A panel of independent commissioners has today, 30 June 2021, released its decision to grant resource consents that will enable the construction of a new water treatment plant in Titirangi.
The resource consents give permission for Watercare, a Council Controlled Organisation, to carry out earthworks, vegetation removal, groundwater, stormwater and stream works at its site which is designated for water supply purposes.
The independent commissioners, who heard evidence from the applicant (Watercare), submitters, mana whenua and Auckland Council specialists, were unanimous in their support for the proposal.
The decision document, now available on Auckland Council’s website, sets out key reasons why the consent has been granted, the evidence heard and the ways in which any impacts on the environment will be managed or mitigated.
The panel says its support is largely based on the public good that will come from having resilient infrastructure, such as the proposed water treatment plant. The panel talked to the positive outcomes for the region as a whole saying “the benefit was fundamental in our decision to grant consent to a finely balanced and challenging application.”
The decision document also addresses the matter of kauri dieback spread which was raised and discussed at length at the hearing. The panel says in the document that they believe the Kauri Dieback Management Plan proposed by the applicant will enable comprehensive and robust management that will control the spread of the disease.
The decision to grant consent includes 171 conditions that Watercare will need to address. The conditions relate to site clearance, construction, kauri dieback management and operational activities.
The decision release day (30 June) also marks the beginning of a 15-working day appeal period.
The appeal period allows the applicant and submitters an opportunity to appeal the decision to the Environment Court should they not agree with the decision to grant the resource consent.
