Tauranga City Council is breaching the second of its Te Maunga Wastewater Treatment Plant consents, this time with the ultra violet plant which is supposed to kill remnant microbes in treated wastewater.
The first consent breach at Te Maunga was made public in July 2016.
The city council continued to use the Te Maunga pond for sludge storage for years after the consent to do so expired in 2012.
The city council's Wastewater Management Review committee chairman Kelvin Clout says the current breach is a ‘technical breach' of the consent.
'The quality of the discharge is still well within spec, and we have been keeping the regional council and tangata whenua up to speed about what is going on,” says Kelvin.
'We are continuing to try and get to the root cause of the problem, which relates to an electricity supply issue to do with harmonic distortion.”
The terms of the council's consent are that within nine years of the regional council issuing the consent to discharge wastewater from both Chapel St and Te Maunga, that it will be secondary treated and UV disinfected.
The UV plant was built in time to meet the April 2015 timeframe, but it hasn't worked. Papers presented to the committee say there have been ongoing delays in commissioning due to issues with electrical harmonic distortion in the power supply to the plant, failure of lamp drivers, and faults with the lamp cleaning mechanism. The UV plant is not currently operational.
Final effluent quality sample results have remained within consented limits even without the UV, says Kelvin.
'It is basically to do with the consents we had to have when we put the whole wastewater plant in,” says Kelvin. 'And so one of the conditions that we had to have was the UV plant.
'It sort of polishes the final product.”
The council is seeking a variation to the Te Maunga outfall discharge consent to allow for downtime during maintenance periods, which should have been provided in the original consent.
The wording of the consent expects the (non-operational) UV system to continuously operate (24/7) at an optimal level. The regional council asked the city council to apply for a variation to permit maintenance of the (non-operational) UV plant.
The regional council advised council that if faecal microbe limits set in the consent can be met during maintenance periods then the discharge quality remains unchanged, and this is therefore in line with the intent of the original consent.
39 comments
More of the same
Posted on 17-09-2017 17:22 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Spent the money, no consents, failed to deliver, still scambling to make it work and it still doesnt. meanwhile no one held to account, the bills keep on climbing and the consultants still running around in circles billing Ratepayers to "think" about how to keep the "gravy" train going. What a sweet number it is. Meanwhile the NZ Government guidelines are on reducing ocean outflows meanwhile TCC is adding to and expanding them. God save the Ratepayer, as no one else wants to, 10/4 out!
Second one?
Posted on 17-09-2017 17:23 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Is this the tip of rhe iceberg? how many more are there? The place must be falling apart looking at these clusters of self justified messes. God save the Ratepayer, as no one else wants to, 10/4 out!
here we go again
Posted on 17-09-2017 18:39 | By old trucker
A lot of nest covering here,have you seen what they are doing out there, 7 guys looking in the big tank on friday, NOT DOING anything, a lot of pipes draining underwater and looks to be pumping into that tank,also they have put one of those EXPENSIVE security cameras on pole last week, its 2017 and it has not worked ,COMEON ,if this was a individual he would be hauled over the coals,BUT TCC have got $30 million to build new BAUBLES and cannot get this UV system to work, it just goes to show that they are all dimwits working on this ,Surely someone knows, BUT appears not, that is why they work for TCC as they do not have to use a BRAIN,my thoughts only on this,Sunlive Thankyou,10-4 out,phew.
Councils!!!
Posted on 17-09-2017 18:44 | By rosbo
This is so typical of Councils generally. If we had breached any regulation the world would have crashed down on us. They do it and all they have to do is change the rules
Feeble
Posted on 18-09-2017 08:23 | By peecee09
Come on! With your huge budget it just does not wash that you can't solve this problem. We are talking about environmental pollution here not the minutes of the Underwater basket Weaving Club. Do your job and stop pontificating and making excuses.
@Mr&Mrs Old Steerer
Posted on 18-09-2017 09:19 | By Papamoaner
There is now an email address provided on this forum where TCC invite your feedback. Feel free!Moaning in the shadows won't achieve much. Copying off each other using childish American hobbyist CB jargon lowers your social status. I have found that if you approach TCC in a reasonable tone with your concerns, you get a very reasonable response - TRY IT ! They are just ordinary people like us, doing their best to do a good job (who'd want it?)
Here we go again! - Settle down
Posted on 18-09-2017 09:43 | By Papamoaner
It's just maintenance guys. Sometimes you have to do it. The harmonic distortion cited in the article will take a wee while to correct. When voltage and current are in the wrong phase (out of step with each other), you can end up with effectively no energy to drive equipment. It might involve the addition of capacitors and inductors of the correct size, and that can take time. This is equipment, and equipment can go awry just like you car or your PC, so give them a chance!
pollution?
Posted on 18-09-2017 13:23 | By phoenix
This story cant be true. According to all the propaganda on TV, only Dairy Farmers pollute our waterways.
@phoenix
Posted on 19-09-2017 08:39 | By Papamoaner
yes, it's fashionable to blame dairying at present. Pollution is due to a complex combination of many things, some subtle. But it's easier to apportion blame.
@ Paeppeata
Posted on 19-09-2017 19:31 | By MISS ADVENTURE
You say "the correct size, and that can take time..." do you realise that this thing has been planned for prior to 2009, approved at that time, then built, apparently finished early 2015. we are now another 2-3 years later and it does not work. So how long do thaey actuallly need in your "ex-spurt" spew of this mess. Why thing lot are not sacked and replaced I do not know. Bet they all back slap each other about how wonderful it all is ...
@ peecee09
Posted on 19-09-2017 19:37 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Yes, yet there seems lots of spare money to waste on huge glass palaces, lofty museums all over the place, some serious cot cases even think that three is a good idea when we should be clearling the site not accumulating crap. The Welcome Bay waters have been polluted for years well above WHO accepted levels, regional Council was making it all "legal" by issuing a consent that simply raised the limit above the actual pollution levels so "legal" again. That is good quality stuff, that even makes Pappa's commentaries almost loojk plausable.
@Mysterious
Posted on 20-09-2017 09:09 | By Papamoaner
It's called adjustment, similar to maintenance on that old tractor of yours. Even that filthy pipe you are smoking needs maintenance at intervals
@ Pappaeatic
Posted on 20-09-2017 19:02 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Dont follow the comment, seems out of place, in fact no place? Perhaps to state teh obvious, a girl has to carefully consider her options especially when as you say "the correct size" is required.
@ Popp-ta-it
Posted on 20-09-2017 19:06 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Looks to me that you have lost track of time ol-boy. it has been eight years and many millions later and still "it just dont work" worse as things stand it has never worked. That tends to indicate rather strongly that it is not a "technical issue". The reality is more likely that it is a complete and utter shambles and a complete waste of maney and time to date and yet they all continuing the wonders of it all. Wait for the change in direction via the TCC 'communications' department. It will be converted to a Sun-tanning establishment and guess what it will be free as usual, that is the only way TCC can pretend that it is wonderful and a success.
Not another one -she will be right mate attitude
Posted on 21-09-2017 13:30 | By ROCCO
You would have thought TCC would have been squeaky clean after 2016 saga but no this thing has never worked and IS years outside consent terms but couldn't give a toss and simply soldier on. Wouldn't that make the whole consent null and void. Best option shut the whole plant down that should focus the punters when it all starts backflowing.
@ Pappaeratic
Posted on 21-09-2017 19:48 | By MISS ADVENTURE
One simply needs to observe the facts of it, pretty clean building in a sewerage facility, nothing happening and nothing works as yet, no one home and hey you have your answer ... another TCC sucess story.
Harmonic distortion seems to be affecting
Posted on 22-09-2017 08:11 | By R. Bell
more than the treatment plant. It seems to have started spreading. First victims missy and rocco. There is a cure, its called education. Robin Bell.
Education?
Posted on 22-09-2017 14:59 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Do you mean in "Bella-addiction" style, make it up as go and desired?
KEY word
Posted on 22-09-2017 17:37 | By MISS ADVENTURE
"distortion", and perhaps you need to remember that "KEY" key word as well, when you catch up on the NZ real history you will see that appear, when you do then there wont be far to go.
Education, as a cure?
Posted on 22-09-2017 17:47 | By MISS ADVENTURE
That is a bit silly, you must be sharing teh same weed as Poppa-et-it, you know the educational processes are all broken and "busted" so that will only make all a lot worse. You actually need to go back to the start and 'start' all over again, like from the beginning. Hint, remove the Orange-factor, the US figured that in the Vietnam war afterwards, if you could learn a lot sooner than them all will benefit a lot, faster, better sooner. Comprendee ... God save the Ratepayer, as no one else wants to, 10/4 out!
@Missadventure
Posted on 23-09-2017 08:38 | By Papamoaner
It's evident from your various posts, but especially from this particular thread, that you have never had to work in the real world, let alone solve any kind of daily problems as they arise.
Harmonic distortion ?
Posted on 23-09-2017 14:10 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Couldnt agree more, glad you have self diagnosed that correctly
No resource consent?
Posted on 23-09-2017 14:25 | By MISS ADVENTURE
That means that the tinkering and "thinking" should stop until the consent is appluied for and approved. That is the proper proceedure that should be applied. Yes, it means more downtime and cost but that is the method that TCC applies to all is ratepayers, except the select favourites.
@ ROCCO
Posted on 23-09-2017 15:16 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Good on you mate, excellant comment.
Their small minds are all animated and excited
Posted on 24-09-2017 16:30 | By Papamoaner
Only two failures in all that time, much of it without the ultraviolet cleaner operating. Not a bad outcome on balance. It's clearly a tricky technical problem that will take time. But watch out if it happens a "Turd Time". The circling sharks, always on the lookout, will launch an avalanche of the variety that bulls produce. Yet another example of the failure of the RMA where the resource consent process actually inhibits good old fashioned common sense. An additional negative effect of a flawed law like this one, is it's enduring ability to give halfwits an excuse to yet again put the boot in to authority in general, whenever they can. Time to review the RMA right across the board of society and let some common sense back in.
The long drop, from common sense to harmonic
Posted on 24-09-2017 16:45 | By R. Bell
distortion. Our resident harmonic duo of missy and rocco, seize the opportunity to create a total disaster from a technical breech of consent. One wants the plant to close, the other wants god to save the ratepayer. Fat chance. Double the rates would still be cheap, in line with W.B.Council rates. Self appointed, anarchic nosy parkers with no idea of the subject. Robin Bell.
@ Ticker Bell
Posted on 25-09-2017 13:22 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Double rates - hahaha you may well get your wish, but of course nothing to see for it, no benefit, just ever rising rates. Perhaps you should look at a program that provides a clear insight of what he real issue is "Yes Minister".
@ Tring-ket Bell
Posted on 30-09-2017 14:30 | By MISS ADVENTURE
yes the consent is a very good and valid point. Operating outside teh parameters set by the consent means "obviously" that it has been breached and so therefore all activities must shut down until either: - compliant or a new consent is applied for and issued so as then complient. Simple stuff realy.
The quality of discharge is well within specs.
Posted on 30-09-2017 17:25 | By R. Bell
As much as the anarchist brigade would love to see a shut down, it ain't gonna happen. Another loss to the anarchist in chief............missy. Yeah!!!!! Robin Bell.
@ Trinket Bell
Posted on 01-10-2017 14:57 | By MISS ADVENTURE
NEWS FLASH - RBOP have lifted teh allowable discharge level so as the outfall pipe is then compliant, think about it! The actual discharge averages some 3-4 times that recommended by WHO. The outfall pipe is no longer accetpable as a means of "dumping" i.e. into the oceans. Central Government policy is that outflow pipes and volumes should be reduced and eliminated pernamently. So you guessed it ... TCC is spending huge money from borrowings/ratepayers on making it all bigger ad better. God-save-the-Ratepayer,-as-no-one-else-wants-to,-10/4-out!
Nitpicking in order to rubbish council.
Posted on 01-10-2017 16:15 | By R. Bell
Read the article again missy. No technology is perfect, it all has faults, it all requires downtime. The sewage treatment plant is no exception. It is light years ahead of previous methods, and will ultimately destroy your efforts to undermine council and all. God will not save you from yourself, T.C.C will, and we can all go to the loo knowing (a) we are doing our best, and (b) missy prefers a long drop. Robin Bell.
@Misadventure
Posted on 01-10-2017 16:46 | By Papamoaner
Can you please provide a link to the direct source of your alleged "WHO" figures, and also by how much they are being exceeded by the treated outlet? You see, there is a strong odour in the air and I don't think it is community sewage we are smelling.
WHO
Posted on 03-10-2017 12:59 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Means "World health Organisation", search the website. Then look at look up NZ water quality standards (Government website) then drill into outfall and discharge reviews, reports and recommendations. I am sure you will find it all and learn ...
@ Bella-ring-ding
Posted on 03-10-2017 15:22 | By MISS ADVENTURE
You say "technology is perfect, it all has faults, it all requires downtime". The obvious point is that The plant , install and spendup related to teh UV operations at the sewer plant have not worked at all or ever, so how can there be downtime when it has "NEVER" worked at all "EVER"!!!
There are no recommended levels,
Posted on 03-10-2017 17:05 | By R. Bell
Another of miss whats his names bluffs. Why will he not publish? The W.H.O. recognises the difference between Industrial nations, developed nations and underdeveloped nations. All require different specs due to wealth or lack of it. Ocean outfall is as good as it gets for N.Z. T.C.C has the best known method, three stage purification. Two stages being well within W.H.O. expectations. Third stage is coming. The icing on the cake. Robin Bell.
@Misadventure
Posted on 03-10-2017 17:07 | By Papamoaner
I am familiar with their acronym you dingbat. You have avoided the question by not providing a direct link to the contradiction. Simply because the contradiction does not exist. It is of your own construction.
Exaggeration
Posted on 03-10-2017 17:12 | By Papamoaner
Missadventure is an exaggerator. I have caught him out quite a few times on various threads on these forums. My advice is to take all claims with a grain or two of salt. Preferably iodised.
Exaggerator but no exaggeration?
Posted on 04-10-2017 13:48 | By MISS ADVENTURE
Interesting turn of events, the comments to date by me are clear and evidenced, yet the only 'evidence' otherwise is an opinion of one or two who as yet dont have a casem, have not presented one with any validity and yet plunder through all teh facts and evidence blindly ... latching onto a desired truth way out left field somewhere over the horizon, am I exaggerating? NOT
@TCC - My last on this subject
Posted on 04-10-2017 15:08 | By Papamoaner
TCC can take heart that the majority of ratepayers think you are doing a good job and will eventually adjust this installation to perfection. How do we know this? Simple;- there is only one dissenter, well known to be anti-everything.
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