Pareora River weir allegations

Environment Canterbury has investigated allegations that alterations were made to the bed of the Pareora River near the Pareora Huts on Saturday7 February 2015 to alter the readings on the adjacent water level meter and provide artificially high readings.

“We are satisfied that nothing untoward has occurred and the alterations were merely an effort to reinstate an existing diversion channel that Environment Canterbury staff had previously constructed that had become partially blocked,” said Marty Mortiaux, Regional Manager - RMA Monitoring & Compliance.

After a flood during Easter 2014 gravel movement split the main channel. The purpose of the diversion channel was to link the two main river braids to provide the most accurate measurement at the downstream water level meter.

“Environment Canterbury is acutely aware of the community interest around the issues of water availability and use,” said Mr Mortiaux. “We appreciate the good intentions of both those involved in the alterations and the members of the public concerned enough to report their activities.”

If anyone in the community has a concern regarding river flow, please contact Environment Canterbury as soon as possible so the matter can be investigated and any problems rectified.

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