Tukituki Catchment Proposal –Board of Inquiry Hearing

Day 5 – 25 November 2013

Today’s hearing focused on the effect the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme could have on the ecological environment, including birds, bugs and native trees and shrubs and the integrated offset and mitigation programme.

Kessels & Associates (specialist ecology assessment consultancy) - Gerry Kessels

Gerry Kessels outlined his work assessing the ecological effects of the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme. He told the board the mitigation and offsetting is an appropriate approach to minimise the effects of habitat loss.

Counsel for Royal Forest & Bird Society asked Mr Kessels about vegetation and habitats which are significant under the RMA.  Mr Kessels was also questioned about specific details of the integrated offset and mitigation programme.

Counsel for Environmental Defence Society asked Mr Kessels further questions about the offset and mitigation programme in relation to terrestrial ecology.

Senior Ecologist and Senior Principal with Boffa Miskell Ltd - Dr Vaughan Keesing

Dr Keesing has been as an independent internal peer reviewer for terrestrial ecology, including Gerry Kessels work.

Counsel for Royal Forest & Bird questioned Dr Keesing on his opinion that the biodiversity offset indicates that no-net-loss can be obtained, that the ratio of gain to loss will be around 4.5:1, and a good like for like response can be achieve .

Counsel for Environmental Defence Society asked Dr Keesing about the integrated offset and mitigation programme.

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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