The new weir at Hurunui’s Eastern Drain passed its first test with flying colours during last week’s heavy rain.

Hurunui Council’s Chief Operations officer Dan Harris said it’s a year after Council bought 90 hectares of land that included a wetland, north of Amberley for stormwater management.

The weir on Stanton Road was completed two weeks ago, clearing the way for the stormwater plan to be fully consented.

“The weir successfully diverted the extra flow that the Eastern Drain pipe couldn’t have accommodated during the severe rain event, directing it instead into the adjacent wetland.

“It was the perfect test for the new weir – and it performed its first job brilliantly.”

The wetland, known as Amberley Swamp, acts as a reservoir, controlling high flows for the east side of Amberley and the Amberley Beach area, Harris said.

“The stormwater plan was developed after the 2008 floods to address historical drainage problems that were causing flooding to the eastern side of Amberley. Getting all this rain has tested the infrastructure and it’s rewarding to see that the plan has met our expectations and is keeping our community safe.”

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