Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has received two abatement notices from Otago Regional Council (ORC) after it breached its consent at Wānaka’s Project Pure wastewater treatment plant.

The situation is “disappointing” but QLDC is cooperating fully with the ORC, QLDC general manager property and infrastructure Tony Avery said.

“Our teams are committed to ensuring the operation returns to full compliance as quickly as possible,” he said. 

Earlier this week QLDC said performance issues at the Wānaka plant during upgrade works had led to ponding in disposal fields, surface run-off and nitrogen levels exceeding consent limits.

Read more: Wastewater problems strike Wānaka’s Project Pure

QLDC had been upgrading one of its reactors when higher flows from winter school holidays and heavy rain events placed strain on the facility’s biological treatment process

“With the recent upgrade work now complete, and all three reactors operating as expected, we’re already seeing material improvements in the treated wastewater quality,” Tony said.

“We will continue to keep the community informed while we work through these issues.”

PHOTO: Supplied