Canterbury Regional Council demands answers on repeated harbour sewage failures
Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) has issued Christchurch City Council (CCC) with an abatement notice following a recent series of unconsented sewage discharges around Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour.
The abatement notice requires CCC to provide Environment Canterbury with a comprehensive management plan demonstrating how it will achieve compliance in the operation of the wastewater network servicing these harbour catchments.
This enforcement action is the first step in a broader inquiry into how these unconsented discharges can be prevented in the future.
“Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour have immense cultural and ecological value for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the wider community,” said Brett Aldridge, Environment Canterbury Director of Operations.
“These marine environments are home to numerous native species and are also highly valued by recreational users.”
As the region’s environmental regulator, Environment Canterbury is responsible for monitoring discharges to the environment – including our freshwater and marine areas – ensuring any non-compliance is addressed.
“This abatement notice makes it clear we want assurance that critical wastewater infrastructure is being managed appropriately around Whakaraupō and Akaroa Harbours,” Mr Aldridge said.
“We know these discharges have been distressing for the community and for our Treaty partners, who are rightfully concerned about the impacts to water quality, kai moana and the ability to swim safely along our coastline.
“It’s our responsibility to ensure CCC is operating its wastewater systems to the standard set out in its resource consent, including making improvements to the network to prevent further breaches in the future,” he said.
Under the abatement notice, Environment Canterbury has directed CCC to provide a comprehensive management plan for the wastewater network around Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour.
This includes a preventative maintenance programme for wastewater infrastructure, standard operating procedures and details for any planned future works on the network.
“While we have investigated these discharges as individual incidents, we are confident this next step will enable a network-wide understanding of why these incidents continue to occur,” Mr Aldridge said.
Environment Canterbury will assess the information provided against the rules in the Regional Coastal Environment Plan and the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan, and then will consider next compliance steps.
CCC must provide this information to Environment Canterbury by 1 June 2026.
This abatement notice follows an earlier notice issued by Environment Canterbury to CCC on 26 February, relating to CCC’s failure to provide an adequate action plan to address the persistent stench from the fire-damaged Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bromley.