Over 12 months ago SunLive revealed the resource consent for the Te Maunga sewerage oxidation ponds had expired four years prior, yet TCC continued to use them. These ponds also leaked into the estuary, continuously above allowable limits. No sign of being remedied?

On September 17, 2017 SunLive again revealed that another consent on the same site had lapsed. The consent allows for UV treatment to kill off the sewerage bugs that remain, if any. All before sailing off into the sunset via the Papamoa Beach pipeline.

The UV plant was to be operational by early 2015, now still not working 'technically speaking", whatever that means? Either bugs overdose on UV or not. Presumably millions already borrowed/spent via TCC-staff/consultants/failures yet still no result. What cost to the environment/ratepayers?

Recent contrast: regional council got itself upset about a part-day oil leak into Tauranga Harbour. After the courts were done with it the cost was millions. So what's the difference between a few litres of oil once, and five years of raw sewerage (1825-days)? Meanwhile regional council sit and do nothing, apparently happy with Tauranga meandering along for two to five years still non-compliant. Looks like a double standard.

Note: government policy is for councils to reduce sewerage outflow volumes. TCC spends would look to be expanding/business as usual for sewerage outflows. Where is it all going – endless green sea lettuce?

I Stevenson, Tauranga (Abridged).