MEDIA RELEASE

Pat on the back for earthworks contractors

For immediate release: Thursday 19 February 2004

Earthworks contractors deserve “a pat on the back” for the way they are looking after the environment, says Environment Bay of Plenty.

Over the past five years, local businesses have greatly improved the standard of soil erosion and sediment control on large-scale sites, which include residential subdivisions and roads.

A compliance report for the last earthworks season shows that contractors “are taking their potential environment impact seriously and doing what they can to prevent problems”, says regulation and monitoring committee chairman Ian Noble.

Nearly all of the 54 sties monitored met the conditions of their resource consents, with 34 sites having a high level of compliance and 17 a medium level. Only two sites failed, both because of poorly constructed and maintained erosion and sediment control structures.

Environment Bay of Plenty principal compliance officer Andy Bruere says the main problem areas in the past have been the poor installation of erosion and sediment controls and ineffective site stabilisation. “It seems those responsible for this type of work are becoming more proficient at installing the appropriate structures and managing these sites.”

He attributes the improvement in compliance to initiatives by both the consent holders and the council. “Consultants and contractors are identifying likely issues before they actually become problems.” Regular visits by Environment Bay of Plenty staff, easy access to information and advice and a “decrease in tolerance” of non-compliance also had an impact.

ENDS

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