Official Information Request - 23 August 2019 (Utuhina pollution event

Sent: Friday, 20 September 2019 2:12 pm

Subject: Official Information Request - Utuhina pollution events

I refer to your Official Information request of 23 August 2019 regarding all information/records Council holds of pollution events that have occurred involving the Utuhina Stream and Rotorua stormwater/drainage and wastewater systems since the time these systems were first put in place around the stream.

We don't know the exact time that stormwater drains were put in place around the Utuhina Stream but it would have been from the time that development occurred, probably prior to 1900. These systems have gradually been extended as development grew further out into the stream catchment. Likewise we don't know the exact time that wastewater systems were first installed, but the majority of systems were installed in urban areas from the 1970's, apart from some much earlier systems which served the early area of what is now the CBD.

Historically there were no records kept of pollution events or sewer overflows that we can find. However in the last several years any sewer overflow that reaches a waterway or the lake is reported on to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, as well as iwi groups and other interested groups. We have supplied details of the sewer overflow reports we have on record that have occurred in the Utuhina catchment.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for investigating any general pollution events into streams. Please contact BOPRC for information on any pollution complaints received by them.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint/complaining-about-access-to-official-information-551307291224432 or freephone 0800 802 602.

Regards