioner Bill Wasley (Chairperson), Mr Whitiora McLeod, Mr Spencer Webster and Mr Des Heke.

VIA AUDIO VISUAL

LINK: Commissioner Stephen Selwood, Ms Destiny Leaf and Ms Lara Burkhardt

IN ATTENDANCE: Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston, Wally Potts (Director, Waters), Jane Groves (Stormwater Programme Leader), Jim Summers (Consents Officer), Shaleen Narayan (Team Leader: Governance Services), Anahera Dinsdale (Governance Advisor)

1 Opening karakia

Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston opened the meeting with a karakia.

It was noted that Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston was in attendance as an alternate for Tauranga City Council but due to both Commissioners Wasley and Selwood both being present, he was in attendance to hear discussion. The Chair afforded Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston rights to speak but he could not vote in the meeting.

2 Apologies

Apology

Committee Resolution WW2/23/1

Moved: Commissioner Bill Wasley

Seconded: Mr Spencer Webster

That the apology for lateness received from Mr Des Heke be accepted.

It was noted that Nic Johanson was also an apology for absence.

Carried

3 Public forum

None

4 Acceptance of late items

None

5 Confidential business to be transferred into the open

None

6 Change to order of business

None

7 Confirmation of minutes

7.1 Minutes of the Wastewater Management Review Committee meeting held on 31 May 2023

Committee Resolution WW2/23/2

Moved: Mr Whitiora McLeod

Seconded: Commissioner Bill Wasley

That the minutes of the Wastewater Management Review Committee meeting held on 31 May 2023 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

8 Declaration of conflicts of interest

None

9 Business

9.1 Wastewater Programme Business Case

Staff Nic Johansson, General Manager: Infrastructure Services

Jane Groves, Stormwater Programme Leader

Key points

· The report provided an update of progress of the Programme Business Case (PBC) since the meeting held on 31 May 2023. At this meeting, the Recommendations were not endorsed by the Committee.

· The Project Working Group met multiple times to discuss and agree on a range of matters raised by Tangata Whenua.

· All project reporting for the PBC to the Committee would be joint representation of tangata whenua and staff.

Key Service Requirements 8

· The Tangata Whenua report stated that “Cultural Redress” was an inappropriate term and the paper indicated that the PBC would not mean that tangata whenua could not pursue aspirations in terms of tangata whenua vision for land at Te Maunga to be returned. The amended wording was “Promotes opportunities for strong and enduring partnerships with tangata whenua” and should incorporate KSR 8.

Key Service Requirements 11

· The project working group agreed to wording amendment. The wording change was reflected in the Recommendations below.

· The level and metric were also amended to reflect the change of the amended wording and the scope levels remain unchanged.

Critical Success Factor (CSF) 17 – Must not disturb additional urupā or wāhi tapu sites

· Discussion regarding the phrase “Must not disturb additional urupā or wāhi tapu sites”.

· It was noted that tangata whenua and staff were still debating what this meant to each party.

· Iwi Members noted that there was existing pipe work in urupā and wāhi tapu sites and recognised that these would need to be regularly inspected and remedial work undertaken when required, however they did not expect upgrades or additions to occur at the sites.

· There was agreement in principal that a new CFS should be added, however staff would still seek further clarification from tangata whenua before the word “additional” was included in the final PBC.

Long List Assessment Criteria on Hapu and Iwi Management Plans

· General agreement to include long list assessment criteria on hapu and iwi management plans and staff recommended for inclusion to PBC.

Critical Success Factor 10 – Must not discharge treated wastewater directly to natural wetlands, groundwater, rivers, lakes and streams.

· Wording changed to “must not discharge to natural fresh water receiving environments”.

· The project working groups discussed the sea water receiving environments. It was noted that tangata whenua had a desire to phase this out.

Key Service Requirement 12

· The metric and scope levels would be confirmed by project working group.

· The word ‘coast’ would be replaced with ‘seawater’.

Mortuary Waste

· Desire in PBC to look at separation of mortuary waste in wastewater stream.

· Wastewater Management Review Committee within the scope of the terms of reference should request that staff undertake an investigation and provide a feasibility and possibility report to the next Wastewater Management Review Committee.

Geographical Scope

· It was noted that tangata whenua do not support increasing the geographical scope beyond where the Te Maunga Wastewater Treatment Plant. The staff clarified the scope level set out in PBC related to service and not how the service took place.

Draft Terms of Reference for Wastewater Programme Business Case

· Terms Of Reference was prepared for Wastewater PBC and was circulated to members in June 2023.

· It was recognised that the Terms of Reference (TOR) was not discussed in any length by the Project Working Group. There was an indicative signal that an agreed TOR would be done in November 2023 by the Project Working Group.

Discussion points raised

· Chair acknowledged the members of the Project Working Group for the work ethic on the PBC.

Key Service Requirement 6

· Expressed difficulty in understanding minimum and maximum aspirational scope levels. Iwi member expressed the desire for a word change to specify practicality of the visions and cover off all issues.

· Members agreed on the need of further discussion regarding the matters in KSR 6 by the Project Working Group.

· It was noted that the land that was to be decommissioned for pond 1 was originally taken under the Public Works Act, Iwi Members considered that as the land was no longer needed for the purpose in which it was taken, it should be returned. It was suggested that KSR 6 in relation to the land, was changed from maximum scope to intermediate scope.

· Discussion ensued on the return of the land as it was no longer

Key Service Requirement 11

· Ultimately to protect and look after cultural heritage sites.

· Amendment of wording – ‘take practicable steps to not disturbing urupa and waahi tapu sites where they are known’.

· It was expressed that the potential need for Council to interpretate from a holistic point of view rather than a wastewater scientific point of view.

Critical Success Factor 10

· There were currently two constructed habitat wetlands at the Te Maunga Treatment Plant which the discharge flowed through before reaching the outfall.

Committee Resolution WW2/23/3

Moved: Commissioner Bill Wasley

Seconded: Mr Spencer Webster

That the Wastewater Management Review Committee:

(a) Receives the report "Wastewater Programme Business Case".

(b) Endorse the PBC outputs (as set out below and in Attachment 1 which were presented at the 31^st May WWMRC meeting for endorsement). Those items coloured green in the attachment are not confirmed and are addressed separately in c) below.

· Investment Logic Map: confirms problem statements and define benefits from investment

· Benefits, KPIs and Measures: baseline and target values to be confirmed

· Investment Objectives

· Key Service Requirements (KSRs): describe a change sought, and the degree of change (minimum, intermediate, maximum) the programme investment is expected to deliver. Subsequent steps of the PBC will identify responses capable of delivering the respective levels of change for each KSR. The KSRs are broad, and include growth and geographical coverage, tangata whenua partnership and values, environmental considerations and resilience requirements.

· Scope parameters: the scope boundaries for the investment (based on the KSRs). Only options within the range of minimum, intermediate and maximum will be assessed.

i. All reporting to the WWMRC in relation to the PBC will be joint, and as such, represent the views of the PBC project team as a whole.

ii. Amend wording for KSR 11 to ‘Actively seeks practicable alternative options to the two consented overflows from the WWTPs’. The level/metric has also been amended to reflect this change. The scope levels remain unchanged.

iii. Add long list assessment criteria on ‘Hapū and Iwi Management Plans’

iv. Amend KSR 12 to ‘Actively seek practicable alternative options to the discharge of wastewater to seawater’. The metric and scope levels for this KSR will need to be confirmed with the project team.

v. Request that the WWMRC ask staff to investigate the separation of mortuary waste from the wastewater stream for report back at future WWMRC meetings.

vi. Continue to work together on the ‘Terms of Reference’, paying particular attention to setting out PBC purpose, decision-making and PBC approval, with a view to finalising within one month of this meeting.

Carried

9.2 WWMRC Activity Report

Staff Jim Summers, Consents Officer and Acting Manager: Drainage Services

Bryan Everitt, Team Leader: Engineer Services

Power point Presentation

Key points

· The Te Maunga Pond 1 outfall discharge seepage rate was well within the consents conditions.

· There were no new odour complaints for Chapel Street or Te Maunga.

· There were no new overflow emergency discharges since the June 2023 Wastewater Management Review Committee.

· Since the previous June 2023 Committee meeting, there had been 23 blockage reports notified to Council. 18 did not leave the network, two discharged into the stormwater system and three potentially made the receiving environment.

· The contractor desludging Pond one (1) was working a 24 hour operation and tracking on schedule.

· Over 6,000 dry tonnes had been removed since the desludging begun. The Consent expire March 2024.

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council undertook a site inspection July 2023 and were satisfied with the compliance with the consent.

· The construction contract for Clarifier 3 was awarded to HEB and construction had begun. Excavation was due to commence late September 2023. Nga Pōtiki had been commissioned to provide cultural monitoring during the excavation.

· Construction of the internal grid piles for Bioreactor Two was complete and were currently being tested and checked for compliance with specifications.

· The Landward Section of Outfall was now complete

· Marine Section outfall had been cleared of debris. The CCTV inspection data was being review by a consultant and results were expect six to nine weeks from this meeting.

· New Inlet Works had commenced and would be completed in the third quarter of 2024.

· A number of ground site investigations would commence late 2023 for Bioreactor three and Picket Fence Thickener three

· The Interviews of candidates for Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Fund (EMEF) had already taken place. TCC to provide and recommend candidates and the EMEF Panel made final decision.

Discussion points raised

· The Committee encouraged the Panel to finalise the EMEF candidate and progress it forward.

Inflow & Infiltration Strategy

Power point presentation

· A new strategy put together in 2022 to prevent rainwater and ground water entering the Wastewater system.

· Consequences of this included increased operations costs, reduced capacity in the waste water system, increased Capital costs and wet weather over flows.

· It was noted that almost all the main sources for infiltration were faults like cracked pipes or gully traps in both private and public infrastructure.

· Tauranga currently had a low level of inflow and infiltration with a 1.2% average. It was noted that other New Zealand cities and towns typically reported five to ten percent, sometimes more.

· The Tauranga wet weather inflows were below average compared to others in New Zealand.

· There had been a lot of work completed between 2008 and 2020 before Covid. There were 45 catchment investigations which included smoke testing and manhole and property gully trap inspections. These areas were selected based off the trends record.

· The Inflow and Infiltration strategy pillars included prevention, issue identification, implantation and annual and three yearly review.

· The key deliverables from the 2023 Annual Report and programme review included the graphical inflow and infiltration database that had been developed and a list of prioritised catchments and a list of improvements.

· It was noted that the main objective of the Inflow and infiltration strategy was to maintain and pertain standards.

Discussion points raised

· Staff were acknowledged for their work.

Committee Resolution WW2/23/4

Moved: Commissioner Stephen Selwood

Seconded: Mr Whitiora McLeod

That the Wastewater Management Review Committee:

(a) Receives the report "WWMRC Activity Report".

Carried

Attachments

1 WWMRC Meeting Power point October 2023 - Activity Report (A15174492)

2 WWMRC Meeting Power point October 2023 - I&I Update (A15182039)

9.3 Treated Wastewater for Street Tree/Garden Irrigation

Staff Jim Summers, Consents Officer

Key points

· Noted the climate change and extreme weather events in 2023 and TCC were committed to maintaining and enhancing the health of our source water streams.

· The Oct to Dec 2023 predictions showed that the soil moisture levels were below average (45% chance)

· TCC staff were investigating and trial the reuse of treated wastewater to irrigate urban open spaces along Maunganui Road and Papamoa, which was a practical solution to address water resource scarcity. It was noted that this was already being practiced in other parts of New Zealand and the world. TCC had used irrigated wastewater at the Omanu Golf Course.

· The TCC Water watchers plan was focussed on establishing good water practices, whatever the weather may be. The aim was to have a plan in place before the demand for water occurs

· It was noted that any water use which falls outside the standard approval system were required to have a smart water plan.

· The Environmental Strategy and Nature and Biodiversity Action Plan included more street trees and plants across city in near future. These trees would support climate change mitigation, provide amenity and ensure Council meets the target to increase tree canopy and indigenous vegetation. In short term, this would likely increase the demand for water.

In response to questions

· The feedback from Tangata whenua was that they were ok with progressing study and investigation regarding use of highly treated water but interested in how the feedback from tangata whenua to staff would happen.

· The water effluent would go through full system, wetland and UV disinfection plant before the water was used to irrigate.

· Staff expect that the start of this trial and investigation would be in small quantities.

· It was noted that the Committee supported the trial and investigation.

Discussion points raised

· Staff noted that there was no residual disinfectant in the treated water after the water filtered through the UV plant.

· Staff noted that the trial couldn’t progress without resource consents. Staff would investigate first and foremost and report back to Committee before progressing with the trial.

· It was suggested that staff meet with Te Rangapu Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana regarding the trial and investigation on reuse of treated water.

Committee Resolution WW2/23/5

Moved: Commissioner Bill Wasley

Seconded: Commissioner Stephen Selwood

That the Wastewater Management Review Committee:

(a) Receives the report "Treated Wastewater for Street Tree/Garden Irrigation".

(b) Supports the investigation for the reuse of treated water for watering street trees.

(d) Provide feedback on the reuse of treated wastewater for watering street trees and potentially other locations

Carried

Attachments

1 WWMRC Meeting Power point October 2023 - Treated Wastewater (A15175786)

10 Discussion of late items

None

11 Closing karakia

Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston closed the meeting with a karakia.

The meeting closed at 3:33pm.

The minutes of this meeting were confirmed as a true and correct record at the Wastewater Management Review Committee meeting held on 22 November 2023.

...................................................

CHAIRPERSON