Sewage saga: Landlords fined for septic tank discharges into Kaituna River
After four years of illegally discharging septic tank wastewater into a drain which feeds the Kaituna River, two landlords have been convicted with breaching the Resource Management Act and fined $6,000 and given 75 hours community service each.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council first received a complaint about sewage discharging from the property in December 2022. A follow-up inspection revealed a failing septic tank, likely installed in 2018, with contaminated water ponding on the ground beside it.
Samples taken on the day of the inspection showed significantly elevated levels of faecal coliforms and E. coli in the drain. Reduced, but still highly elevated, levels at the point where the farm drain enters a culvert leading to the Kaituna River itself were also identified.
Abatement notices to cease discharging untreated human sewage to land were issued. Unfortunately, two subsequent inspections found they were not being fully complied with.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Regulatory Compliance Manager, Matt Harrex, emphasised the importance of protecting the Kaituna River, a precious natural resource for our community.
“Tangata whenua, the community and both Regional and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are currently putting a lot of effort into restoring, protecting and enhancing this awa. This careless and deliberate behaviour poses significant risks to water quality, aquatic life, and the health of those who use the river, so it’s pretty disappointing.”
“As Judge Dwyer said in court, it’s not necessary to be familiar with the provisions of the Regional Plan to appreciate that a system discharging into a farm drain leading ultimately to a river was unsatisfactory”, said Mr Harrex.
The Regional Council urges property owners with septic systems to ensure they are properly maintained. Regular inspections and maintenance not only protect rivers but also help avoid costly fines and repairs. If you suspect wastewater is entering a waterway, please reach out to the council for assistance. Staff are always here to help if you’re unsure of the rules.
To read the sentencing decision, click here.