The clean up begins - Forest & Bird applauds Fonterra's action on Manawatu discharge

14 February 2007 - Wellington

Contact: Forest & Bird Lower North Island Field Coordinator James Griffiths, 021 627 329

Forest & Bird is delighted that Fonterra has agreed to treat wastewater it discharges into the Manawatu River.

In July 2006 the dairy company was granted consent by Horizons Regional Council to dump 8500 cubic metres of untreated wastewater a day for the next 15 years from its Longburn plant into the river.  Forest & Bird, Waitarere Environmental Care Association, Manawatu Estuary Trust and local iwi appealed the council’s decision.

However Fonterra subsequently met the groups who appealed and in mediation agreed to treat the wastewater to a high standard, greatly reducing its impact on the river.  Treatment will be phased in so that by 2015 the discharge will be treated to a level where the water will be fit to swim in year-round.

Forest & Bird Lower North Island Field Coordinator James Griffiths says he is pleased that Fonterra has agreed to be more environmentally responsible, and hopes that other polluters of the river will follow Fonterra’s example.

“We are delighted to see Fonterra make a start towards a cleaner river.  It is not acceptable to use the river as a sewerage pipe to the sea, and we hope that Horizons will make good on its pledge to clean up the Manawatu River by imposing tighter restrictions on other consents to discharge waste.”

Forest & Bird Horowhenua Branch Secretary Joan Leckie says she hopes Fonterra will lead the way for other dischargers to also clean up their effluent.

“Fonterra deserves a pat on the back for acting responsibly and making a good start towards cleaning up the Manawatu River.  We hope others will clean up their acts, too.”