Environmental Health

Environmental Health is concerned with the maintenance of appropriate standards in those aspects of the environment that affect health and wellbeing.

Advice and assistance is given, together with the use of appropriate legislation where necessary, to discharge Council's statutory responsibilities and enable the achievement of suitable standards in a wide range of fields including :

• The water we drink or use for recreation

• The food we consume

• The air we breathe, including indoor air quality

• The sale of liquor and the reduction of liquor abuse

• The sounds levels we experience

• Housing conditions

• Drainage and on-site sewage disposal

• The discharge of trade-waste

• The implementation of Councils Zero-waste strategy

• The prevention of pollution

• The management of hazardous substances

Independant Professional Services

The www.envirolink.net.nz website is to assist people requiring independant professional services relating to environmental matters.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1          My neighbour burns rubbish – are they allowed to?

At the moment there is no bylaw and people can burn what they want.  However, it is an offence contrary to provisions of the Health Act to create a nuisance – an incident which is offensive or likely to be prejudicial to health.  Talk to the offending neighbour first, if you can. If necessary contact us.

2          I’m buying/starting a foodshop, hairdressers, camping ground etc, do I need a licence?

All these types of activity require the premises to be registered and licensed annually.  If purchasing a business ask the vendor for details / current requisitions etc.  If starting from new, there is a fee for the initial application and an annual licence fee.

 3          I want to sell from a vehicle – are there any restrictions?

Selling from a vehicle is subject to a licence – under the Hawker and Mobile Shop bylaw – two testimonials/referees as to character will be required.  The sale of food will require compliance with the Food Hygiene Regulations, in the same way as any other food busniess.

4          I want to provide accommodation – motel, hotel, B&B, backpackers.  Do I need a licence?

No, but you may need a Resource Consent, contact our District Planner on (07) 873-8199.  We are not involved in B&B’s unless there are five or more guests, if there are then such matter as fire regulations, food safety standards and resource consents will be required.

In the case of backpackers especially, consideration must be given to maximum numbers to prevent overcrowding.

If the premises is not on a council operated sewer you should also be aware that additional activity may affect your onsite sewage system.

We can offer advice on both issues.

5          How much noise can my neighbour make.

Basically there is an obligation not to disturb the peace, comfort and convenience of others Consideration must be given to how often it occurs, what time of day and what type of noise.

There are also noise levels in the District Plan, normally covering on-going business activity.  Discuss your concerns with your neighbour in the first instance, if you can, otherwise contact us.

6          I think there is a problem with the drinking water.

If it is the Council water supply and you have health concerns contact the Environmental Health Officer at Council.  If you have other concerns, such as supply, pressure etc  contact the Council's Services Engineers.
If you have a private supply, we can visit, give advice, carry out testing for minerals and micro-organisms.  There may be a charge for laboratory work, but our time or travelling or advice on quality, protection, or remedial equipment is free.

7          Can I bring in a sample of water for  testing?

If you want to test for chemicals,the common minerals:~ copper, iron, manganese, pH etc, then yes.  Gather sample in a clean container.
If you want to test for bacteria, then no.  The sample needs to be in a sterile container and taken aseptically.  The Environmental Health Officer  would prefer to visit, look at the source and reticulation and take the samples. There may be a  charge for laboratory work.

8          I rent a house and the water supply is no good, can anything be done?

It is an offence under the Health Act and Building Act to let a house without a potable water supply.  This means a safe water supply, one which is not exposed to risk of contamination by bacteria or chemicals.  Make sure the owner has been notified and discuss with them.  The Environmental Health Officer can visit, assess the situation and take the necessary action.

9          I rent a house and it is defective – dampness, repairs, water supply, drainage system, can anything be done?

Yes, standards are provided in the Building Act regarding insanitary buildings.  Notify the owner of your concerns, but we can assess the situation and take action if necessary.

10         I want some plumbing or drainage work tested.

All such work must be carried out pursuant to a building consent, and the work inspected and tested in compliance with the Building Act 1991.

24 hours notice is required.  If less time is given, an effort will be made to carry out the work, but there is no guarantee that it can be arranged in time.

11         I’m buying a property which isn’t on the sewer, can I have a septic tank?

On-site sewage discharges are controlled in Environment Waikato’s Regional Rules and applied by this Council.

a          If your property is greater than 2500sq m, and there are no constraints to sewage disposal, a NZ Standard installation may apply.  A Building Consent will be required giving approval of design and location.  The work will have to be supervised by a registered drainlayer.
b          If you have a section which is less than 2500sq m or there are constraints,  then a higher standard of effluent and a certified design meeting a different Regional Rule will be required.  Designs and options available will depend on the site constraints.  The Environmental Health Officer can give advice on the choices available to you and may provide the necessary certification.

12         I have some unwanted chemicals.  How can I dispose of them?

Because of the difficulty in receiving unwanted chemicals, which are often in unlabelled or leaking containers it was decided not to provide a depot in Otorohanga.

You should take them to a depot in another District or employ a hazardous substances contractor.

Let us know that you have unwanted chemicals and we’ll notify you when there is a collection.

13         I think my house had lead paint.  Can it be tested?

Yes, we carry out free testing.  Bring in a sample with several flakes (some from each room, labelled and kept separate).  To discuss implications, contact the Environmental Health Officer.

For more information, contact the Customer Services Team at 873 4000 (local) or Toll free 0800 734 000