Successful tests have been carried out on our effluent outfall near J F Kennedy Park, to check the condition of the pipe and find a way to release air trapped within it.

Air has been escaping from the outfall sending streams of bubbles to the surface just offshore.

The tests have shown the outfall is in sound condition and we are now trialling ways to release the trapped air.

Meanwhile, the ARC has granted variations to the consents we have already obtained to build a new effluent tunnel and outfall.

The variations will give us flexibility to use different construction methods and minimise the risk of ground settlement.

We will shortly be calling for tenders from three contractors selected through the recent Registration of Interest process.

We expect to award the contract by the end of the year and work on the new outfall is expected to start in the second half of 2007.