Tukituki Catchment Proposal –Board of Inquiry Hearing

Day 17 – 11 December 2013         

Environmental Defence Society (continued from December 10)

Witnesses called:

·         Environmental Defence Society Senior Policy Analyst - Marie Brown told the board she is concerned there has not been enough ecological analysis done for the integrated mitigation and offset approach and it is not detailed enough. Under cross examination she admitted it is unlikely any other vulnerable biodiversity is on RWSS site and that the latest version of the mitigation & offset package does include a lot more detail.

·         The Catalyst Group (an environmental consultancy based in Palmerston North) Practice Leader - Water Quality – Kate McArthur told the board she is concerned about the proposed single nutrient management approach for managing slime and algae (periphyton) and believes a dual management approach should be used. Under cross examination she was questioned on how achievable her suggested nitrogen levels for the catchment were and whether it would result in improved periphyton outcomes.

Kate McArthur will continue giving evidence Thursday 12 December 2013

Ministry for Primary Industries

Counsel for the Ministry for Primary Industries told the board it believes HBRC is proposing a pragmatic and sensible approach in the Tukituki Catchment. It says it will be vital to communicate the rules of Plan Change 6 effectively and have ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

Arden Properties & Tukituki Ltd – Hamish McHardy

Hamish McHardy told the board he had a number of concerns about RWSS which included the lack of information on the project, the proposed site of the reservoir, the height of the dam, the increase in nitrogen and funding for the project.

Lower Tukituki River grower - David Werrey

David Werrey told the board he opposes any increase in the minimum flow at Red Bridge unless there is a clear assurance from the HBRC regarding cost and security of water supply.

Farmer upstream of Red Bridge - Brian Chambers

Brian Chambers told the board he opposes RWSS and Plan Change 6 because he is concerned about water quality and wants certainty on water availability.

To read daily transcripts from the hearing follow this link:
http://www.epa.govt.nz/Resource-management/Tukituki/Hearing/hearing-proceedings/Pages/Hearing%20transcript%20and%20proceedings.aspx

ENDS

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