Questions are being asked as to why the Palmerston North City Council has got away scott-free with polluting the Manawatu River for the last seven years, while farmers are dragged through the courts.

It has been revealed that the Palmerston North City Council has been in breach of its discharge consents from Horizons Regional Council at its sewerage treatment plant, since it opened in 2003.

And although Horizons has found significant adverse effects on aquatic life from its breaches, it has never prosecuted its sister council.

Labour agriculture spokesman Damien O’Connor says the double standard is breathtaking.

“Well I think it’s amazing hypocrisy given the high profile that the dairy industry and effluent has had in that region in particular.”

Mr O’Connor says people who are familiar with the efforts the dairy industry, and farmers in the Manawatu, who are making sure they comply with water quality standards, will be shocked to hear the local council does not need to meet them itself.

|“The vast majority of people in the dairy industry are attempting to improve the water quality around their farms and should be applauded for that.”
Federated Farmers says the council should be held accountable for its actions, just like farmers are."

And in a media statement Palmerston North mayor, Jono Naylor, said it was concerning the council was found to be having a significant adverse affect on aquatic life.