16. Waste Volume One The matters listed in this policy are relevant to the consideration of any discharge permit application under Policy 16.3.3 above. Each matter can influence the design of a wastewater management system and the suitability of the system to the site conditions and constraints. In this way, (a) to (g) help to ensure that land application areas are sized to accommodate the volume of liquid waste to be discharged and that the liquid waste is discharged evenly over the land application area. A variety of standards and guidelines exist for the discharge of contaminants to land, providing a useful reference to help assess the appropriateness of proposed wastewater management systems. [RPS, R] Policy 16.3.5 – When considering discharge permit applications to discharge contaminants onto or into land, have regard to the cultural values of Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi. This policy will ensure that any adverse effects of discharging contaminants to land of spiritual and/or cultural significance to Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi are identified and considered in determining any discharge permit application. Places of significance to Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi are identified in the MEP. [RPS, R] Policy 16.3.6 – Avoid the use of soak pits for the disposal of contaminants in liquid waste. The Council is aware that soak pits are not an effective method of managing the discharge of wastewater to land. They result in a concentrated discharge of contaminants into the environment as the wastewater receives little or no treatment as it passes through the soak pit. The solids present in wastewater also tend to clog the soak pit in time, creating the potential for ponding. For these reasons, the use of soak pits as part of any wastewater management system is to be avoided. Any existing soak pit should be replaced with a land application area that is consistent with Policy 16.3.1. [RPS, R] Policy 16.3.7 – Promote good practice in the use of wastewater management systems. The policy targets the important role that operators of wastewater management systems have in avoiding the adverse effects of discharges to land on an ongoing basis. Once installed, it is essential that any wastewater management system is operated correctly and is well maintained. This is because inappropriate use and/or a lack of maintenance can affect the performance of the system, despite it being properly designed and installed in the first place. It is important that the landowner and/or system operator is aware of the actions required for effective performance and that those actions are undertaken. This can be achieved through the preparation and provision of operation and maintenance guidelines when new wastewater management systems are designed. However, alternative methods may have to be used for existing wastewater management systems. [RPS, R] Policy 16.3.8 – Monitor the operational performance of existing wastewater management systems and require poorly performing systems to be upgraded to or replaced with systems that effectively treat and contain all wastewater to the discharge site. Existing wastewater management systems will be proactively monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure they are performing as designed and are being correctly operated and well maintained. Where inspections show that any system is performing poorly, enforcement action will be taken requiring the system to be upgraded (so that it performs according to the original design) or replaced. Upgrade could include maintenance that has previously been neglected. Not all wastewater is discharged on the site where it is produced; for example, agricultural waste may be discharged off-site. In such situations it remains important that systems are appropriately monitored and maintained to ensure they perform appropriately to effectively treat the wastewater discharged. 16 – 12