Skip to main content

Current discharge system ‘not sustainable’ – report


A diagram of the Turangi Sludge ponds, pictured in June 2022
Published date: 9-Dec-2022

Environmental advocacy group Te Vai Ora Maori (TVOM) has already expressed concern about the fact the Rarotonga Environment Authority (REA) has approved a three-month permit extension for the Water Treatment Plan Onsite Discharge project at the 10 Te Mato Vai drinking-water treatment facilities.

TVOM made a presentation to the National Environment Service (NES) about the discharge of sludge into the Avana and Turangi streams.

TVOM chairperson Justine Flanagan said they had received a copy of To Tatou Vai (TTV) chief executive Apii Timoti's report in regards to TVOM's observations.

Cook Islands News has asked TTV for a copy of the report.

“The report confirmed the current situation is not sustainable,” Flanagan said.

“There is an urgent need to investigate alternative methods of treatment.”

The permit authorises the dosing of coagulant, the short-term containment of sludge in onsite ponds, and the release of chemically-treated water (supernatant) into streams.

Read More