Impacts of Stormwater and Wastewater

The effects of stormwater and wastewater on freshwater and coastal environments are key issues in urban environments. We assist local and regional councils, and network operators in the assessment, monitoring, consenting, and management of those effects. For example, we:

• Provided guidance on the ecological effects of urban stormwater discharges.

• Reviewed and revised the harbour monitoring for New Zealand’s largest wastewater treatment plant at Mangere. The project led to significant changes being made, and transitioned the monitoring programme from its focus on the plant upgrade in 2002, to tracking the long-term effects of the wastewater discharge. 

• Conducted city wide assessments of the effects of urban stormwater in Auckland and Napier, and assisted Greater Wellington Regional Council with the processing of a city-wide consent for stormwater discharges.

• Assisted Gisborne District Council with its wastewater planning and consenting, and with the processing of stormwater discharge consents.