Acting mayor struggles to explain “fake” QLDC sewage test results
Quentin Smith wants full disclosure - so why aren't we seeing meaningful data from QLDC?
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Analysis.
A document released to Crux today by the Otago Regional Council (ORC) reveals that on Monday, March 31st a pond of highly toxic partially treated sewage was isolated from discharges into the Shotover River.
The date is highly significant as it was the first discharge under controversial emergency powers used by the Queenstown Lakes District Council to avoid rules that prevent treated sewage being discharged into local protected rivers.
The water in Pond 3, or the final oxidation pond before the UV sterilisation building, would normally form part of the QLDC’s effluent discharge. It is mixed, or blended, with effluent from the more modern clarifier process that is currently being expanded to meet dramatic population growth. Completion is not due until December 2025.
Under Official Information Legislation the ORC has released to Crux the final March 31st QLDC water test results carried out by the QLDC’s Shotover plant contractor – Veolia.
This document raises two very serious questions about the integrity of the results that have been paraded triumphantly by both Mayor Glyn Lewers and local MP Joseph Mooney as “proof” that the effluent being discharged into the Shotover River is “highly treated” and presented no risk to public health.