1. EDGECUMBE SITE RECONSENTING DISCHARGES TO RANGITĀIKI RIVER
Meeting with Rangitāiki River Forum – 6 September 2019

2. Recent Environmental Improvements Completed (Stages 1 and 2)
Improved management of discharge to the river by:
Installation of a De-aeration Tank.
An upgrade of the High Strength Waste Irrigation System covering approximately 1,200 ha of farmland (irrigation providing nitrogen, phosphorus and other essential mineral elements) including:
Hydrant and drain crossings improvements (including moving hydrants away from drains)
New Irrigators, GPS tracking and automated shut-off systems
Expansion and Upgrade of the Omeheu Medium Strength Irrigation Scheme including:
Three large tanks for short term storage of wastewater (8 million litres) at Omeheu
Expansion of the irrigation land area from approximately 100 ha to > 300 ha
This expansion will achieve the following
Decrease in nitrogen loading by 47% to current limit < 400 kg/ha/yr
Diversion of up to 2000 m3/day of wastewater from the river
Improved wet weather management.

3. Recent Environmental Improvements Completed
A major upgrade to the Edgecumbe Site Stormwater Management System, including:
Storm Water Network upgrade
Eliminating 17 individual discharges to the Eastbank Road drain
Continuous online monitoring
Best practice Spill management
High risk areas controlled and part of wastewater system
Spill kit strategically located on site
Automated diversion systems installed.
Increasing reliability and monitoring, minimising risk

4. Wastewater and Stormwater Management Strategy
Fonterra’s Wastewater and Stormwater Management Strategy is being advanced in three stages (as described in the pre-circulated Briefing Note).
Between now and 30 June 2026, it is proposed that the current operation will continue with the benefit of the environmental improvements completed as part of Stages 1 and 2.
Stage 3, to be implemented by 1 July 2026, will involve the construction and commissioning of a Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant (or alternative technology).
The quality of the wastewater will be significantly enhanced (including a significant reduction in the mass load of contaminants discharged).

5. Assessment of Environmental Effects 1 July 2026 Onwards
Parameter
Unit
Current Limit
Actual Discharge (annual mean F14-F16)
Proposed
(annual mean)
% Reduction
cBOD5
Kg/day
7,500
2,774 80
97%
Lactose
6,300
823
Essentially zero or 100% reduction – this is verified by the BOD mass load proposed
Fat
650 (5-day average)
162 TP
No limit specified
282 20
93% TN
414
120
71%
NO3-N
g/m3 32 6
NH4-N
0.45 2 SS
3,000
382 60
84% pH
6 – 9
1.48 – 12.94
E.coli
110 cfu/100mL