February 4, 2009

MEDIA STATEMENT

Consents granted for Leithfield Stream project.

Environment Canterbury has granted the Hurunui District Council five resource consents relating to the Leithfield Beach Stormwater Outfall Project that will allow for the discharge of stormwater flows from the Leithfield Stream into the Coastal Marine Area and the damming of the existing stream.

The consents have been approved by commissioners Dr Brent Cowie, councillors Ross Little and David Sutherland, acting for Environment Canterbury.

The consent applications sought to dam the lower reaches of the Leithfield Stream and divert water from the stream into the Coastal Marine Area through two new stormwater outfall pipelines. Currently, the stream mouth needs to be opened manually.

The hearing panel considered six submissions, five opposed and one in favour; however the commissioners ruled that the applicants’ proposal would successfully reduce the existing flood hazards in the Leithfield Beach township by allowing floodwaters to drain into the sea more readily and reduce saltwater flowing into the stream during storms.

While the commissioners noted that submitters’ concerns regarding the effect the twin pipelines could have on the natural character of the coastal environment, they ruled that this was not significant as the coastal environment in that area is already substantially modified. Therefore the construction of the pipelines does not constitute an inappropriate development in the coastal environment and will help provide for the safety needs of the residents.

All five of the consents have been granted for various durations up to 35 years.

The decision is available at http://ecan.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/84D8890C-F2C1-4310-8E24-2DD7AB413927/0/HurunuiDCLeithfieldFinalDecisionPlans.pdf

ENDS

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