Dargaville closer to removal of 3000 tonnes of human waste

Urgent removal of 3000 tonnes of treated human waste from Dargaville wastewater treatment plant's oxidation pond moved a step closer on Wednesday with Kaipara District Council approving a $1.4 million sludge removal operation - strongly opposed by one vocal councillor.

Tangowahine-based Kaipara District Councillor Victoria del la Varis-Woodcock questioned the urgency of the sludge removal plan, told the meeting community - including tangata whenua - should have been consulted more and added that the option chosen for sludge removal was not a positive choice, given the oxidation pond's location.

The Love Kaipara waste minimisation programme manager said other options should instead be investigated. Read more