NOTICE OF UPCOMING WORK AT THE MARAE
INSTALLATION OF A NEW SEWAGE SYSTEM
Staring on June 3rd - 4 weeks work
Mangatawa Marae is working with a contractor - Aquaholics with funding support from Tauranga City Council to install a new sewage system instead of connecting to the existing sewage ponds down Truman Lane. This new sewage system is known as an Onsite Effluent Treatment (OSET) and is used when no sewer is available - it ensures that wastewater is discharged safely and that effects are managed. This conversation started a number of years ago, and there was a hui-a-hapu in March 2024 to discuss and approve moving forward with an OSET system.
Why do we need a new system?
The OSET replaces our current wastewater system on site which is quite old and functions as a primary system. This means it doesn't treat wastewater to a high standard, essentially discharging it back into the ground with minimal processing. The proposed new system is a secondary treatment system, which will significantly improve the quality of wastewater treatment. This upgrade will also provide increased capacity to accommodate larger events such as tangi as our current system is too small for our needs.
As well the existing wastewater system currently in place does not meet the updated requirements outlined by the OSET regulations.
What happens to the existing system?
Concerning the old system, the existing septic tanks will be emptied, collapsed, backfilled, and compacted.
Where will waste go after treatment?
In terms of where the waste goes after treatment, the effluent will flow into the Advanced Enviro-Septic (AES) bed, where it will undergo further treatment and then soak away into the ground. In terms of any gases produced by the system and their potential impact on rainwater, any gases produced by the AES system will be vented and dispersed into the atmosphere.
Will the marae need to close?
No. The marae will remain open and will work with Aquaholics to ensure minimal disruption to marae activities and the kura. It will be safe for activities to happen at the marae. All work areas will be clearly fenced off. While there will be periods when diggers and trucks are operating on-site, the contractors will ensure everyone is aware of the activity to maintain a safe environment.
Where will this work take place?
Work will take place in the area of existing car park (grass) between the conservation room and the wharenui (behind the wharepaku). This area will be fenced off for the month of June - this work will take approximately 4 weeks depending on the weather.
Have other marae in Tauranga/BOP gone through this process?
Yes. Poututerangi Marae, Taupiro Marae, Te Matai Marae, Te Paamu Marae, Tuhourangi Marae, Te Rangihouhiri. Others are in consideration.
Does Tauranga City Council get anything in return for this project?
No.
Who maintains the system once its in place and how long is the life of the pipes?
Once the system is in place, the Marae is responsible for the maintenance, training will be provided to our whānau once organised, although there is a 1 year warranty on the system. We have found the contractor very responsive to concerns and issues so far. The pipes have a 50-100 year lifetime.
