13 July 2023
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Microplastics in Lake Rotorua
Enquiry
I am writing up on the below and was keen to get some comment please about the significance of the findings. Have also sent to the regional council and Te Arawa Lakes.
Plastic pollution analysis shows New Zealand lakes comparable with Europe and USA
What does the council/mayor think of the findings?
How significant is this?
What kinds of impacts could it have?
Will any work be done to investigate this? If so, what kind of work?
Was the council aware of any issue like this before now?
Given the population in NZ and the findings of the plastic, where is it likely to have come from?
What can be done to mitigate the cause?
Any other comment or info?
Response
From Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell:
While we haven’t had a chance to review the full report, any pollution in our lakes is a concern.
The protection and preservation of our lakes is a top priority for our Council and community. While the Bay of Plenty Regional Council look after the water quality of lakes, and Te Arawa Lakes Trust have ownership of the lake bed, we continue to support them through the collaborative Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme.
As a Council we invest a significant amount into interventions to prevent pollution of our environment, including the many lakes that are dear to our community.
This is a stark reminder of why people need to consume and dispose of plastics responsibly to ensure our lakes are kept clean and beautiful for future generations.
This research may contribute to the work we’re already doing for our lakes and I will raise this at our next Programme Strategy Group meeting.
From Acting DCE Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions, Regan Fraser:
We haven’t yet had the opportunity to digest the research so will take the time to do that and to consider how it could be built on in future, alongside our Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme partners, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
The presence of plastic is not unexpected and may mainly have come from plastic litter so the study serves as a good reminder that everyone has a role to play in keeping our lakes clean and that we need to take responsibility for how we dispose of our waste.
What RLC is doing to mitigate pollution of our lakes and waterways:
- Working with our Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme partners, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust, to improve the health of our lakes (see more about this on the programme website: Love Our Lakes | Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme (rotorualakes.co.nz);
- Rotorua’s treated wastewater passes through membrane-filtration at the wastewater treatment plant so there are no microplastics in the discharge;
- Our wastewater is treated to a very high level, removing most nitrogen and phosphorus before the treated wastewater is discharged. We are upgrading the treatment plant which will increase capacity and treat our wastewater to an even higher standard.
- We have gross pollutant traps (trap litter) on key stormwater outlets from the CBD;
- We have a road sweeping contract that picks up litter and prevents it being washed down stormwater drains into waterways;
- Kerbside recycling has been extended to lakeside communities;
- Provision of bins and waste removal services at lakeside reserves;
- Public education about people’s responsibility for their waste;
- RLC has recently implemented a comprehensive stream water monitoring programme – if contaminants are identified that exceed guidelines an investigation is triggered and mitigation action may be required and carried out;
- We are looking at the possibility of trialling mesh filters in cesspits (grates on roads) in areas where there is a lot of litter.
Re the comment in the university release that “plastic pollution of lakes impacts sources of drinking water”: Rotorua’s public drinking water supplies come from springs and bores.
Re the potential impacts of microplastics: BOP Regional Council is responsible for water quality so would be best placed to talk about this.
Re FDS-related comments from Lakes Water Quality Society, from DCE District Development Jean-Paul Gaston:
The purpose of the FDS is to ensure we have capacity for any growth that may occur, it’s not about aiming for a certain number of houses – it’s about ensuring good urban form if we do continue to grow. Protection of the environment, including water, is considered as part of the draft FDS and will be given effect via various mechanisms, as outlined in the document. We will also be awaiting guidance that needs to come around the NPS - Freshwater and Te Mana o te Wai.
Laura See pages 56 and 57 of the Full Draft FDS which references environmental considerations: Draft Rotorua Future Development Strategy 2023 (adobe.com)
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Media: TV3/Newshub
Topic: Microplastics in Lake Rotorua
Enquiry
Tonight, we are running a story about a new study into microplastics in lakes around the world.
The study, which involved the University of Waikato, found that Lake Rotorua has high levels of plastic pollution and the highest levels of all the New Zealand lakes in the study.
We'd like to interview someone from the Rotorua District Council about what efforts the council is taking to combat pollution in the lake.
Do you have someone available today?
Reporter noted that, alternatively, a statement would be appreciated.
Response
From Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell:
While we haven’t had a chance to review the full report, any pollution in our lakes is a concern.
The protection and preservation of our lakes is a top priority for our Council and community. While the Bay of Plenty Regional Council look after the water quality of lakes, and Te Arawa Lakes Trust have ownership of the lake bed, we continue to support them through the collaborative Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme.
As a Council we invest a significant amount into interventions to prevent pollution of our environment, including the many lakes that are dear to our community.
This is a stark reminder of why people need to consume and dispose of plastics responsibly to ensure our lakes are kept clean and beautiful for future generations.
This research may contribute to the work we’re already doing for our lakes and I will raise this at our next Programme Strategy Group meeting.
From Acting DCE Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions, Regan Fraser:
We haven’t yet had the opportunity to digest the research so will take the time to do that and to consider how it could be built on in future, alongside our Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme partners, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
The presence of plastic is not unexpected and may mainly have come from plastic litter so the study serves as a good reminder that everyone has a role to play in keeping our lakes clean and that we need to take responsibility for how we dispose of our waste.
What RLC is doing to mitigate pollution of our lakes and waterways:
- Working with our Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme partners, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust, to improve the health of our lakes (see more about this on the programme website: Love Our Lakes | Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme (rotorualakes.co.nz);
- Rotorua’s treated wastewater passes through membrane-filtration at the wastewater treatment plant so there are no microplastics in the discharge;
- Our wastewater is treated to a very high level, removing most nitrogen and phosphorus before the treated wastewater is discharged. We are upgrading the treatment plant which will increase capacity and treat our wastewater to an even higher standard.
- We have gross pollutant traps (trap litter) on key stormwater outlets from the CBD;
- We have a road sweeping contract that picks up litter and prevents it being washed down stormwater drains into waterways;
- Kerbside recycling has been extended to lakeside communities;
- Provision of bins and waste removal services at lakeside reserves;
- Public education about people’s responsibility for their waste;
- RLC has recently implemented a comprehensive stream water monitoring programme – if contaminants are identified that exceed guidelines an investigation is triggered and mitigation action may be required and carried out;
- We are looking at the possibility of trialling mesh filters in cesspits (grates on roads) in areas where there is a lot of litter.
Re the comment in the university release that “plastic pollution of lakes impacts sources of drinking water”: Rotorua’s public drinking water supplies come from springs and bores.
Re the potential impacts of microplastics: BOP Regional Council is responsible for water quality so would be best placed to talk about this.