DoC says 'no' to Park water site

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 405, 24 September 1991, Page 1

DoC says 'no' to Park water site

The answer is "no" to the council's request to build the Ohakune water treatment plant in the Mangawhero Camp area in the Tongariro National Park. Last week the Department of Conservation considered an application from the Ruapehu District Council to site a water treatment plant and reservoir at the camp site. In considering the application the Department took into account the recommendation of the Taupo Tongariro National Parks and Reserves Board to turn down the council. "Because there are altemative sites for the plant outside the park they recommended declining the application," said conservation officer Paul Dale. "An objective of the Tongariro National Park Management Plan is to return that area (the Mangawhero Camp ground) to a more remote camping area." Mr Dale said man-made structures had been removed from that area over the years, to achieve the goals of the plan. Farm buildings and fences and a ranger's house had been removed from the area, he said.

"Allowing the construction of a light industrial treatment plant in that area would be contrary to those objectives," he said. There were several alternatives open to the council, he said, including one not yet considered which was put forward by DoC's own consultant engineer. "His proposal, although more sophisticated, would be no dearer," said Mr Dale. He said it could be sited near where the present pipe leaves the National Park, near Thames Street. "The Department is more than happy to continue working with the council on their water supply. We are happy with the pipeline running through the park, and to continue to maintain the water catchment area as a no-go area." He said DoC was happy to allow the council to run a new pipe along an old tram line through the bush to an altemative site in Soldier's Road. Choice still UV "We need to just get on with it and get the job done," said Ruapehu mayor Garrick Workman when asked for his reaction to

DoC rejecting the council's application to use the Mangawhero Camp site for its Ohakune water treatment plant. "There 's been enough deliberation - we put up the best case we possibly could - now we have to get on with it and get this plant built this summer." Mr Workman said the plant would definitely use the ultra-violet system as chosen by the former Ohakune Borough Council, with a back-up chlorination system. He said because of the presence of the giardia parasite a reservoir was now necessary to ensure an even flow through the pre-filters. In response to conservation officer Paul Dale's comments that the water entering the system from the park is not discoloured, Mr Workman said it could be that the material is in the pipes. He said he was not aware of any major problems with the reticulation system that might allow an invasion of discolouring material. Staff were now carrying out a regular flushing programme and since then there had been little or no discolouring problem.