Resource consent hearings are underway in Paihia for a sewage system big enough to serve the Bay of Islands.
Sewage pollution problems have increased with population growth and septic systems have proved inadequate in many areas.
The Far North District Council has applied for consent for a major expansion of the Paihia sewerage plant, which discharges treated effluent to the Waitangi wetlands.
Northland Regional Council has received 56 submissions on the proposal, with only 18 in support.
Objectors include DoC, the Fish & Game organisation and some residents worried about the impact on the wetlands.
