yacht in big trouble off Whangarei

[wheels 372]

Combined is very different to ailing or failing. Combined would mean sewerage would be going into the bays all the time. But that is not the case. This problem is when you get heavy rain and much of Auckland that has the issue is not 100yrs old. Or even close.

[raz88 56]

While my knowledge on the subject is limited, I'm led to believe from the reading I've done that part of the problem is the rapid massive population increases in Auckland in the last ten years?

[Nzgrant 19]

Trouble is their solution to the problem is to complain about boaties instead of getting their collective snouts out of the trough long enough to do something about the problem.  Yes it will be expensive and yes it will take some time but it is a problem created by auckland so they should damn well fix it.  Damn lefties.

[Kevin McCready 25]

Fish said "Sounds like you may have some prior knowledge or insider trading going on here."

 

Fish, That's insulting. I have no insider knowledge.

 

I'm happy to exclude govt from the bet. Like I said, you bet that a registered charity or business cites this incident within the next two years when they call for mandatory boat driver licensing. I bet they won't. Bet?

[muzled 73]

Trouble is their solution to the problem is to complain about boaties instead of getting their collective snouts out of the trough long enough to do something about the problem.  Yes it will be expensive and yes it will take some time but it is a problem created by auckland so they should damn well fix it.  Damn lefties.

 

Goff is planning to do something about it isn't he?  Or at least he's talking about trying to plan and do something about it.

[Black Panther 619]

You will need an adjudicator who will hold the stakes.

[BNG 13]

Jetski registration came about because they are essentially unidentifiable and there are now lots of the little suckers. We all have sail numbers or names on the side. 

 

I learnt not to swim anywhere after big rain in the 70's, taught by my father who grew up in AKL in the 30's and 40's just like any sensible parent would teach them.

 

I'd argue that the water is cleaner now but the testing is far more accurate and localised so we have a more accurate picture.

 

Not disputing that it could be better but common sense still applies...big rain = runoff.

 

As for wanting to take a dump in a bay with no holding tank....whats the name of your boat? So I can stay well away. Those days are gone and we are better off for it.

[Fish 534]

Combined is very different to ailing or failing. Combined would mean sewerage would be going into the bays all the time. But that is not the case. This problem is when you get heavy rain and much of Auckland that has the issue is not 100yrs old. Or even close.

 

Like I said, the majority of the system in the central isthmus is combined. We use very advanced complex technology called 'weirs', so that in dry weather all the flow goes into the trunk wastewater lines, in wet weather these are inundated, so the flow is bypassed via weirs and other really really complex things like overflow pipes to just spill into the harbour. 

 

That is the combined systems though. Most of the 'dedicated' wastewater networks leak like a sieve, meaning that when it rains, we get 15 to 25 times the normal dry weather flow in them. This means that the dedicated wastewater networks usually spill into the harbour also. It is fair to call these 'old and failing' also, as Goff did, that is an accurate description. North Shore, Orewa and Red Beach areas are notable for this, but are not unique for any infrastructure constructed between the 50's to the 90's.

 

Even modern (new) wastewater systems are designed to carry twice as much stormwater as normal dry weather wastewater flows. There is a phenomenal amount of stormwater in the wastewater network.

 

Trouble is their solution to the problem is to complain about boaties instead of getting their collective snouts out of the trough long enough to do something about the problem.  Yes it will be expensive and yes it will take some time but it is a problem created by auckland so they should damn well fix it.  Damn lefties.

I think it is important to note that no one has ever blamed yachties solely for the water quality issues. (to be fair it would appear we are solely blamed for most biosecurity issues). Water quality issues are a basic side effect of urbanisation.

Two important points:

1) For the first time ever, Goff's Council are advocating for a 'clean waters levie', they are consulting on this now, I think its about $100 / household / year. There is widespread acceptance across all aspects of Auckland (Council, developers etc) that the infrastructure is stuffed, and money is needed to fix it. This is partly to enable upgrades for land development (population growth), but also to repair or upgrade the 'old and failing' systems to fix the water quality issues.

 

2) Shitting in a bay without a holding tank is a separate issue to water quality. It is just downright offensive. It is the same as squating on the sand on the beach and leaving a giant steaming turd there for others to step in or trip over. The whole country is up in arms about freedom campers shitting in the bushes. This is no different. More so when the offenders are well off yachties on comfy sailing boats anchored in idyllic bays. Turds float around bays, the better the water quality (clearer water) the easier it is to see them. The fact that we even need to discuss this as a common decency demonstrates why there is a need for bylaws and regulations around it. The alternative is giant signs on the beaches reading "THE LAYING OF GIANT STEAMING TURDS ON THE BEACH IS PROHIBITED"... Apparently people actually need to be convinced of this!

[Fish 534]

Fish said "Sounds like you may have some prior knowledge or insider trading going on here."

 

Fish, That's insulting. I have no insider knowledge.

 

I'm happy to exclude govt from the bet. Like I said, you bet that a registered charity or business cites this incident within the next two years when they call for mandatory boat driver licensing. I bet they won't. Bet?

Didn't mean to insult you there Kevin, another way to say it, 'you appear to have more insight into this topic than I do'.

 

I was actually wanting to include govt, but I am happy to accept the bet on the wording above. Bet on.

[Priscilla II 244]

Up here in my multi million dollar Ponsonby Palace there is no separated stormwater and sewer system.

The system is old like scary old and it will take a major effort and cost to remedy.

Some of the fresh water supply system still runs in asbestos pipes and it amazes me that the whole system copes as well as it does.

However if you ever have the unfortunate experience of having to deal with Watercare Services in either a private or professional capacity you are in for a giant shock.

Simply as much use as tits on bull.

 

Back to the holding tank issue If I had the room I would go the Airhead way.

I managed to slot in a 65 litre holding tank that touch wood has had no issues for 15 years so it is not rocket science or big bickies to do.