This annual report is a review of what has been achieved by the NRSBU in the 2009/10 financial year and its level of performance against key performance indicators.

The year in review

A significant achievement in the 2009/10 financial year was the construction of the new inlet works, primary clarifier, partial completion of the dewatering facility and the improvements to the hydraulics between the primary clarifier and the ponds that will allow better distribution of loads between the facultative ponds.  The process commissioning of the plant is expected to be completed during September 2010.

After much planning and consultation the Regional Pipeline Upgrade project was approved by Nelson City and Tasman District Councils.  After considering a report on the options available for increasing the capacity of the treated wastewater outfall a solution was identified, which will achieve the consented capacity of 25,000m3 per day and allow for future growth at a reasonable cost. 

To keep the Board and staff of the NRSBU up to date with technology and trends in the wastewater industry Peter Keller of Opus consultants ran a workshop on anaerobic digestion in April.  He provided an overview of the current technology for the treatment of wastewater and solid wastes.

The launching of the NRSBU website in March 2010 is considered to be a major advance in keeping our stakeholders and the public informed of the activities of the NRSBU.  The Annual Customer Survey undertaken in March 2010 showed general confidence in the customer service provided by the NRSBU. The results of this survey are discussed later in this document.  The open day for Best Island residents were attended by five residents.  During the year tours of the NRSBU facilities were conducted with a group of scouts and their parents, a group of IPENZ members, a group of delegates from the Tradewaste conference held in Nelson and a school group from Nelson College.

Health and Safety continues to be a priority.  A near miss incident during the year has once again highlighted the necessity for health and safety vigilance. Two Health and Safety audits were conducted during the year and no issues were identified.