Category: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

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It’s time to answer some tough questions about our region’s future

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Scott said that decisions relating to the Regional Policy Statement and future expenditure were yet to be made by the Council, and that the community had a real opportunity to help influence and shape Canterbury’s future by completing the survey.

“It’s important that people take some time to complete this survey because their answers will help us determine how hard a line to draw on some of the decisions we need to make.

“We need to have these conversations now to explore what compromises we can find, and so we can try to pick the right path between what needs to be done, and what can be done.”

The survey uses feedback gathered through community engagement activities run by us in July and August this year, where the community was asked what environmental and climate change issues mattered to them, and their aspirations for the region.

To complete the survey visit: ecan.govt.nz/ourfuture.

To review previous community feedback, read the community sentiment report (PDF file, 3.36MB).

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Meridian Energy consent applications for the Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Meridian Energy consent applications for the Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme | Environment Canterbury

Date:

Keep up to date with the resource consent applications from Meridian Energy for the Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme.

You can find all the relevant consent documentation for these applications at the link below.

Timeline

27 July – Resource consent applications received

16 October – resource consents accepted for processing.

Applications being audited

Public notification

Submissions close

Pre-circulation of evidence

Request for further information

Our team have completed the initial audit of Meridian Energy’s applications.

On 16 October, we requested further information from Meridian Energy to fully understand the proposal’s potential effects.

“This is an expected part of our consideration process, especially for significant proposals such as this,” said Aurora Grant, Consents Planning Manager. “Once we have received a response, we will continue processing the applications.”

We have asked Meridian Energy to provide further information on the scheme’s potential effects on:

  • surface water and groundwater
  • instream values, wetlands and indigenous biodiversity
  • economic factors
  • climate change
  • geomorphology (lake, river, coastal) and downstream users
  • the plans for mitigation measures, off-setting and compensation.

Meridian Energy has 15 working days to respond to this request.

These applications are for controlled activities and must be granted; the consent conditions are under consideration during this process.

View hydroelectric schemes in the Waitaki district

Making submissions

The next stage of the application process is public notification. This is when the public can have their say on how the Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme operates.

We will notify the public when submissions open. You can find out how to make a submission, which gives your views on the application, on our ‘Make a submission’ webpage.

Hearing information

A hearing will take place for these consent applications. This is where submitters who wish to be heard can speak.

The details of when and where the hearing will take place, and who the hearing commissioners are, is yet to be confirmed.

We will provide details for the hearing on this page once it is confirmed.

Read more general information on the consent application process under the Resource Management Act (RMA).

Previous stages

27 July – Applications received~~

On 27 July, we received 19 resource consent applications from Meridian Energy to continue the operation of its Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme.

The applications are for controlled activities which means they must be granted. It is the proposed conditions of the consents that will be the focus of the application process.

The applications will now be audited along with any associated technical and scientific reports.

Meridian Energy has requested public notification.

Members of the community will be able to make submissions and have their say on the conditions of the consents once all the required audits have been completed.

We will notify the public once submissions are open.

Read all the relevant consent documentation for applications CRC240441- 59.

Environment Canterbury © 2023
Retrieved: 1:10pm, Fri 20 Oct 2023
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/meridian-energy-consent-applications-for-the-waitaki-hydroelectric-scheme/

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Microplastics under the microscope

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

The best of the best

The projects were judged by a panel made up of Councillor Vicki Southworth, Councillor Genevieve Robinson and Lincoln University Professor Jon Hickford. All three judges said that the standard of projects this year and the passion displayed by the four finalists was top-notch.

“The projects presented by these four young scientists are the best of the best, and all tackle environmental issues that are extremely relevant to our world today,” said Councillor Southworth.

Councillor Robinson said it was challenging to decide just one winner.

“I feel that our environment is in great hands knowing that strong, young, and inquisitive minds hold such scientific knowledge and curiosity.”

Prof Hickford said that there is more and more evidence showing just how dangerous microplastics are to both the environment and our health.

“Millie’s project takes a major problem and finds a solution that has the potential to make a significant positive impact.”

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A Minute with Marco – October

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

A Minute with Marco – October | Environment Canterbury

Date:

Kia ora.

Since we last spoke, I have been over to Europe and back, enjoying visiting family for the first time since Covid restrictions were in place. Getting acclimatised back to New Zealand weather was certainly an adjustment but thankfully things are starting to warm up here now.

Fish passage work in Middle Creek 

One piece of mahi I wanted to highlight is the fish habitat work underway in Middle Creek/Te Wai o Pātiki, Kaikōura. A fish ladder has been planned for the creek at the Mount Fyffe Road bridge for some time, but there have been delays in its implementation due to wet weather over the previous summers. We are hopeful this summer will see the completion of this work.   

Marco Cataloni, Kaikōura and Hurunui Waiau Uwha zone delivery lead.

The ladder aims to give species such as īnanga (which are poor climbers) and torrentfish access into an upper catchment which they currently cannot reach. There’s huge value to the catchment in creating this passage as it will provide more adult habitat for fish, some of which are at risk or threatened. 

A recent survey of Middle Creek completed this month found healthy populations of native fish species in the lower reaches of the stream. Re-establishing fish passage will allow the likes of redfin bully, bluegill bully, torrentfish, īnanga, kōaro and shortfin and longfin tuna to occur in greater numbers throughout the catchment. The survey also confirmed the presence of kanakana/pouched lamprey in Middle Creek. There have been numerous sightings of kanakana in recent years, with one even being caught in a whitebait net (and released) by some interested locals. 

We will continue working with our Rivers and Surface Water Science teams to survey to determine what species are present and where. 

A lamprey found in Middle Creek.

We would love to be able to confirm the presence of giant kōkopu which are suspected to be within the creek, given the findings of the environmental DNA work we did with the Department of Conservation last year. There is one confirmed giant kōkopu site in the entire region (close to the mouth of the Orari River), so it would be exciting to locate the fish in Middle Creek. Of course, we will update you on any interesting findings if they arise.

Snap Send Solve

Finally, I wanted to talk a bit about our Snap Send Solve app. This is a really handy tool the public can use to report issues, such as pollution events like illegal dumping on riverbeds – which is one of the many reports we get. Environment Canterbury receives around 5,000 reports each year relating to environmental incidents that pose potential threats to the quality of air, land, or water. We rely on information from the public, which can be submitted via phone, email, or by using the app. 
  
We triage incidents as they come in. Urgent incidents involving contaminants in waterways should be notified to us immediately by calling us on 0800 765 588 (24 hours). Non-urgent incidents should be reported through the app, which uses your phone’s location to provide an accurate address. The app allows you to include photos and provide a detailed description of the incident to help us identify and investigate it. The app ensures the incident is sent to the appropriate council to investigate the issue. 
 
If you don’t already have it, download the Snap Send Solve app and remember to report environmental incidents as soon as you see them. 
 
Talk again soon. I’ll be back with another column in December (yikes, the year really is going that fast)!  
 
Take care, 
 
Marco.  

Environment Canterbury © 2023
Retrieved: 3:07pm, Mon 16 Oct 2023
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/zone-news/kaikoura/a-minute-with-marco-october/

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Water Shortage Direction for Ōpihi River and tributaries October 2023

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Date:

A Water Shortage Direction is in place for the Ōpihi River for 14 days from 15 October 2023.

Update 13 October 2023

A Water Shortage Direction (PDF file, 251.68KB) for the Ōpihi River and tributaries has been issued for a further 14 days from 15 October 2023.

This precautionary approach has been taken to increase the likelihood that both irrigation and river flows can continue through the summer season. It is now a confirmed El Niño weather pattern, and low snowpack and reducing river inflows remains a concern for the Ōpihi catchment.

See details about the 1 October 2023 Water Shortage Direction below.

Update 29 September 2023

A Water Shortage Direction is in place for the Ōpihi River for 14 days from 1 October 2023.

This direction (PDF file, 680.09KB) has been issued at the request of the Opuha Environmental Flow Release Advisory Group (OEFRAG) which comprises representatives from district councils, farmers, Opuha Water Limited (OWL), river users and tangata whenua.

The group has agreed to the minimum flow requirement in the Ōpihi River at Saleyards Bridge of 7 cubic metres per second for a 14-day period to reduce the risk of lake level storage dropping excessively in advance of summer.

This will support maintaining an open mouth of the Ōpihi River which allows the migration of native fish and the passage of sports fish to and from the sea. It will also reduce the risk of lake level storage dropping excessively in advance of summer.

The lake level is currently sitting around 390 metres (90% of capacity). The normal required minimum flow in October is 8.5 cubic metres per second at levels above 375 metres. 

The incoming El Niño weather pattern, which is expected to bring hot and dry conditions, combined with low snowpack, suggests that the conservation of water early will be beneficial later in the season.

“Opuha Water Limited (OWL) has voluntarily imposed 50% volumetric restrictions across their scheme to support river flows in September,” said acting OWL CEO Jeremy Boys.

“This will continue into early October and members recognise that sacrifices now will result in better environmental outcomes and reliability later in the season.”

“Snowpack is well below the average for this time of year at approximately the 25th percentile, and inflows are also down for this time of year,” said OEFRAG member and Central South Island Fish and Game representative Steve McKnight. “As we are already in spring and are heading towards a hot and dry summer, it’s unlikely that lake levels will recover. OEFRAG has taken the learnings from our last El Niño weather cycle in 2014/15. Together forward modelling with the help of NIWA and climate experts, OEFRAG and OWL are acting early to ensure the best possible environmental outcomes as well as returns for OWL shareholders. With the current information this is the best collaborative solution at this time and OEFRAG are committed to managing this developing situation through the summer.”

We have authority under section 329 of the Resource Management Act 1991 to notify the Water Shortage Direction. This directive does not apply to Temuka River and its tributaries.

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Genesis Energy consent applications for the Tekapo Hydroelectric Scheme

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Genesis Energy consent applications for the Tekapo Hydroelectric Scheme | Environment Canterbury

Date:

Keep up to date with the resource consent applications from Genesis Energy for the Tekapo Hydroelectric Scheme.

You can find all the relevant consent documentation for applications CRC240290 and CRC240291 by clicking on the ‘related info tab’ within either consent.

Timeline

18 July – Resource consent applications received

14 August – resource consents accepted for processing.

Applications being audited

Public notification

Submissions close

Pre-circulation of evidence

Request for further information

Our team have completed the initial audit of Genesis Energy’s applications. There are areas where we require further information to fully understand the potential effects of the proposal.

This is a normal part of our consideration process, especially for significant proposals such as this.

On 5 October 2023 we have asked Genesis Energy to provide further information on the scheme’s potential effects on:

  • surface water bodies and ecology,
  • groundwater and wetlands,
  • economic factors,
  • climate change, and
  • the plans for mitigation measures, off-setting and compensation.

Genesis Energy have 15 working days to respond to this request.

View hydroelectric schemes in the Tekapo district

“Once we have received a response, we will continue to process the applications,” said Aurora Grant, consents planning manager.

“It’s important the community understand these applications are for controlled activities which means they must be granted — it’s the conditions of the consents that are under consideration.”

Making submissions

The next stage of the application process is public notification. This is when the public can have their say on how the Tekapo Hydroelectric Scheme operates.

We will notify the public when submissions open. You can find out how to make a submission – which gives your views on the application – on our ‘Make a submission’ webpage.

Hearing information

A hearing will take place for these consent applications. This is where submitters who wish to be heard can speak.

The details of when and where the hearing will take place, and who the hearing commissioners are, is yet to be confirmed.

We will provide details for the hearing on this page once it is confirmed.

Read more general information on the consent application process under the Resource Management Act (RMA).

Previous stages

18 July – Applications received~~

On 18 July, we received two resource consent applications from Genesis Energy to continue the operation of its hydroelectric scheme in the Mackenzie District.

These applications are for controlled activities which means they must be granted. It is the proposed conditions that will be the focus of processing the applications.

Consent planning manager Aurora Grant said we will now audit the applications to ensure there is enough information to be able to process them.

“Our consent planners and experts will audit the applications and any associated technical and scientific reports in detail.

“The applicant has requested public notification. Once we have completed the required audits, the proposal will be notified and open for public submission. Members of the community will be able to make submissions and have their say during this part of the process.”

Environment Canterbury © 2023
Retrieved: 3:51pm, Thu 05 Oct 2023
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/genesis-energy-consent-applications-for-the-tekapo-hydroelectric-scheme/

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From our Chair: Changes are coming

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

What’s our future, Canterbury?

Earlier this year we asked you to help us answer, ‘What’s our future, Canterbury?’ We ran an online survey, and hosted webinars and in-person events which were well attended.

We asked this question because we are in the process of updating some of our key planning documents and wanted to know what kind of place you want Waitaha/Canterbury to be in the years to come.

In the coming weeks we’ll come back to you about what we’ve heard, and provide information about some proposed Freshwater Management Unit boundaries. We’re also interested to hear your thoughts on different flood management tools, and want to get your opinion on some environmental and climate change aspirations that we have for the region. Keep an eye on our website ecan.govt.nz/ourfuture for updates.

By the time you hear from me again, we may have a new Government.

This could mean there will be new challenges for us to navigate as a regional council, but it will also give us some opportunities that we plan to make the most of.

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We’re eyeing a more electric future

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

We’re eyeing a more electric future | Environment Canterbury

Date:

In the last 12 months, we have ordered seven new electric vehicles to support network expansion. 

“We are proud of this continually growing number. This goes hand-in-hand with our commitment for no new diesel buses from 2025,” Chair Scott said. 

“This year, our electric fleet is expected to reduce Metro’s carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO-2e) by an estimated 18% per cent, equivalent to nearly 2400 tonnes of carbon dioxide saved annually, compared to a fully diesel fleet,” he added.  

While today’s announcement has been gratefully received, we are planning to go even further.  

“We look forward to submitting bids for future funding rounds and hopefully adding more buses to our electric fleet,” Chair Scott said.  

The bus decarbonisation programme of work is part of the Waka Kotahi Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) programme, which aims to provide growing communities with increased transport options, improved health and social outcomes, and contribute to a healthier future for us all, while supporting our response to climate change by transitioning Aotearoa to a low-emission and climate resilient future. 

Peter Scott, Chair, Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury © 2023
Retrieved: 3:56pm, Mon 02 Oct 2023
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/were-eyeing-a-more-electric-future/

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Where there’s life, there’s hope – Planting for a clean stream 

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Planting a sustainable future

Building on the work of the students before them, Grantlea Downs’ current year 4-6 students now want to tackle some of the other issues affecting the mauri of the stream, such as contaminants and sediment.

That’s why last week, with the support of their teachers and parents, they helped the Ōrāri Temuka Ōpihi Pareora Water Zone Committee (OTOP), Environment Canterbury and Timaru District Council put 1000 native plants in the ground. 

These plants will help to form a wetland that will capture and filter contaminants and sediment before they enter the stream and the coastal environment. This will benefit the whole ecosystem, attracting healthy insect life and providing food and a healthy habitat for inanga/whitebait. 

Grantlea Downs students knew the mauri of the stream was degraded because past students had conducted an insect survey comparing it to the nearby Taumatakahu/Temuka Stream. They found almost no insects in their stream inspection compared to reasonably diverse insect life in Taumatakahu.

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Processing timeframes for resource consents

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Processing timeframes for resource consents | Environment Canterbury

Date:

Affected application services

The delays will affect people who are:

  • applying for new consents,
  • seeking renewals or variations to existing consents.

For those needing  a pre-application advice, we will endeavour to be in contact within 20 working days of their request being lodged.

Processing of resource consent transfers and surrenders hasn’t been affected by delays. We aim to complete the transfers or surrenders within 20 working days.

If your consent is about to expire, make sure you lodge an application for renewal to prevent your continuation rights from potentially being impacted.

Where a resource consent is due to expire and you apply for a new consent for the same activity at least six months before the expiry of the existing consent, you may continue to operate under the existing consent until a new consent is granted or declined and all appeals are determined.

If you have applied for a new resource consent, you cannot legally start the activity until permission has been granted.

Consent application fees

Consent applications are a user-pays service where the applicant creates the need for the activity.

We will continue to charge fees in accordance with our Fees and Charges Policy (PDF File, 468KB).

In some cases, applicants may be entitled to a partial rebate of costs in accordance with statutory requirements.

We must refund up to 50% of processing fees if statutory timeframes aren’t met on individual consents. This is calculated as a refund of 1% per day to a maximum of 50 working days.

Addressing the processing delays

What we are doing

We are acknowledging that addressing the processing delays is not an easy or quick task. Especially since some of it is out of our control when considering new national regulatory requirements which we are tasked to implement at a regional level.

We are continuing to look at attracting additional staff, in the context of a nationwide planner shortage. Where possible we are outsourcing work to external consultants and redeploying staff internally. We continuously look at improving our processes and tools to be more efficient.

We are also looking at how our planning work can enable sustainable consent delivery. An example is the Council’s decision to make Plan Change 7 partially operative from 1 September 2023. This will reduce the number of consents being lodged and overall help streamline the consenting process.  Another example is considering enabling a specific catchment approach to review consents as they come in. Finally, we are also working with our partners, mana whenua on pragmatic approaches to how we can work together.

What you can do

Taking the time to ensure your resource consent application is clear and contains all the required information will help ensure processing is as efficient as possible.

We have guidance on our website to help you prepare your application.

Environment Canterbury © 2023
Retrieved: 1:04pm, Thu 28 Sep 2023
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/processing-timeframes-for-resource-consents/